London (August 24, 2025) – The highly anticipated AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door: London pay-per-view has cemented itself as one of the biggest wrestling events in modern history. Nearly 19,000 fans packed into The O₂ Arena to witness the cross-promotional spectacle, setting a new attendance record for professional wrestling at the iconic London venue. The official figure of 18,992 broke the previous record of 18,885 set by WWE’s Money in the Bank in 2023, underscoring the rising influence of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) on the global stage.
This year’s Forbidden Door was historic for several reasons. It marked the first time the event had been held outside of North America and the first edition to take place in August. The change in location and scheduling was seen as a strategic move, highlighting AEW’s ambition to expand its international reach and to directly challenge the dominance of WWE in the United Kingdom, a country with a rich wrestling heritage and an ever-growing fan base.
Inside the arena, fans were treated to a night of high-octane action featuring some of the biggest stars in the sport today. The evening closed with a dramatic Lights Out Steel Cage match that drew deafening cheers. Wrestling icons Darby Allin, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Will Ospreay, and the reunited Golden Lovers—Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi—faced off against Gabe Kidd, Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, and The Young Bucks. The brutal contest delivered on every promise, blending storytelling, risk-taking, and emotional moments to leave the crowd on its feet long after the final bell.
The AEW World Championship was also on the line, as “Hangman” Adam Page defended his title against longtime rival MJF. The match was a clash of styles and personalities, with MJF attempting every trick in the book to steal the belt. Despite interference and a relentless assault, Page persevered, scoring a decisive victory that solidified his reign and reaffirmed his standing as one of AEW’s most popular champions.
Toni Storm provided another highlight of the night, retaining her AEW Women’s World Championship against the resilient Athena. Storm, who has become one of AEW’s defining female stars, received a hero’s welcome in London. Her victory was celebrated as both a triumph for her career and a milestone moment for AEW’s women’s division, which continues to gain prominence on major pay-per-views.
In another marquee bout, Kazuchika Okada retained the AEW Unified Championship after a grueling match against Swerve Strickland. Okada’s presence on the card symbolized the strength of the partnership between AEW and NJPW, offering fans a rare opportunity to see top-tier talent from both promotions collide. Zack Sabre Jr. also defended the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in a technical showcase, defeating Nigel McGuinness in what many considered to be one of the evening’s purest wrestling contests.
The night was not without surprises. Brody King and Bandido, competing under the team name Brodido, captured the AEW World Tag Team Championship in a shocking upset that added to the unpredictability of the event. Their win sparked loud reactions from fans, who celebrated the rise of a new and unconventional duo in the tag team division.
Perhaps the loudest ovation of the evening came for the reunion of Adam Copeland and Christian Cage. Known to millions of fans for their groundbreaking run as a team during wrestling’s boom period of the late 1990s and early 2000s, the pair had not competed together in over 14 years. Their entrance sparked a thunderous singalong from the crowd, and their eventual victory reminded fans of their legacy as one of wrestling’s greatest duos.
Adding to the sense of occasion were the surprise returns of Wardlow and Jamie Hayter, both of whom had been sidelined for months. Hayter’s comeback, in particular, carried emotional weight, as the English star was welcomed back by her home-country audience with roaring applause. Wardlow’s reappearance further energized the card, signaling future storylines that could shape AEW programming for months to come.
The significance of Forbidden Door: London extends beyond the record-breaking attendance numbers. The event showcased a wide range of talent from across the world, including wrestlers from AEW, NJPW, Stardom, CMLL, and RevPro. This blending of promotions highlighted the spirit of collaboration that has come to define Forbidden Door since its inception, creating dream matches that might otherwise never occur. For fans, it was not just another wrestling show but a once-in-a-generation experience.
By hosting the event in London, AEW and NJPW demonstrated the global scale of their ambitions. The United Kingdom has long been a hotbed for wrestling, producing stars who have gone on to headline major promotions worldwide. Bringing Forbidden Door to The O₂ Arena acknowledged the passion of British fans while also establishing a new benchmark for international wrestling events. The success of the show is expected to influence how promotions structure future global tours and collaborations, with many speculating that other major markets such as Japan, Canada, or Mexico could host future editions.
In totality, Forbidden Door: London was more than just another pay-per-view. It was a statement about the future of professional wrestling. With record-setting attendance, unforgettable matches, and emotional moments that will be remembered for years, the event underscored AEW and NJPW’s growing place in the industry’s history books. As the lights dimmed inside The O₂ Arena, one thing became clear: the doors of possibility in professional wrestling are more open than ever before.