Each year, Forbidden Door is one of AEW’s and New Japan Pro Wrestling’s most anticipated events.
In addition to a highly anticipated rematch between Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay for the United States Championship, the two companies have also booked Bryan Danielson against Kazuchika Okada for the show.
When Dave Meltzer and the other wrestling pundits grade this event, it is difficult to imagine they will have enough stars.
Forbidden Door 2023 predictions, focusing on the top two matches.
Matches that have been confirmed
IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship – Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay
Kazuchika Okada vs. Bryan Danielson
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Sanada vs. “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry
The AEW World Championship between MJF and Hiroshi Tanahashi
Italics indicate winners.
Kazuchika Okada vs. Bryan Danielson
Today, wrestling fans have few real dream matches left, but that’s exactly what they’ll get when “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson faces “The Rainmaker” Kazuchika Okada.
Although Okada is only 35 years old, he still has plenty of time to cement his place as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Danielson, on the other hand, is considered the best technical wrestler of this generation, with some even claiming he is the best in-ring worker.
It should be an absolute spectacle with two of the best going toe-to-toe.
In the match, Danielson and Okada will not give an inch, resulting in a fierce battle of fierce forearms and devastating kicks. With chain wrestling, reversals, and submissions, the fight will instantly become a classic if the two men can find even a modicum of chemistry.
It is difficult for most wrestlers to meet or exceed expectations with a bar set so high by fans, but we are not talking about two average wrestlers here. The magic Okada and Danielson will create will be talked about for years to come, as they understand the sport and the magnitude of this moment.
Will Ospreay vs. Kenny Omega
It was an epic battle between Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay at Wrestle Kingdom 17 that earned Meltzer and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter 6.25 stars. The two men will attempt to top perfection at Forbidden Door, widely considered the best match of the year and one of the best ever.
With the pay-per-view looming, Omega hit the ring to save his Elite brethren from Konosuke Takeshita, only for Ospreay to hit him with a surprise attack, including the Storm Breaker.
The rematch is more anticipated because of a memorable previous meeting and an even better storyline.
Omega and Ospreay have a chemistry rarely seen in wrestling, with their offensive moves complementing each other’s superior selling skills. In addition to an expanded audience and the U.S. title on the line, the Forbidden Door fight will be unforgettable, regardless of whether it surpasses their previous match.
The only question now is where Omega and Ospreay II will be booked. This rematch should open Forbidden Door and set the tone for the evening, regardless of whether it is the title match or Danielson vs. Okada.
