AEW Forbidden Door 2026: Matchups, Predictions, and What to Expect

The highly anticipated AEW Forbidden Door event returns in 2026, promising a spectacular showcase of talent from All Elite Wrestling, Mexico’s Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), Japan’s New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), and the all-women’s promotion Stardom. This unique interpromotional spectacular, set to emanate from the SAP Center in San Jose, California, will not only feature a stacked card of championship bouts but also the thrilling conclusion of the Owen Hart Foundation Tournaments for both men and women. The festivities kick off with the pre-show, ‘The Buy In,’ at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 8 p.m. ET.

Championship Showdowns and Tournament Finals Headline Forbidden Door

Forbidden Door has quickly established itself as a must-see event, blurring the lines between promotions and delivering dream matches that fans might otherwise only imagine. This year’s iteration is no exception, boasting five championship contests that span across various AEW and affiliated titles. Adding to the drama, the Owen Hart Foundation Tournaments will crown their respective champions, earning them significant opportunities moving forward.

The Buy In: Skye Blue vs. Maika

Kicking off the action on ‘The Buy In,’ Skye Blue faces off against Stardom’s formidable Maika. This bout serves as a crucial stepping stone, with the winner advancing to the TBS Championship ‘Survival of the Fittest’ match. The TBS Championship itself is currently vacant, with Willow Nightingale having relinquished it due to injury. Blue, aligned with Thekla, represents a direct challenge to the established order, particularly Stardom, as part of ‘The Triangle of Madness.’

Prediction: Skye Blue emerges victorious, gaining momentum and a shot at the TBS Championship.

AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship: The Divine Dominion (Megan Bayne & Lena Kross) vs. Thunder Rosa & Olympia

The dominant duo known as The Divine Dominion, comprised of Megan Bayne and Lena Kross, have carved a path of destruction since capturing the AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship. They have systematically defeated every team that has dared to challenge them. Their next test comes in the form of the experienced Thunder Rosa and CMLL’s own Olympia. While The Divine Dominion’s reign has been impressive, Rosa and Olympia bring a wealth of skill and championship pedigree.

Prediction: The Divine Dominion’s impressive run continues as Megan Bayne and Lena Kross successfully retain their titles.

AEW World Tag Team Championship: Adam Copeland & Christian Cage vs. David Finlay & Clark Connors

Since the conclusion of Double or Nothing, David Finlay and Clark Connors have made it their mission to unseat the veteran pairing of Adam Copeland and Christian Cage. The champions have found little peace, constantly looking over their shoulders during AEW appearances. Despite the relentless pressure from Finlay and Connors, Copeland and Cage have proven their mettle where it counts: in the ring, showcasing the championship-level performance expected from their storied careers.

Prediction: Experience prevails as Adam Copeland and Christian Cage hold onto the AEW World Tag Team Championship.

Triple Threat Tag Team Match: The Young Bucks vs. Místico & Máscara Dorada vs. Shingo Takagi & Titán

This triple-threat tag team encounter is set to be a high-octane display of tag team wrestling prowess, featuring representatives from AEW, CMLL, and NJPW. The iconic Young Bucks will go head-to-head with the dynamic duo of Místico and Máscara Dorada, as well as the powerful pairing of Shingo Takagi and Titán. This match promises a thrilling blend of styles and a showcase of some of the best tag teams across these promotions.

Prediction: The Young Bucks secure the win in this exciting multi-team clash.

AEW Continental Championship: Jon Moxley (c) vs. Bandido

Jon Moxley has been a steadfast champion of the AEW Continental Championship since winning it at Worlds End in December, defending it with fierce determination. He now faces a unique challenge in the form of Bandido. While Moxley often relies on a grounded, physical style, Bandido’s agility and innovative offense present a different kind of threat. An upset here could see Bandido capture AEW gold and deal a blow to Moxley’s faction, The Death Riders.

Prediction: Bandido pulls off a stunning upset, becoming the new AEW Continental Champion.

IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Shota Umino (c) vs. Pac

New Japan’s Shota Umino makes his return to AEW to defend the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship against the hard-hitting Pac. Umino captured the title from AEW’s Andrade at Dominion earlier this month in a thrilling three-way bout. This defense is critical for The Death Riders faction, as a loss for Umino, coupled with a potential loss for Moxley, would leave them without any championships. Pac represents a significant threat with his aggressive in-ring style.

Prediction: Shota Umino successfully defends his IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship against Pac.

AEW Women’s World Championship: Thekla (c) vs. Starlight Kid

Thekla’s aggressive stance against New Japan and Stardom has been evident since Double or Nothing. After dispatching multiple challengers at the previous pay-per-view, she called for the best from Japan’s promotions. Starlight Kid, a former Stardom champion, has answered that call. While Thekla has the backing of the Triangle of Madness, Starlight Kid has Neo Genesis in her corner. Thekla has proven herself to be one of the most formidable female competitors globally, and this bout is expected to be a hard-hitting affair.

Prediction: Thekla retains her AEW Women’s World Championship in a grueling contest.

Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament Final: Mercedes Moné vs. Maya World

The culmination of the Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament arrives as Mercedes Moné faces Maya World for a coveted spot in the final. The winner not only claims the tournament trophy but also earns a future shot at the AEW Women’s World Championship at All In. Moné, known as ‘The CEO,’ has been on an impressive run since her surprise entry into the tournament. World, an emerging talent, enters the final with significant momentum, having overcome numerous obstacles to reach this stage.

Prediction: Mercedes Moné wins the Owen Hart Cup, advancing to challenge for the AEW Women’s World Championship.

Special Attraction Match: Kenny Omega vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

Sometimes, matches outside the main event can steal the show, a phenomenon witnessed at Double or Nothing. This year, fans anticipate a potential show-stealer when Kenny Omega faces Zack Sabre Jr. Both competitors are widely regarded as two of the finest wrestlers in the world, and their encounter promises a masterclass in in-ring technique and storytelling. Spectators are advised to watch this bout intently.

Prediction: Kenny Omega delivers a stellar performance and defeats Zack Sabre Jr.

Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament Final: Will Ospreay vs. Swerve Strickland

Will Ospreay has openly declared his ambition to main event All In at Wembley Stadium, and his path continues through the Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament final against familiar rival Swerve Strickland. This match carries significant emotional weight, as both competitors are driven by a desire to reach the pinnacle of AEW. Their performances have consistently demonstrated their capability to lead the company, making this final a pivotal moment in their careers.

Prediction: Will Ospreay fulfills his aspirations by defeating Swerve Strickland to win the Owen Hart Cup.

12-Man Steel Cage Match: Team Briscoe vs. MJF & The Don Callis Family

AEW World Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman finds himself in a brutal 12-man steel cage match against Mark Briscoe and his assembled team. Briscoe is fighting for an opportunity to challenge for the AEW World Championship, facing MJF’s numerous attempts to block his path. Briscoe’s grit and heart are his primary weapons against MJF’s calculated tactics. Briscoe’s team includes Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong, Kyle O’Reilly, Konosuke Takeshita, and Darby Allin. MJF’s team comprises Kevin Knight, Kyle Fletcher, Jake Doyle, Kazuchika Okada, and Andrade El Idolo. This steel cage encounter promises intense action and high stakes.

Prediction: Team Briscoe overcomes the odds in a brutal steel cage match to earn their championship opportunity.