Once again, we open The Forbidden Door and All Elite Wrestling brings forth wrestlers from New Japan Pro Wrestling, but also south of the border with Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre. Tonight’s dual main event on this pay-per-view features Tetsuya Naito’s attempt to reclaim the IWGP championship from Jon Moxley, and Swerve Strickland will be facing a big test as he defends the AEW World Championship against the blue chipper and AEW International champion, Will Ospreay.

Whose house, indeed, bruv.

Now, as for how I will cover over thirteen(!) matches for this PPV, I feel I need to give my usual…

(Author’s Rant: Since most of these matches might have been an e-mail…or an episode of AEW Rampage, they will be handled as a Haiku In Review™ for two important reasons:  

First, my editors said I could cover this show if I provided said Haikus.  Second, and this is the most important reason;  Seriously, Booker Monkeys™…Thirteen Matches? 

Oh, I’m sorry, it’s now ballooned to fifteen?!  

Whoever is responsible for putting together the card, I would love for them to learn the premise of “less is more.” Stop being the Zack Snyder Pro-Wrestling!

Thus endeth the rant.)

And we come to you from the UBS Arena in Long Island, NY. Excalibur, Nigel McGuinness, and “Daddy Magic” Matt Menard start with the AEW Zero Hour Pre-show, but since there is a lot still to cover, allow me to introduce to you fine Slammers a…


Lucid Luchador Limerick Analysis in Review™


*ahem*

Kyle Fletcher gives a brainbuster to Serpentico,

And Brody King and Aleister Black won a four-way match, doncha know.

Tam Nakano and Willow Nightingale overcame Momo Watanabe and Kris Statlander in a tremendous fight,

Plus Mariah May has an upset win over Saraya in the Owen Hart tournament this night.

And the big trios match capped Zero Hour with a win from The Lucha Bros and Místico.

Oh, if some of you feel cheated you didn’t see the matches and are not fans of poetry, here ya go:

Feel better?

Goody gumdrops.

Now it’s time to once again open…


The Forbidden Door 2024


Taz takes over at commentary to join Excalibur and Nigel McGuinness and your First Match of the Night is…


MJF vs Hechicero at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com

MJF vs Hechicero at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com  MORE PHOTOS IN OUR FORBIDDEN DOOR GALLERY

MJF vs. Hechicero


It’s the alchemist of CMLL versus Long Island’s Own Scumbag, and MJF gets a huge pop from the hometown crowd as he crowd surfs a bit, and you can see a sign that reads, “MJF is the Atari Jaguar of Wrestling.”  There’s a deep cut for you gamers out there.

Hechicero has technical skills but cannot match the Power of Scumbaggery™ that MJF possesses.  They go to the outside and MJF rams the masked man to the guardrails and then nails a running boot to a seated Hechicero to the delights of the Islanders.  As he mugs for the crowd, Hechicero grabs his arm and snaps it across the top rope to hyperextend his already bad shoulder.  From there, he slows the pace and tries to keep MJF down but cannot get the pin.  Then Hechicero lands with a knee strike in the corner, struts a la Jeff Jarrett, and gives the fans a one-finger salute to express that they’re number one in his book.

He goes back and MJF manages to get a desperation backdrop and follows with a flash piledriver.  Then Hechicero comes back with a pop-up armbar and MJF reverses to the Salt of the Earth submission but the Alchemist escapes the submission.  Both men trade submissions and MJF barely gets a boot on the bottom rope to break the hold.  They swing for the fences with clotheslines and MJF mounts up top with ten-count punches, bites his head, and follows with a Panama Sunrise (or Long Island Sunset according to commentary in honor of this former “brochacho”) and delivers a brain buster for the win.

Your Winner via Pinfall:  MJF

Not a bad way to get into the PPV.  This means we need to follow that up with trios action with…


Kazuchika Okada at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com

Kazuchika Okada at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com    MORE PHOTOS IN OUR FORBIDDEN DOOR GALLERY

The Elite (Matthew Jackson, Nicholas Jackson, and Kazuchika Okada) vs. Scissor Ace (Anthony Bowens, Max Caster, and Hiroshi Tanahashi)


Before the match, we see a vignette by the EVPs that certainly rewrite the narrative of the feud between The Elite and The Acclaimed, showing them as a bunch of thugs and hoodlums.  The Acclaimed come out with Caster delivering some nice lyrics to Matthew and Nicholas’ way and providing shade to The Rainmaker.  Also, you have not lived until you hear Bowens yell to Tanahashi, “Scissor me, Daddy Ace!”

Happy Pride, Y’all.

As for this match, I am contractually obligated to do a Haiku in Review™, and this is as good a place to start:

*ahem*

Scissor Me Timbers!

The Elite are pumped up and

Rainmaker ends it.

Your Winners via Pinfall:  The Elite

After the match The Elite get ready to have their way with Tanahashi and Billy Gunn runs out from the back for the save and Okada, Nicholas, and Matthew get out of Dodge.

Now it is time for the…


Men’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament Quarterfinal Match: Bryan Danielson Vs. Shingo Takagi at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com

Men’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament Quarterfinal Match: Bryan Danielson Vs. Shingo Takagi at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com    MORE PHOTOS IN OUR FORBIDDEN DOOR GALLERY

Men’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament Quarterfinal Match: Bryan Danielson vs. Shingo Takagi


This is billed as “Dragon versus Dragon” and this is Danielson’s last shot at going out on top as his year draws to a close.  While it’s not the same vibe as him facing Okada at last year’s Forbidden Door, but no less important as we see the kinesiology tape along his neck and back from what he suffered at the hands of Will Ospreay at AEW Dynasty a few months back.

There is a beautiful chain wrestling sequence at the start and Danielson finishes with a surfboard to Takagi who manages to break free of the hold.  Now Takagi drops him with a shoulder tackle and a huge senton to the prone Danielson.  He whips him into the corner and Danielson backflips over Takagi, lands a running clothesline, and goes for a tope but comes short as his feet look to get caught in the ropes.  Takagi catches him and nails an elevated spike DDT headfirst to the floor.  Dr Samson and referee Aubrey check on his health as Takagi waits in the ring.  She gets back in and starts to count him out, but Danielson manages to roll in at the nine count as Takagi grabs him and lands a vertical suplex for a two count.  The New Japan star focuses the attack on the bad neck of The American Dragon.  Takagi is fired up but Danielson hits a roundhouse kick and they trade chops and blows.  That leads to a low trajectory suplex and Danielson follows with a running dropkick to the corner and goes up top but Takagi cuts him off at the pass.  He gets tripped up and Danielson rains elbows on his neck and connects with a back superplex but he gets the worst of the move.

Now Danielson lands kicks to his chest and gives him an open slap. Takagi swings and Danielson rolls to an armbar and transitions to a triangle.  Takagi manages to escape the submission and nails the powerbomb. Then he sends him up the top turnbuckle, nails a superplex to Danielson, and follows with the sliding lariat for a two count.  Danielson attempts and misses the dropkick in the corner and Takagi takes advantage with a clothesline and nails his Made in Japan finisher for one, two…kick out.

Danielson tried to fight back but has nothing left in the tank. Takagi drops him and taunts him with his own hammer and tong elbows.  He goes again for the sliding lariat, except Danielson is playing possum and seamlessly goes to Lebelle Lock but Takagi manages to wriggle out of the submission.  Danielson hits the Regalplex, and fires up the crowd as he drives the Busaiku Knee to Takagi to cover for one, two…ooooh, so close.  The American Dragon yells he will “kick his f***ing head in” and stomps away, cinches the triangle, and elbows at his head.  Takagi tries to powerbomb him, and Danielson hangs on, gets the armbar, and pulls hard until the ref calls the match.  There was no visible tap out by Taskagi, so call this…

Your Winner via Referee Stoppage:  Bryan Danielson

That brings us to Mariah May who is in the ring, radiant in a white mini dress holding flowers for both contestants.  She looks on completely torn as her allegiances are to both women who are vying for the…


Toni Storm as the Statue of Liberty with Luther at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com

Toni Storm as the Statue of Liberty with Luther at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com  MORE PHOTOS IN OUR FORBIDDEN DOOR GALLERY

AEW Women’s World Championship: “Timeless” Toni Storm (c) (with Luther) vs. Mina Shirakawa


Storm comes out resplendent in a Statue of Liberty robe and crown.  To be honest, this is less about the title and more about the story outside the match between the Timeless One against the “Fighting H-Cup Gravure Wrestler (that’s one of Shirakawa’s nicknames.  Google it).”

Story-wise, this is interesting.

Match-wise?  Well…here’s your next  Haiku in Review™:

*ahem*

Mina is a match

Against Storm. May pines away.

Storm Zero ends it.

Your Winner and Still AEW Women’s World Champion:  “Timeless” Toni Storm

Mariah May is in the ring and she talks to her mentor as Shirakawa is still smarting from the loss. Shirakawa shows some grace and extends her hand.  Storm accepts and they hug it out and give the fans what they want:  A three-way kiss. Faster than you can say, What in the names of Tommy Dreamer, Beulah McGillicutty, and Kimona Wanalaya, McGuinness is crying tears of joy at this beautiful sight.

Toni Storm, Mariah May and Mina Shirakawa at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com

Toni Storm, Mariah May and Mina Shirakawa at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com  MORE PHOTOS IN OUR FORBIDDEN DOOR GALLERY

Again, Happy Pride.

Now for a match somebody asked for, it’s…


Zack Sabre Jr. Vs. Orange Cassidy at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com

Zack Sabre Jr. Vs. Orange Cassidy at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com    MORE PHOTOS IN OUR FORBIDDEN DOOR GALLERY

Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Orange Cassidy


The most interesting thing about the match is the discussion by commentary of the orange in Sabre’s ring gear, which bristles Taz, especially as they talk of calling Sabre a “British Suplex Machine.” Gimmick infringement, indeed.

Now Sabre’s submission and mat-based style works best against others whose wrestling acumen is different from his and provides a contrast. But Against the King of Sloth Style?

Yeah, this deserves another Haiku in Review™

*ahem*

Sabre stymied by

Cassidy offense early,

But ties him in knots.

Your Winner via Submission:  Zack Sabre Jr.

Sabre snakes his sunglasses after the match, but then hands them back to Cassidy.  So, I guess…respect?

Speaking of matches that show a lack of respect for the fans’ patience, here’s…


The Learning Tree (Chris Jericho & Big Bill) & Jeff Cobb at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com

The Learning Tree (Chris Jericho & Big Bill) & Jeff Cobb at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com    MORE PHOTOS IN OUR FORBIDDEN DOOR GALLERY

The Learning Tree (Chris Jericho and Big Bill) and Jeff Cobb (with Bryan Keith) vs. Samoa Joe, Hook, and Katsuyori Shibata


This Learning Tree may have some wood rot and in my opinion, should have been placed on the Zero Hour. 

One day, I will need to cover this in a future Mat Matters, but in any case, here’s your next Haiku in Review™:

*ahem*

Learning Tree and friends

Get cut down as Hook hits the

Judas Effect. Huh.

Your Winners via Pinfall: Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata, and Hook


We get a video package on Adam Copeland getting injured at the Double or Nothing PPV in the steel cage match, which led to his getting stripped of the TNT title. That leads us to the next match and it is a…


Jack Perry wins the Ladder Match for the AEW TNT Championship at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com

Jack Perry wins the Ladder Match for the AEW TNT Championship at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com    MORE PHOTOS IN OUR FORBIDDEN DOOR GALLERY

Ladder Match for the AEW TNT Championship: Konosuke Takeshita vs. Mark Briscoe vs. Jack Perry vs. Dante Martin vs. Lio Rush vs. El Phantasmo


Can you say, “spot-fest” fans?  I know I can and honestly, trying to cover these matches is like herding cats using your voice. 

So, here’s the big highlights from that match:

  • Perry channels The Power of Douchenozzlery™ and ducks out, but all five men press the issue. He slides back in and a Takeshita forearm knocks him out
  • This is a Pier Five brawl as all men go in and out of the ring on offense
  • Takeshita drills a brainbuster to Martin on the side of the ladder, and Briscoe in with a spinning airplane (shades of the Funker himself)
  • Briscoe stacks Takeshita between a table and ladder, props a chair in the ring, and launches with a somersault senton to the outside

  • Takeshita and Phantasmo battle it out on the ring apron edge and The Alpha drills him with a blue thunder bomb onto two tables ringside that explode

  • Takeshita is within reach until Briscoe blasts him on the back with a chair and connects with a Jay Driller onto another ladder
  • Briscoe climbs up but Perry stabs him in the side with a ladder and bludgeons him with the chair
  • Perry is now up top and claims the prize so…

Your Winner, and New AEW TNT Champion:  Jack Perry

The Scapegoat wins.  Cry me a river.

Now it’s time for the first of three major bouts and this is a…


Winner Takes All Match for both the AEW TBS Championship and NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Mercedes Moné (AEW) Vs. Stephanie Vaquer (NJPW) at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com

Winner Takes All Match for both the AEW TBS Championship and NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Mercedes Moné (AEW) Vs. Stephanie Vaquer (NJPW) at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com  MORE PHOTOS IN OUR FORBIDDEN DOOR GALLERY

Winner Takes All Match for both the AEW TBS Championship and NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Mercedes Moné (AEW) vs. Stephanie Vaquer (NJPW)


The ref goes over the rules advising it will be under AEW rules. After getting their nods of ascent, Vaquer gives Moné a head butt and we are off.  I’d like to say this is a hard-hitting match between The CEO and La Primera, but…can I be honest as I go into another…

(Author’s Rant:  I dunno, it felt kinda flat.  I know Moné and Vaquer can deliver the goods and have proven it in the past.  Tonight, for whatever reason I can’t place my finger on, it just didn’t do it for me.  Not sure if more could’ve been done to hype this, or if something else could have spiced it up.  Either way, it was just there.  If someone else felt the same way, hit me up.  Until then, enjoy your last Haiku In Review™.)

*ahem*

La Primera is

Tough on The CEO, but

Moné is money.

Your Winner via Submission:  Mercedes Moné

Fans are split 50/50 on the Moné win, as she dances with her new titles.  Then we hear some music, and that means…

Yes, Virginia. Dr. Britt Baker, DMD makes a statement appearance and eyes the new champion.  Business has certainly picked up, especially in the women’s ranks.


We also get the announcement that on January 5th, 2025 the doors will open for Wrestle Dynasty, right after Wrestle Kingdom. So that means promotions for AEW, New Japan, Stardom, CMLL, and Ring of Honor will be making a statement for this major event.

Mark your calendars and start saving money now.

Now for the first of the double Main Event as Jim Ross comes out to commentary, and this is for the…


IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Jon Moxley (C) Vs. Tetsuya Naito at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Jon Moxley (C) Vs. Tetsuya Naito at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com    MORE PHOTOS IN OUR FORBIDDEN DOOR GALLERY

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Jon Moxley (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito


Moxley comes out wearing a New Japan tracksuit and walking to his Death Rider music for his entrance, taking his time getting to the ring almost as a way of mocking Naito’s long entrance.  AEW’s ring announcer Justin Roberts and New Japan’s Takuro Shibata both give bilingual boxing-style intros. The senior official for this match is Red Shoes Uno of New Japan.

The bell rings and Mox and Naito go to town each with forearm shivers, and the master of Death Jitsu is anything but Tranquillo.  Naito then spits in his face and works his psychology to frustrate the champ and live rent-free in his head to keep him off his game.  A big boot lands flush, but Mox grabs it and hyperextends at the knee joint.  Then he drops Naito’s torso on the ropes and mocks how “tranquillo” he is.

Now Mox wraps his leg on the ring post to further add injury to his knee and then takes off the cover from the Spanish commentary desk, slams Naito, and punches to the fans’ enjoyment.  Back in the ring, Naito is caught in a single-leg crab to the bad knee and then Mox transitions to a crossface and he grabs the ropes. A piledriver later and covers Naito for a two count.

Mox stalks him and then props Naito up the top turnbuckle and goes for an avalanche Death Rider, but the Ingobernable leader fights out and escapes.  He pushes Mox off the top and the champ crashes down to the floor.  Naito measures and then spears him into commentary and batters with a piece of the covering, while Ross yells out, “Tranquillo, Naito.” Back in the ring Naito finds his second wind and lands a delayed neckbreaker for a two count.  He locks his head in a cravat and Mox gets out of the hold, nails a running knee and goes to a figure four but Naito rolls him up with an inside cradle for a count of two.  Naito props him up top and mounts for punches, but Mox reverses to an avalanche powerbomb for a near-fall.  He goes for his finisher and Naito blocks and hits a springboard tornado DDT, and then elbows Mox in the corner, and then follows with a blockbuster variant.  He attempts to use Destino, and Mox anticipates and locks in a choke, but Naito gets out, lands Destinó, and goes for another, but it’s reversed to the Paradigm Shift.  Both men look spent and then it’s a slugfest until Mox nails the King Kong lariat and follows with the Death Rider and he covers as Red Shoes counts one, two…kick out. Mox argues the decision with Red Shoes and then goes out for a chair. He makes to swing at him, but then props it in the middle of the ring.  He goes to hit Naito with Death Rider on the chair until it gets kicked out by Red Shoes.  As Mox is distracted by this, Naito counters a suplex with a Destino variant and then connects with a blockbuster to a third Destino for one, two, and three.

Your Winner, And New IWGP Champion:  Tetsuya Naito

The belt is back in New Japan with the leader Los Ingobernables de Japon.  Buenas noches, cabrones!

Now the lights go down, and that means it’s time for the second Main Event, and this is for the…


AEW World Championship: Swerve Strickland (C) (w/ Prince Nana) Vs. Will Ospreay at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com

AEW World Championship: Swerve Strickland (C) (w/ Prince Nana) Vs. Will Ospreay at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com  MORE PHOTOS IN OUR FORBIDDEN DOOR GALLERY

AEW World Championship: Swerve Strickland (c) (with Prince Nana) vs. Will Ospreay


Ospreay comes out in Hayabusa-inspired ring gear, complete with a similar style mask honoring the late Japanese high flyer. Excalibur also notes his athletic tape has the name of his grandmother who passed away recently, and he will dedicate this match in her memory.  Next, New York rap artist Jim Jones comes out to introduce the champ.

Justin Roberts and Takuro Shibata both give bilingual boxing-style intros, and the senior AEW Official Paul Turner will call the match.  It should also be noted Daniel Garcia is hanging in the nosebleeds taking in the match between Strickland and Ospreay.

The bell rings and both men stare down each other, and then they go for a collar and elbow tie-up, and neither man gives an inch.  Finally, Strickland pushes him to the ropes and Ospreay strikes back.  The fans are split with dueling chants of, “Whose House?/Swerve’s House” and “Os-preay, Os-preay!”  Both men go for rapid offense exchange and battle to a draw.  Neither man backs down and then Strickland lands with a boot to the face and Ospreay returns the receipt and sends the champ to the outside.  He punches Strickland in the head, then hangs him on the lower ropes, and then launches to the ring apron with a Drive By dropkick to his head.

Ospreay is the aggressor as he goes up on a high-risk maneuver.  Strickland trips him up and then gives a little dance to the Aerial Assassin.  He follows with a neckbreaker to Ospreay and then hangs him in between the ropes and connects with another neckbreaker.  Strickland slows the pace and targets the bad neck of Ospreay.  He then sends him to the ropes and Ospreay manages to get a handspring kick.  They battle on the outside and Strickland sends him to the guardrails but Ospreay lands on his feet.  He goes back and slams his head on top of the barricade and then balances up top, but Ospreay connects and sends him to the floor with a huracanrana, and then goes back in the ring with a flying forearm for a two count.

Chants of “This Is Awe-some!” echo in the UBS Arena as Ospreay attempts a running boot but Strickland reverses to a backbreaker.  He sends him down with a slam and latches on a juji-gatame, but Ospreay blocks it and gets a foot on the bottom rope to break the submission.  Ospreay clutches at his arm as Strickland kicks at it and this fires up the Aerial Assassin.  They go to strikes and then it is a flurry of offense but Ospreay comes out on top with a powerbomb for a two count and then goes right to the Styles Clash for another near fall.  Strickland kicks and goes for a high-risk dive to the outside and misses. Ospreay punts and brings him back to the ring where they battle up the top turnbuckle.  Strickland lands a huge back-body drop, and both men are spent as Strickland drapes an arm for another count of two.

They go out on the apron edge where Ospreay connects with a back heel kick and calls for the Oscutter, but Strickland ducks away and slams him hard to the apron edge.  He goes up top for a double stomp and Ospreay rolls away. Strickland eyeballs and launches from the top to Ospreay on the Spanish commentary desk that does not give.

Strickland hits a piledriver on the barricade and then a falcon arrow in the ring for one, two…not quite yet.  Strickland heads back up top, but Ospreay trips him up.  Strickland sends him down but he leaps and nails a leaping Oscutter and follows with Stormbreaker for another count of two.  Strickland lands with a kick and goes up top but his double stomp finisher misses the mark. Ospreay goes for a running crossbody and accidentally hits the ref.  He gets back up and nails the Poison ‘rana and a flash Hidden Blade to the champ and covers but the ref is still out.  Now Don Callis comes out and offers Ospreay a screwdriver.  As he ponders this weapon, Nana shoves him away. Ospreay grabs the screwdriver and threatens him, but soon he thinks better and drops it. he goes back in the ring where Strickland is waiting and he connects with the House Call and double stomps for one, two…no dice.  Now Strickland snaps his arm and nails the House Call again for a cover of one, two…Ospreay kicks out and is still in the fight.

Ospreay is on roller skates as he lowers the elbow pad for the Hidden Blade but he has nothing left in the tank.  Strickland pats his head, delivers another House Call, and follows with the JML driver which finally ends it in, one, two, and three.

Your Winner, and Still AEW World Champion:  Swerve Strickland.

AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland with Prince Nana at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com

AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland with Prince Nana at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com    MORE PHOTOS IN OUR FORBIDDEN DOOR GALLERY

Ospreay is looked over by medical staff as he realizes what just happened. Strickland goes over to congratulate him, and Kyle Fletcher is also out to give words of encouragement to his friend as the show draws to a close.

TOP PHOTO: Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay battle at AEW Forbidden Door at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Long Island, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo by George Tahinos, https://georgetahinos.smugmug.com

RELATED LINKS

George Tahinos’ AEW Forbidden Door 2024 Photo Gallery

Countdown to AEW Forbidden Door

AEW Forbidden Door 2024 - 06/30/2024
3.5

Final Thoughts:

 

This show was saved by the double main event.  Naito/Moxley and Strickland/Ospreay left everything in the squared circle and the fans got their money’s worth.  Danielson also deserves an honorable mention, as does one Maxwell Jacob Friedman.  Seeing Britt Baker make her return in such a spectacular fashion was also a nice surpise.

As for the rest of the card?  I stand by my Haikus, and still say, “less is more.”

Until then, see ya at the next AEW pay-per-view!