The upcoming AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2025 event, set for August 24 at London’s iconic O2 Arena, is shaping up to deliver one of the most star-studded and brutal main events in recent wrestling history. According to renowned wrestling journalists Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, the highly anticipated Lights Out Steel Cage Match is expected to close the show, overshadowing other marquee battles on the card[3][1].

This unprecedented cage match will feature an explosive lineup of top-tier talent from both All Elite Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. On one side, fans will witness the combined forces of Kota Ibushi, Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Darby Allin. Their opponents will be the formidable Death Riders faction, consisting of Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Gabe Kidd, and the perennial fan favorites, The Young Bucks (Nick and Matt Jackson)[1][3].

Star Power and Match Build-Up

Sources close to AEW and NJPW insiders reveal this match was constructed rather late in the planning stages, indicating a spontaneous creative decision motivated by the desire to capitalize on the immense charisma and drawing power of these wrestlers. The electrifying chemistry of this multi-man clash perfectly exemplifies the collaborative spirit of Forbidden Door, blending AEW’s high-impact style with NJPW’s strong-style legacy[1].

The decision to elevate this Lights Out Steel Cage Match as the main event came despite the presence of other significant bouts, including the AEW World Title match featuring MJF defending against former champion “Hangman” Adam Page and a stacked women’s division four-way contest for the TBS Championship involving Mercedes Moné. While these title defenses are marquee attractions, insiders report that the raw intensity and unpredictability of the cage match promise a memorable climax for the event[1][3].

The Historic and Logistical Context

Forbidden Door 2025 marks the fourth annual collaboration between AEW and NJPW, but this year’s event carries particular historical significance. It is the first Forbidden Door event taking place overseas and during the United Kingdom’s August Bank Holiday weekend. With the O2 Arena’s strict 10:30 pm local curfew and a £10,000-per-minute fine for overrunning, AEW has emphasized a tightly timed card, adding pressure to ensure the climax is both impactful and concise[2][3].

In addition to the AEW and NJPW stars, this edition features participation from NJPW’s sister promotion World Wonder Ring Stardom and Mexican promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), increasing the international flavor and roster depth. Despite concerns about the physical toll on wrestlers—reports have surfaced that several participants in the cage match, barring The Bucks, Moxley, and Allin, are competing with nagging injuries—it appears the promotion is committed to delivering a high-stakes conclusion for fans attending or viewing via the live Amazon Prime broadcast[3].

Backstage Perspectives and Fan Expectations

Backstage sources indicate that AEW leadership, including Tony Khan, views the cage match as a unique selling point for the event’s London debut. “This match is a game-changer, combining world-class talent from AEW and NJPW in a format that allows for brutal storytelling,” a WWE insider familiar with AEW operations told PWMania. “It’s rare to see a cage match with this level of star power and international significance, so it’s a natural choice for the main event slot”[4].

Fans have expressed excitement over this unexpected twist, appreciating the blend of legends like Hiroshi Tanahashi with newer generation icons such as Will Ospreay and Darby Allin. The presence of The Young Bucks and Jon Moxley further adds a layer of AEW hallmark intensity and aerial finesse that could bring this battle to legendary status if executed well[1][3].

What to Watch For on August 24

With the Forbidden Door event less than a week away, wrestling enthusiasts should keep a close eye on the following key points:

• Match pacing and physical storytelling inside the restrictive cage environment, especially given the injury concerns.
• How AEW manages the tight schedule under the O2 Arena curfew while ensuring the main event receives proper spotlight.
• The interplay of contrasting wrestling styles, with Japanese strong style meeting western hardcore and high-flying maneuvers.
• Potential setup for future storylines involving the participants post-Forbidden Door, as these wrestlers have multiple affiliations and ongoing rivalries.

The 2025 AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door promises to be a landmark show, further solidifying the partnership between these two wrestling powerhouses and offering fans a once-in-a-lifetime main event spectacle with the Lights Out Steel Cage Match at its heart.

Stay tuned to WWE.com, Fightful, and key wrestling podcasts like Wrestling Observer Radio for further updates and behind-the-scenes insights as Forbidden Door approaches.