The scramble for Forbidden Door real estate

The card for the upcoming AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door crossover is starting to crystallize, but not without some notable gaps. Ricochet has thrown his name into the ring, explicitly challenging IWGP Tag Team Champion HENARE following an open challenge issued for the June 28 event.

Ricochet’s pitch centers on a critique of HENARE’s recent activity. He specifically invoked the names of Bishop Kaun and Toa Liona to turn up the heat on the New Japan star, framing the challenge as a test of courage rather than just a standard bout. As WrestleTalk reported, this match would be a significant addition to an event famous for its high-octane mix of styles.

The Foley absence looms large

While the roster is posturing for spots, one major name is confirmed to be off the marquee. Mick Foley, who made his surprise debut at Double or Nothing last month, will not be appearing at Forbidden Door.

Reports indicate this is not due to any creative falling out or physical limitation. Instead, the decision purely stems from a prior booking commitment that overlaps with the show. According to WrestlingNews.co, the timing was simply incompatible with his existing schedule.

Mick Foley is officially sitting out AEW Forbidden Door, and it has nothing to do with injury, creative plans, or second thoughts about joining the...

The absence of Foley is a missed opportunity for the brand to capitalize on his recent momentum. When a talent rolls in with the buzz Foley generated in May, leaving him off a major cross-promotional event feels like a booking oversight. Fans were likely banking on a recurring role for the legend, and this gap in attendance slows his integration into the active roster.

Logistical shifts in the home stretch

Outside of the Forbidden Door fallout, the company is dealing with standard touring shifts. The recent Dynamite broadcast headed into New Mexico as part of a push to maintain visibility in diverse markets. As PWInsider detailed, the promotion is moving through a period of standard mid-year heavy lifting to secure ratings.

The current ratings trend indicates the audience is sensitive to the quality of the weekly card. Mixing in legends like Foley alongside high-work-rate guys like Ricochet is the intended formula, but the execution remains inconsistent. The struggle is balancing the weekly grind with the big-ticket spectacles that define the company's identity.

Ultimately, Forbidden Door remains a massive sink-or-swim moment for the summer. With the show set for June 28, there is a very narrow window to finalize the lineup. If the Ricochet vs. HENARE match is officially locked in, it might bridge the gap left by missing stars and underwhelming card segments seen in the past three weeks.

Critically, the booking team needs to lean into these cross-promotional feuds rather than letting them linger in social media callouts. A challenge is only as good as the payoff. If Ricochet versus HENARE happens, it needs to be more than a filler match; it needs a tangible stake that matters to both promotions. Otherwise, the crossover loses its unique gravity.

The reliance on surprise appearances remains a precarious strategy. While pop-up debuts drive immediate traffic, they don't solve the long-term need for stable, recurring narratives. Fans expect a level of continuity that isn't always present in the post-Double or Nothing era.

Looking at the current landscape, the promotion has 5 days to tighten up the presentation before the global eyes of the industry descend on the Forbidden Door stage. Whether the creative team can pivot to address these gaps in time will determine the success of the quarter. The talent is present—it is the cohesion that remains suspect.