New details have emerged regarding changes to the AEW Forbidden Door 2026 lineup, as several New Japan Pro-Wrestling names were originally scheduled to appear but were ultimately pulled due to injuries and visa complications.
Ahead of the pay-per-view, AEW President Tony Khan noted that multiple talents were unable to compete because of circumstances beyond the company’s control. Further clarification was provided on Wrestling Observer Radio, where Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez outlined the initial creative direction.
Callum Newman, a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, was planned for a high-profile spot on the card. According to Alvarez, Newman was set to challenge AEW Continental Champion Jon Moxley. However, those plans were scrapped after Newman suffered a dislocated shoulder during his title loss to Yota Tsuji at NJPW Dominion. As a result, Moxley instead defended his title against Bandido.
AEW Forbidden Door NJPW Original Plans Affected by Injuries and Visa Issues
Another notable change involved the IWGP Global Championship match. Meltzer reported that Gabe Kidd was originally scheduled to face Shota Umino instead of PAC. Kidd is currently dealing with visa-related issues following a recent shoulder injury, which prevented him from appearing. He is now expected to wrestle Umino on July 6 in Tokyo.
Tomohiro Ishii was also expected to be part of the Forbidden Door lineup. AEW addressed his absence through storyline, writing him off television weeks earlier due to a neck injury. While not officially confirmed, it is believed Ishii would have participated in the 12-man steel cage match alongside other members of The Conglomeration.
Meltzer also noted that Sareee, while not part of NJPW, had been planned for the event. She was expected to face Willow Nightingale in the finals of the women’s Owen Hart Foundation tournament. Sareee was not medically cleared by AEW, leading to Maya World stepping in as a replacement finalist. Nightingale was also unable to compete due to injury, and Mercedes Mone went on to win the tournament.
Due to these changes, NJPW representation at Forbidden Door 2026 was limited. The final lineup included Shota Umino, Shingo Takagi, Drilla Maloney, and Zack Sabre Jr.
Original Plans for NJPW Talent at AEW Forbidden Door Revealed
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