Why AEW Had Fewer NJPW & Stardom Stars This Year: Tony Khan Explains—And What’s Next

Tony Khan on the Spotlight at Forbidden Door: Why NJPW & Stardom Talent Took a Backseat This Year

As Forbidden Door edges closer, AEW CEO Tony Khan has weighed in on a curious shift: why this year’s card seems to skew heavily toward AEW talent, with fewer names from New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and Stardom.

Timing Is Everything

Khan explained that Forbidden Door’s new placement on the calendar—after NJPW’s G1 Climax and Stardom’s 5Star Grand Prix—had unintended consequences. Many NJPW stars weren’t available until the week of the show, making it difficult to build out the usual crossover-heavy lineup.

Quality Over Quantity

Despite the scheduling challenges, Khan emphasized AEW’s commitment to putting on the strongest show possible. Even with fewer external names, they focused on maximizing the talent that was available. Notably, he highlighted the presence of Hiromu Takahashi from NJPW and Stardom’s Bozilla, who brings European wrestling flair and a strong ring IQ to the table.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for AEW–NJPW–Stardom Relations?

Khan suggested that returning Forbidden Door to a pre–G1 and pre–5Star Grand Prix slot would help ensure greater availability for NJPW and Stardom talent in future events. This signals a clear intent to reinvigorate the inter-promotional spark that makes Forbidden Door so special.

Side Notes & Contextual Highlights

1. Calendar Strategy

With the G1 Climax and 5Star Grand Prix running back-to-back this summer, talent scheduling became a logistical puzzle.

Khan’s acknowledgment that he’ll likely schedule future Forbidden Doors earlier in the calendar could prove a game-changer for cross-promotion.

2. Emerging Fusion

Bozilla’s inclusion is not just a handy replacement—her background as a second-generation European powerhouse adds diversity and intrigue to the event.

3. A Tale of Rising Stars

Hiromu Takahashi’s continued presence on the Forbidden Door stage underscores the deep ties AEW maintains with NJPW’s elite wrestlers—even when schedules don’t perfectly align.

4. Media Strategy and Global Expansion

While this article focuses on talent representation, Khan’s broader strategy includes global expansion—like hosting the 2025 Forbidden Door in London and planning “Wrestle Dynasty” in Japan. These moves suggest AEW is committed to deepening its global footprint alongside its partnerships.

What This Could Mean Going Forward

Stronger AEW–NJPW Collaboration

If Forbidden Door returns to an earlier date, fans can expect more dynamic inter-promotional matchups.

Stardom’s Growing Influence

Bozilla’s highlighted role hints at an evolving relationship with Stardom. Expect to see more of their stars on future cards.

Global Venue Evolution

With 2025’s event heading to London and plans for Japan, AEW is clearly positioning Forbidden Door as a truly international spectacle.

Viewership & Brand Synergy

These expansions—combined with crossover matches—could drive greater viewership, attract new markets, and reinforce AEW as a global brand in wrestling.

Final Thought

Tony Khan’s transparency about the “why” behind reduced NJPW and Stardom representation paints a picture of logistical challenges met with strategic agility—not retreat. The opaque scheduling issues of this year may very well be the catalyst that reshapes future Forbidden Doors into even more compelling cross-promotional showcases. Keep an eye on the calendar going forward—it might just be the key to unlocking even bigger, bolder matchups.