Worlds collided and titles were at stake as the AEW Womens Division is in Long Island, New York for the annual AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door pay-per-view.
The AEW Womens World Championship is up for grabs tonight as Artist of Stardom Champion Mina Shirakawa challenges the champion, Timeless Toni Storm. This match has been brewing since Storms surprise reappearance in Stardom back in April. Storm had invited Shirakawa to break down the Forbidden Door and since then Shirakawa has been captivating the AEW fans for the past couple of months.
Mariah May has been unfortunately caught in the middle, being the former Club Venus tag team partner of Shirakawas during her time in Stardom and being the proteg of Storm during her transition into AEW. Regardless of the twos conflict, she offers her flowers to both women.
Shirakawa arrives with her signature entrance dance, and Storm arrives as Lady Liberty herself.
The challenger flaunts the Champion during the onset of the match, but Storm is taking this challenge very seriously. Shirakawa isnt all games as she hits a figure-four leglock on the ring post and targets Storms knee during the match. Storm manages to fight back against Shirakawa, but the match is all Mina. Eventually, both find themselves on the top rope and Shirakawa hits a DDT from the top followed up with another one.
After struggling a bit, Shirakawa finally connects the Glamorous Driver, but Storm miraculously kicks out. Despite Shirakawas continuous offense, Storm suddenly pulls off a Storm Zero to retain her title.
Post-match, May makes her way to the ring conflicted at the outcome. And despite being at odds, Shirakawa tearfully thanks Storm for the match and hug it out. And much to Mays relief, she seals off the night as all three kiss and makeupliterally!
In a title-for-title match, the TBS Champion Mercedes Mon looks to defend her championship while also challenging CMLL World Womens Champion Stephanie Vaquer, as she also puts the NJPW Strong Womens Championship on the line. Mon looks to become a two-time champion and gain a title that many say was created for her in the first place. And Vaquer looks to add another piece of gold to the three titles she already possesses.
While the referee explains the rules to both opponents, Vaquer takes advantage and headbutts Mon to get a dirty start. Mon and her experience edge does not let that stop her and manages to gain back power quickly.
Mon and Vaquer are both matched as they both showcase their lucha styles. The two manage to make it outside the ring, and Vaquer hits a springboard crossbody to the outside as she gains control over the match. Mon from here on out cant seem to adapt to Vaquers unique offense.
In a last-ditch attempt, Vaquer launches herself from the top rope as Mon finds an opportunity to hit a dropkick while airborne. Mon continuously tries to lock in a Mon Maker, but Vaquer finds a counter each time.
The two kip up and trade blows and Vaquer locks a familiar crossface but Mon finds a counter into a crossface of her own. Vaquer powers through and drives her knees into Mon.
Per her Boston status, Mon has angered the crowd and hits a sequence of double knees of her own into Vaquer. However, Mon miscues her dive and Vaquer manages to twist her ankle in the corner. Mon is battered, but powers through to finally find an opening for the Mon Maker and lock in the Crossface to become the new NJPW Strong Womens Champion.
Mon relishes in her victory and taunts the crowd. But, the celebration is cut short as The DMD Britt Baker makes her long-awaited return to AEW and her appearance alone sends a statement toward the CEO.
What did you think of Forbidden Door tonight? How were both championship matches? And where will the CEO and the DMD go from here? Let us know your thoughts below.
