Forbidden Door 2026: Championship Clashes and Tournament Finals Set to Electrify San Jose

The annual Forbidden Door event stands out on the All Elite Wrestling (AEW) calendar, renowned for bringing together top talent from multiple international promotions. This year's iteration promises an exhilarating spectacle, uniting wrestlers from AEW, Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), and Stardom on a single, action-packed card.

Adding to the intensity, the event will also host the finals of both the men's and women's Owen Hart Foundation Tournaments. The 2026 Forbidden Door card boasts an impressive lineup, featuring five championship encounters. The action kicks off with the "Buy In" at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 8 p.m. ET, live from the SAP Center in San Jose, California.

Crucial Championship Encounters

Skye Blue vs. Maika (Buy-In Match)

Kicking off the "Buy In" portion of Forbidden Door, Skye Blue will face Stardom's Maika in a high-stakes bout. The victor will earn a coveted spot in the TBS Championship Survival of the Fittest match, vying for the title recently vacated by Willow Nightingale due to injury. Blue has been closely associated with Thekla, who has publicly declared her intent to challenge the dominance of Stardom and New Japan. This match could mark the initial strike from Thekla's "Triangle of Madness" against Stardom.

Prediction: Skye Blue is expected to emerge victorious.

AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship: Divine Dominion vs. Thunder Rosa & Olympia

Megan Bayne and Lena Kross, collectively known as Divine Dominion, have maintained a dominant run since capturing the AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship, successfully fending off every challenger. On Sunday, they will face the formidable duo of Thunder Rosa and CMLL's Olympia. The undeniable strength and cohesion of Divine Dominion make them a significant force to contend with in this matchup.

Prediction: Megan Bayne and Lena Kross are predicted to retain their titles.

AEW World Tag Team Championship: Adam Copeland & Christian Cage vs. David Finlay & Clark Connors

Since the conclusion of Double or Nothing, David Finlay and Clark Connors have relentlessly targeted Adam Copeland and Christian Cage. The veteran tag team champions have been unable to fully celebrate their triumphs, constantly needing to watch their backs during AEW television appearances. Despite the persistent harassment, Copeland and Cage have consistently demonstrated their impressive in-ring prowess when it matters most, living up to their storied careers.

Prediction: Copeland and Cage are anticipated to hold onto their tag team championships.

AEW Continental Championship: Jon Moxley vs. Bandido

Jon Moxley has held the AEW Continental Championship since Worlds End in December, defending it with tenacity at every turn. He now faces a unique challenge in Bandido, whose high-flying and agile style contrasts with Moxley's preference for keeping opponents grounded. Bandido possesses the capability to deliver a significant upset at Forbidden Door, potentially stripping a title from a prominent member of The Death Riders faction.

Prediction: Bandido is favored to win AEW gold.

IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Shota Umino vs. Pac

NJPW's Shota Umino returns to an AEW ring to defend his IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship against the hard-hitting Pac. Umino secured the title earlier this month at Dominion in a three-way match against AEW's Andrade. This marks a crucial title defense for Umino. Should both Pac and Jon Moxley lose their respective matches, The Death Riders faction would find themselves without any championship gold.

Prediction: Umino is predicted to retain the championship.

High-Stakes Tournament Finals

Owen Hart Cup Women’s Final: Mercedes Moné vs. Maya World

The highly anticipated Owen Hart Cup women’s final pits Mercedes Moné against Maya World, with the ultimate prize being a shot at the AEW Women’s World Championship at All In. Moné, known as "The CEO" and celebrated as one of the best in the ring, made a impactful return to AEW as a wild card entrant in the tournament, embarking on a dominant streak. World, an emerging talent, enters the final with significant momentum, having proven her ability to overcome any adversary. This climactic match will determine who advances to All In.

Prediction: Mercedes Moné is expected to win and secure her spot at All In.

Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament Final: Will Ospreay vs. Swerve Strickland

Will Ospreay has unequivocally declared his ambition to main event All In at Wembley Stadium, a promise he has steadfastly pursued. He now faces a familiar and formidable opponent in Swerve Strickland in the Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament final. This match is infused with deep emotion, which is expected to fuel the intensity of the contest. Both Ospreay and Strickland aspire to be at the pinnacle of AEW and have repeatedly demonstrated their capability to meet such a challenge.

Prediction: Will Ospreay is projected to realize his dream by defeating Swerve Strickland.

Marquee Showdowns and Grudge Matches

Triple-Threat Tag Team Match: The Young Bucks vs. Místico & Máscara Dorada vs. Shingo Takagi & Titán

A thrilling triple-threat tag team match will showcase some of the finest talent in professional wrestling, featuring The Young Bucks, Místico and Máscara Dorada, and Shingo Takagi and Titán. This exciting contest will highlight the distinct styles of AEW, CMLL, and NJPW, promising an entertaining display for fans.

Prediction: Matt and Nick Jackson (The Young Bucks) are anticipated to claim the victory.

Singles Match: Kenny Omega vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

Sometimes, a non-main event match can unexpectedly steal the show, as witnessed recently at Double or Nothing with Konosuke Takeshita and Kazuchika Okada. Sunday could see a similar scenario when Kenny Omega and Zack Sabre Jr. step into the ring for what is widely expected to be a classic encounter. Both Omega and Sabre are considered among the world's elite wrestlers, and their collective talent promises a match that requires no further explanation – simply an intense viewing experience.

Prediction: Kenny Omega is favored to defeat Zack Sabre Jr.

Steel Cage Match: Team Briscoe vs. Team MJF

AEW World Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) has subjected Mark Briscoe to considerable challenges in his quest for a title shot. MJF has cited numerous reasons why Briscoe should not receive the opportunity, overlooking Briscoe's inherent grit and heart. To earn his championship match, Briscoe and his hand-picked team must overcome MJF and his formidable allies in a steel cage match. Team Briscoe comprises Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong, Kyle O’Reilly, Konosuke Takeshita, and Darby Allin. Facing them will be Team MJF, featuring Kevin Knight, Kyle Fletcher, Jake Doyle, Kazuchika Okada, and Andrade El Idolo.

Prediction: Team Briscoe is predicted to win this brutal contest.

Thekla vs. Starlight Kid

Thekla's campaign against New Japan and Stardom intensified immediately following Double or Nothing, where she defeated three challengers and openly dared the Japanese promotions to send their best. Stardom responded by sending Starlight Kid, a former Stardom champion. While Thekla boasts the support of her "Triangle of Madness," Starlight Kid has "Neo Genesis" in her corner. Thekla has consistently demonstrated her status as one of the world's most formidable women's wrestlers, a reputation she is poised to reaffirm on Sunday night.

Prediction: Thekla is expected to retain in a hard-hitting match.