Thekla to Defend AEW Women’s Title at Forbidden Door Amid Japan‑NJPW Tensions

AEW Women’s World Champion Thekla said she respects IWGP Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji’s remarks that New Japan Pro‑Wrestling may skip the upcoming AEW × NJPW Forbidden Door pay‑per‑view. Tsuji suggested staying apart to protect his promotion, and Thekla replied, “I kind of respect him for that because he’s just straight up like, ‘No, we got our own thing here in Japan.’”

She added she is proud to represent AEW, noting strained relations with Stardom, and confirmed she will defend her title against Stardom’s Starlight Kid at the June 28 event in San Jose, California. Thekla also contrasted her five‑year stint in Japan—averaging 120 matches a year—with Mercedes Moné’s shorter stays, hinting at a possible future showdown.

The Forbidden Door event brings together AEW, New Japan, Stardom and CMLL under one banner, with uncertainty over whether the promotions will remain a “happy family” or diverge after Tsuji’s comments.