The Big Picture
The professional wrestling hierarchy underwent a massive seismic shift this week as legacy contracts expired and championships changed hands across international borders. From shocking title changes in Saudi Arabia to backstage injuries in NXT, the industry is entering its hottest summer in years. This ranking separates the genuine creative breakthroughs from the frustrating scheduling updates, mapping out the definitive hierarchy of the week's biggest shifts.
The Top 10 Moments
Rank 10: NJPW and AEW Solidify Global Expansion Alliance
NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi confirmed he held extensive talks with AEW founder Tony Khan at Forbidden Door. As F4WOnline reported, the discussions focused on mutual support for global expansion. The two promotions plan to share resources, with AEW aiding NJPW's events in the United States and NJPW assisting AEW in Japan.
This executive meeting ahead of the G1 Climax 36 kickoff in Chicago on July 11, 2026, aims to establish a solid talent exchange system. With NJPW under new corporate ownership, securing this partnership is a major strategic win. However, fans remain skeptical of how fairly NJPW talent will be booked on American television given past crossover imbalances.
Rank 9: El Hijo del Vikingo Legitimately Injured in NXT Call-up
AAA's premier high-flyer suffered a legitimate injury training for his scheduled June 30, 2026, match against E.K. Prosper. WWE creative scrambled, booking Keanu Carver to attack Vikingo with a steel pipe backstage to explain his sudden absence. The medical evaluation leaves the Mexican star shelved indefinitely.
This represents a massive structural blow for both AAA and NXT. Vikingo was positioned as a major crossover draw, but his high-risk style continues to take a heavy physical toll. The booking team handled the emergency cleanly, but losing a talent of this caliber halts several major summer programs before they even begin.
Rank 8: Jay White's Surprise Return Rescues the Tag Team Gold
Christian Cage and Adam Copeland retained the AEW World Tag Team Championship at Forbidden Door on June 28, 2026. The veteran duo seemed finished against The Dogs until Jay White suddenly appeared at ringside. "Switchblade" interfered, turning the tide and allowing Cage to secure the pinfall.
This match set up major storylines for the summer. As PWInsider reported, the fallout was so dense that AEW expanded the subsequent Collision broadcast to two and a half hours. While the extra time helped develop White's new faction alliances, relying on run-ins during marquee pay-per-view matches remains a frustrating booking habit.
Rank 7: Iyo Sky Claims the Queen of the Ring Crown in Riyadh
Iyo Sky defeated Liv Morgan on June 27, 2026, to win the Queen of the Ring tournament. The match ended at the 14-minute mark when Sky hit a spectacular moonsault off the top rope. The victory marks a major promotional push for the former champion.
This win places Sky at the front of the line for a major title shot. Morgan put up a strong fight but fell short when it mattered most. The match itself was solid, though a few awkward transition spots early on kept it from reaching classic status.
Rank 6: Mercedes Moné Makes Owen Cup History
Mercedes Moné defeated Maya World at Forbidden Door on June 28, 2026, to win the Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament. With this victory, Moné becomes the first wrestler to win the prestigious trophy twice. She dominated the closing stretch, forcing a submission with the Statement Maker.
Winning consecutive tournaments cements her status as the top female star outside WWE. Maya World performed well but could not match Moné's big-match experience. The decision to have Moné win again might frustrate fans hoping for a new breakout star, but it keeps her booking exceptionally strong.
Rank 5: Kenny Omega Outlasts Zack Sabre Jr. in Return Classic
Kenny Omega defeated Zack Sabre Jr. in a highly anticipated technical encounter at Forbidden Door. In a bout that went over 22 minutes, Omega used a series of V-Triggers to set up a One-Winged Angel. Zack Sabre Jr. targeted Omega's surgically repaired shoulder but could not secure the submission.
This match proved that Omega can still perform at an elite level after his extended injury layoff. Sabre Jr. lost the match but reinforced his status as one of the best technical wrestlers on earth. The contest stood out as the best pure wrestling match on a loaded card.
Rank 4: Oba Femi Dominates Jey Uso to Win King of the Ring
Oba Femi defeated Jey Uso in Riyadh on June 27, 2026, to win the King of the Ring tournament. Femi withstood Uso's signature Uso Splash before hitting a devastating powerbomb for the three-count. The victory represents a massive rocket strapped to the rising star.
Femi represents the next generation of WWE powerhouses. Uso was the crowd favorite in Saudi Arabia, making Femi's dominant victory even more impressive. This booking choice shows WWE is willing to elevate young talent over established veterans on the biggest stages.
Rank 3: Andrade El Ídolo Betrays MJF Inside "Death's Door" Cage
Andrade El Ídolo turned on MJF during the 12-man steel cage match at Forbidden Door. Andrade hit MJF with a running double-knee strike against the cage wall before walking out on the Don Callis Family. Team Briscoe capitalized on the dissension to win the match.
This split completely changes the dynamic of AEW's top faction. Andrade was underutilized in the group, and this face turn sets up a hot summer feud with MJF. The match itself was chaotic, but this single narrative beat was the highlight of the night.
Rank 2: Will Ospreay Pins Swerve Strickland to Win Owen Cup
Will Ospreay defeated Swerve Strickland in the main event of Forbidden Door on June 28, 2026. Ospreay hit a Hidden Blade followed by the Stormbreaker to win the Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament. The victory guarantees Ospreay a shot at the AEW World Championship at All In London.
The match was a classic that went nearly 25 minutes of relentless action. Strickland showed why he is a top-tier champion, but Ospreay had the hometown crowd behind him. This victory officially sets up Ospreay as the face of AEW's international expansion.
Rank 1: Sami Zayn Wins Undisputed WWE Championship in Riyadh Shock
Sami Zayn defeated Cody Rhodes and Gunther in a triple threat match on June 27, 2026, to win the Undisputed WWE Championship. Zayn pinned Rhodes after hitting three consecutive Helluva Kicks in the corner. The victory shocked the Saudi Arabian crowd and ended Rhodes' historic title reign.
This represents the biggest creative pivot in WWE in years. Gunther seemed poised to win, but Zayn stole the victory in a dramatic finish. The title change completely resets the WWE main event scene ahead of SummerSlam.
Honorable Mentions
Several other major stories narrowly missed the cut this week. Mick Foley officially allowed his WWE Legends contract to expire on July 1, 2026, marking the end of a multi-decade licensing partnership. Additionally, Big Bill gave notice to AEW management regarding his intention to leave the company when his contract expires, sparking immediate rumors of a WWE return.
