Tony Khan's Influence Drives AEW-CMLL Partnership and Forbidden Door Plans

AEW President Tony Khan said he wanted NJPW wrestlers Aaron Wolf and the Knockout Brothers at the June 28 Forbidden Door show in San Jose, but visa issues prevented their participation. He also announced that AEW's All Out pay‑per‑view will be held at Chicago's NOW Arena on September 26, and highlighted forthcoming NJPW events at the same venue.

The cross‑promotional relationship has helped Mexico's Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) break its own attendance record, selling out 64 shows in 2026. Khan praised CMLL star Mistico, who now holds dual contracts with AEW and CMLL, holding the CMLL World Light Heavyweight title and an AEW World Trios championship.

These developments underscore the growing synergy between AEW, NJPW, CMLL, and Stardom across the United States, Japan and Mexico.