AEW Forbidden Door 2026 Faces Visa Hurdles and Promotion Expansion

The AEW Forbidden Door pay‑per‑view is set for June 28, 2026 at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. The card features cross‑promotional matches with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), Mexico’s CMLL and Japan’s Stardom, including a newly announced Survival‑of‑the‑Fittest qualifying bout between Skye Blue and Stardom’s Maika.

AEW President Tony Khan said visa problems have been “a massive challenge” for the event, citing Mexican talent such as Beast Mortos, Komander and Hechicero, as well as wrestlers Gabe Kidd, Mark Davis and others who are awaiting work‑visa approvals. He added, “Yes, that has been a massive challenge for this event.”

Khan also addressed NJPW’s recent ownership change – Bushiroad’s sale of the promotion to TV Asahi and CyberAgent – describing it as “something to keep an eye on” but stressing that day‑to‑day operations and the partnership with AEW remain unchanged.

Looking ahead, Khan said AEW is not ruling out adding more promotions to future Forbidden Door editions, noting the current involvement of CMLL and Stardom as examples of the event’s international scope. He highlighted the logistical headaches of visas and coordination with other promoters but expressed enthusiasm for expanding the global wrestling showcase.