Tony Khan explains challenges of booking AEW Forbidden Door
Tony Khan loves Forbidden Door season, but there are always some logistical challenges when putting the pay-per-view together.
Forbidden Door began as a collaboration between AEW and NJPW and has now expanded to include CMLL and Stardom as well. In an interview with Q93 Radio ahead of Sunday’s PPV, Khan was asked about the challenges he faces when booking an inter-promotional card like this. Obtaining visas for international wrestlers can often be tricky. Khan also needs to get on the same page with the other promoters regarding talent that is going to be featured.
“There are a lot of logistics. Of course, securing the visas, sometimes there can be a great international wrestler that doesn’t have their work visa and you want to try to get those people in,” Khan said. “And then you’re working with the other promoters to try to utilize the stars they want to use, and you might have different ideas from your counterparts in these other companies. So, for me, I love working with other wrestling companies and other promoters. And especially I love bringing in lots of the best wrestlers in the world. And that’s what’s so fun about this event, the Forbidden Door, and that’s what makes this week so fun.”
This is AEW’s fifth annual Forbidden Door PPV. The show is taking place from San Jose, California on June 28 and includes Zack Sabre Jr., Shota Umino, Mistico, Mascara Dorada, Starlight Kid, Shingo Takagi, Titan, and Olympia among the international names.
Praise for Maya World —
One big challenge this year’s Forbidden Door presented was injuries affecting the bracket for the Owen Hart Foundation women’s tournament. Maya World wasn’t among the initial list of entrants, but she is now headed to the finals after replacing the injured Sareee. Maya World defeated Skye Blue and Athena and is set to face off against Mercedes Mone on Sunday.
When Q93 asked who the most underrated talent in AEW is, Khan immediately mentioned Maya World.
“Well, Maya World certainly has taken everybody by surprise,” he said. “She’s reached the finals of the Owen Hart Foundation tournament. It was a tournament where she came in as an alternate and picked up two huge wins. And now she’s only one victory away from reaching the biggest stage in wrestling, getting a World Championship match at AEW All In at Wembley Stadium.
“Maya World has taken so many people by surprise — I’m not surprised. I think she’s a great star. She’s been doing great things. And certainly I think she’s had some great upset victories. And It would be the biggest win of her career if she can beat her idol Mercedes Mone to win the tournament final this week.”
Assuming Thekla retains against Starlight Kid at Forbidden Door, she’ll be set to defend the AEW Women’s World Championship against either Mone or Maya World at All In this August.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.