With the third instalment of AEW and NJPW’s Forbidden Door set for June 2024, at the UBS Arena in New York, it once again, like it does each year, gets us all asking the same question. What would it look like if the most forbidden door was opened, an event where AEW and WWE partner up to pit their best and most exciting stars against one another?
Nick Khan, president of WWE and one of TKO’s board of directors, has reportedly expressed interest in WWE partnering and working with other wrestling promotions. We’ve seen it recently with TNA’s Jordynne Grace entering the WWE Royal Rumble, and the recent collaboration with Josh Barnett’s GCW Bloodsport, so it’s not entirely unrealistic – although working with AEW is probably at the bottom of Nick’s list! But we can dream, eh?
Well, I’m here to take on that dream with my own take on what could be one of the largest events in wrestling history. And given that it would likely be the largest event in wrestling, we’re going to need two nights! Personally, I am not a fan of the two night format, but when brainstorming potential matches, I exceeded 15 different matches within ten minutes, so we’re doing a two night format!
Before we dive straight into it, it’s important to note the following:
- I am basing my selections on the current official rosters of both promotion’s from April 2024 – and yes, MJF is still on AEW’s books in my mind.
- There will be no title matches booked.
- Injuries don’t exist in my world. Everyone is fit and healthy!
- I will do my best to keep all matches strictly AEW vs WWE.
- I like to imagine we had a two to three month build to this event, where I will do my best to expand on how these matches came about.
- This is all my opinion, and fantasy booking – try to enjoy it and not be upset because Randy Orton and Bayley haven’t been booked – because they haven’t! (I’m sorry)
Without further ado, let’s kick off Night One of AEW vs WWE!
AEW vs WWE: Night One
I like to think that the catalyst behind an event like this happening is all because of good ol’ CM Punk. He has friends in both promotions, and he has enemies in both promotions, and despite no longer being in AEW, they find ways to keep him in the fan’s mind. AEW also seems to enjoy referencing WWE, or Triple H, whenever possible, which to me only harms AEW, but hey, what do I know! Over in WWE, they too, have subtle nods here and there to AEW, although most of this is left to individual superstars referencing AEW happenings on their social media. A recent favourite of mine is this Grayson Waller post on X.
I’m going off track, but this link that CM Punk has, leads to the creation of this agreement. One big blow off event. AEW’s best versus WWE’s best. And the kicker? CM Punk will host both nights!
Yes, CM Punk will be the host of both Night One and Night Two of this extravaganza! My reason for this is that he’ll have those WWE dream matches (we hope) as he is employed by them. Whereas over in AEW, he already had a handful of matches with their top guys, and we don’t want to see any of that again! So let him host. Let him drop a “pipe bomb”, or two. But don’t let him distract you from the matches we have lined up.
(pre show) Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal versus New Catch Republic
Yep, you read that right, Double J and Jay Lethal made it but Randy Orton didn’t!
The way that I see this coming to fruition is that New Catch Republic has a very unorthodox, old school way of wrestling and I would like Bate and Dunne to promote the fact that they are reinventing old school in the ring. This then triggers Jeff Jarret and co. as they claim that the old school doesn’t need reinventing, leading to a challenge at the event.
I think this could work really well and be super fun! Especially with involvement from Sonjay Dutt and Satnam Singh. You could get Sonjay on the receiving end of the world’s longest Airplane Spin, and Dunne can bring Satnam to his knees with the finger and joint manipulation. Ultimately though, I would have New Catch Republic go over, followed by a sign of respect handshake, that results in someone getting a guitar shot – and it wouldn’t be New Catch Republic on the receiving end of one!
(pre show) AEW x WWE Women’s Eliminator match: Hikaru Shida versus Mariah May versus Sky Blue versus Thunder Rosa versus Asuka versus Chelsea Green versus Liv Morgan versus Tiffany Stratton
I like to envision this match with a stipulation that the winner receives a Women’s championship opportunity from their respective promotion. All eight women will start in the ring at once, and it would be pure chaos. Everyone gets a moment to shine and hit their signature moves, showcasing their strengths, allowing the chaos to hide any weaknesses.
Given that this is an eliminator match, we have to address the order of eliminations, so here we go. First out is Chelsea Green, the match gets the better of her, and she is able to use her comedic style to get some rave reactions from the crowd before being pinned. Next up is Asuka, she gets way too cocky and is dropped quickly after Green. Sky Blue is next, putting in some good work. She is then followed by Thunder Rosa and Mariah May, who are eliminated almost simultaneously, as we are left with three women. Hikaru Shida, Liv Morgan and Tiffany Stratton.
Liv and Tiff seem to agree to work together to take out Shida, when Tiffany betrays Liv and eliminates her. Leaving a one on one with Shida and Stratton. The final two have a real good bout here, but Tiffany Stratton comes out on top as the winner after a questionable roll up and pull of the tights. Tiffany has guaranteed a Women’s championship match at some point in the future.
“The Brodie Lee/Luke Harper Battle Royale” – too many entrants to list
We kick off the main show with a touching tribute to Mr. Brodie Lee, AKA Luke Harper in WWE. We get a video package of his greatest moments form both companies and a slew of touching tributes from those close to him, as this match is dedicated in his honour.
This is your standard battle royale with a ton of meaty men, with the objective to be the last man in the ring after throwing everyone over the top rope. I won’t go beat by beat here, but some notable moments include Adam Copeland having a handful of sweet moments with WWE superstars he hasn’t seen in some time, Sammy Guevara doing some cool moves before being launched out of the ring by Bronson Reed. Christian Cage is hiding outside of the ring before being dragged back in by Braun Strowman and thrown onto Luchasau- I mean, Killswitch on the outside. As the dust begins to settle, we are left with the final two: Darby Allin and Braun Strowman.
You know how it goes, David versus Goliath, and this time, despite his efforts and bringing the big man to his knees the returning Strowman is too much and wins the inaugural memorial battle royale for his former Wyatt Family teammate. A sweet moment to open the main show.
Team AEW (Hangman Adam Page, Swerve Strickland & Chris Jericho) versus Team WWE (Drew Galloway, Kevin Owens & LA Knight)
These were originally three singles matches, but the card just got too big, so I squashed them all together. I can see this coming about because management realised they didn’t have enough time for everyone’s beef, so this was made into a six man/trios match – and of course, no-one is happy about that.
It’s clear that Page and Swerve won’t work well as a team, and nobody really wants to be around Jericho right now, so this is just a dysfunctional mess on the AEW side. Whereas, on the WWE side, they would rather not be in a tag match, but manage to pull together and get the win. This is by no means saying Team WWE are better, but more a showcase of teamwork over anything else. Jericho eats the pin, of course.
Will Ospreay versus Ricochet
Look, I know this may seem like lazy booking, but given how far both men have come in their career since that infamous Best of the Super Junior match, we have to run it back! Ospreay has become more ‘heavyweight’ since and Ricochet has mastered the art of ‘Sports Entertainment’ while keeping his awe-inspiring high flying work, so this would just be a treat to the eyes.
Ricochet would be the one to set the challenge to Ospreay, who originally had his eyes on Seth Rollins, but ultimately can’t look past the prospect of outdoing their viral match from 2017. Potential match of the year stuff, right here, even without any kind of story.
Will Ospreay comes out on top, and the two men celebrate post match together. One for the ages.
FTR versus #DIY
Similar to Ospreay versus Ricochet, we are in the “RUN IT BACK” phase of the night, where we see old foes who defined an era go at it again after years of separation. FTR, formerly known as The Revival have a fantastic history of 5 star bouts with #DIY and this would be an excuse to relive what top of the class tag team wrestling is.
There would be numerous call backs to their NXT bouts of the past, as well as new moments that we can reference in the future. I would have FTR go over here, but like the Ospreay and Ricochet bout, there is no love lost, as the two teams celebrate together.
Mercedes Moné versus Bianca Belair
Again, I promise this is the last one (for now), we are running it back to what was one of the best women’s Wrestlemania matches in recent years. But this time, it isn’t The BO$$ facing The EST, it’s The CEO.
Not a lot to say about this one, they repeat an excellent match. Mercedes playing up the heel in this match, using underhanded tactics throughout, and Biance really selling where she can, helping Mercedes play up to the crowd where she can. Bianca, though, being the defiant babyface and feeling that she needs to represent WWE with a win, pulls it back with her insane power and athleticism, and that iconic hair whip as we see a repeat of that Wrestlemania 37 main event.
This can lead to some Mercedes soul searching post-event in AEW, vowing to never be embarrassed like that again, pushing her even further up the AEW women’s card. But for now, it’s a huge win for WWE and Bianca Belair.
Eddie Kingston versus The Miz
Just think of the promos leading up to this one. The clean cut, Hollywood, Miz trash talking the everyday man, Mad King that is Eddie Kingston. I’m not expecting this match to be a world beater or a five star affair, but I know for a fact that a story will get told here.
Kingston is one of the most defiant wrestlers around, and I want to see him battle against the odds after The Miz uses underhanded tactic after underhanded tactic. Hell, get Maryse involved too where she is disgusted by Eddie – and that disgust only drives Eddie on more.
Eddie comes out with the win here, with The Miz being taught a lesson in respect along the way.
Kazuchika Okada versus Sami Zayn
You could call this the co-main event of Night One, as I can see this coming out as one of the matches of the entire event. Kazuchika Okada is heel right now in AEW, and I see that continuing here. He knows he is one the best in the world, and plays up to that, scoffing at the idea that anyone in WWE can come close to him…
That’s where the ultimate underdog Sami Zayn comes in, most of the other guys have their matches and their own beef laid out, and everyone else is afraid to step up to Okada. But not Sami. He believes in his ability and references the numerous times he has stepped up and overcome the odds, and this time it’s no different to him.
Early on in this match, Okada mocks Zayn and his attempts, but like all Sami Zayn matches, that bites Okada in the ass as Sami pushes on to get some considerable offence to the point where Okada and the crows are stunned. Can Sami defeat Kazuchika Okada? No. Okada wins, but Sami pushes Okada to the edge, receiving plaudits from all sides for his valiant effort, commentary putting over that on any other day, this would have been a victory for Zayn.
Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson & Claudio Castagnoli) versus The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa, Jimmy Uso) – Bloodline Rules/Stadium Stampede match
It’s main event time, and it’s the two top teams in AEW and WWE battling it out for the crown of “top team”. We’ve a bunch of history here between Roman and Moxley, Bryan too has some history with Roman but it is mostly led by Moxley and Roman.
Reigns has no respect for Moxley as he sees it as he left WWE when things got ‘tough’ for him, and took the cowards route, whereas Moxley believes that he did the best thing possible, and alongside Claudio and Bryan have forged a new era and route for professional wrestlers stating that WWE isn’t the end goal anymore.
This match is pure insanity, as I am sure you can imagine. There is blood, there are crazy bumps, we get cameos from legends past in the backstage area. Wheeler Yuta appears to stack the odds in the BCC’s favour, when Jey Uso comes out of nowhere to even the odds. Jey, who is very much not part of The Bloodline, is still here for family and the WWE – call it a one time honorary Bloodline member again – adding to the insanity of this bout.
We eventually return to the ring where Roman is blindsided by Moxley and Claudio, leaving Bryan to secure the LeBell Lock on Jimmy Uso who taps out.
Night One ends with a big win for AEW, and when looking at the results, it seems like AEW have the upper hand, or momentum going into Night Two.
AEW vs WWE: Night Two
Again, CM Punk is the host, interviewing stars from the previous night and speaking with staff members like Renee Paquette, Pat McAfee, etc. on their thoughts of the previous night, and what is to come. The general message that tonight is where WWE gets their revenge on some of the results of Night One.
This is by no means a scoring system when it comes to these events, but bragging rights are almost a given with these two promotions. With that out the way, let’s head to the first matches of Night Two!
(pre show) Best Friends (Trent Beretta, Chuck Taylor and Orange Cassidy) versus The New Day
This was entirely booked just so we could get a six way hug.
Orange Cassidy will be able to showcase his unique style, with each New Day member imitating and then succumbing to the “hard hitting” strikes of Orange Cassidy, while his hands firmly remain in his pockets. I think it’s important to kick off each night with a fun match that has comedic spots. For all those that are seated for the pre-show can have a fun, relaxed time with a bout like this.
Outside of the fun moments, there is still a solid wrestling match to be seen. The New Day can turn it on when needed, and we know that Best Friends are no slouches either. It is, however, The New Day that get the win here, with all six men revisiting that group hug, as they then, mostly, gyrate together post-match to The New Day theme.
Kenny Omega versus Seth Rollins
Yep, we are kicking off Night Two with a big match. Seth Rollins, who like Ospreay, originally wanted to face him, has ended up in the path of Kenny Omega – the best bout machine.
For years, Rollins has been seen as that guy in WWE who can go in the ring with anyone, a super consistent worker that always puts on a top display, and Kenny is very similar. It is rare you see a dud performance when Kenny Omega is involved, so this is almost guaranteed to be a classic.
What is clearly a 5 star match is interrupted by Will Ospreay, who clearly has beef with Seth Rollins still, attacking him, forcing a no-contest rule from the officials. Kenny is pissed, Seth is pissed, and they join forces to beat down Ospreay who manages to escape with Don Callis beside him. This likely then continues the ‘Don Callis/Omega’ feud that we have seen in the past.
Death Triangle versus LWO (Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee & … Bad Bunny)
Bad Bunny, yes, I know, wild! But in all honesty, I think I’d rather him than either Cruz del Toro or Jaoquin Wilde, so they can both take a seat.
What started as a friendly lucha-match in its build, but soon turned sour, thanks to the “Bastard” PAC. His lack of respect for the legacy of Rey Mysterio is what turned this match into a feud rather than an exhibition match. Bad Bunny’s inclusion was late after Death Triangle attacked del Toro, Wilde, and Carlito a few nights prior to Night Two.
As you can imagine, this was spot heavy and chucked full of “This is Awesome” chants. For those that are in the know, we were getting Lucha Underground-like performances out of these individuals. They all brought their A game. Unfortunately for PAC, and the Lucha Bros., the “celebrity rule” kicks in, meaning that LWO are victorious here.
Post match, the Lucha Bros. celebrate with LWO, but PAC kicks away Rey’s hand, continuing to be the Bastard that he is…
Jamie Hayter versus Rhea Ripley
Jamie Hayter is off the injury shelf here, as she takes on the ever-dominant Rhea Ripley. This is a personal dream match of mine, as I feel Hayter is yet to reach her ceiling and a match against Rhea would be the perfect match to highlight both women’s strengths.
This would play out as a battle of dominance. With both claiming to be fiercer and stronger than the other. Lots of hard hits, leading to a fight on the outside. Only Dominik is ringside with Rhea, although he should really be focusing on his match later on tonight (more on that…). In the final moments, we get a huge Hayterade counter, spinning Jamie into an explosive Riptide, that is followed by the 1, 2, 3. Rhea wins.
Konosuke Takeshita Open Challenge – accepted by Logan Paul
My original booking for this was for Takeshita’s opponent to be Shinsuke, but he isn’t the icon that he was in his early WWE days and New Japan days, and what better victim to Takeshita’s offence than Logan Paul.
Don’t get me wrong, Logan Paul isn’t someone to be taken lightly. He deserves to be recognised as a professional wrestler because each time we see him, he can hang, and sometimes outperform opponents who have been doing this ten times as long as him. But of course, this is Konosuke Takeshita, and as you would expect Takeshita comes out victorious. A hugely underrated bout, that will be appreciated fondly when looked back on.
Bullet Club Gold (Jay White, Juice Robinson & The Gunns) versus Judgement Day (Damien Priest, Finn Balor, JD McDonagh & Dominik Mysterio)
A feud between these two sparked from the cutting words of Jay White claiming that he was and is the greatest Bullet Club leader of all time, and obviously, that is going to upset Finn Balor. Balor being the man that started the infamous faction back in his NJPW days, pushing him to stardom before moving to WWE.
As we all know, both of these teams are chocked full of underrated talent, and we get plenty of great moments throughout. I would say that this is the most even match across the two nights, with neither team looking like they are outperforming the other. In contests like this, it does only take one slip up and that is what happens when there is miscommunication between Balor and Priest, leading to Jay White capitalising and hitting JD with the Blade Runner to secure the win for Bullet Club Gold… Bang bang!
Gunther versus Samoa Joe
Now we’re talking! Samoa Joe is someone who constantly surprises me. The man is always finding a way to make every match he is in special, and you pair that ability with someone like Gunther and you have a match for the ages. Joe is an excellent talker too, so you can just imagine the words he’s chopping Gunther and Imperium with in the build to this epic bout.
Speaking of chops though, both of these men come out of this match with busted up chests, hand prints embedded into their skin, leaving it all in the ring. It’s hard to tell who comes out of this the winner as both men have been putting on a clinic in terms of their move set, but as we come close to the 30-minute mark, it is Gunther who prevails.
Post match, we get a respectful handshake to close this match, both men being cheered by the crowd.
“Timeless” Toni Storm versus Becky Lynch
You could call these two women the biggest female stars in their respective promotions. Becky has been ‘The Man’ for quite some time now, and Toni is, well, Timeless. The build to this match has been epic, with Becky’s war of words hitting some home truths to the potential senile Toni, whereas Toni’s references to “Rebecca” reveal some stories about the woman behind “The Man”…
This co-main event bout is given plenty of time. Both women use this time to feel eachother out, and hit all their typical signature beats. Mariah May and Luther are on had to provide shenanigans for Lynch to overcome, but whatever they throw at her, “The Man” finds a way to stay in it. Despite the goofier gimmick that Toni has now-a-days, there is still a complete-package wrestler here, bringing out moves we had thought she’d left behind in order to overcome what she views as her biggest challenge to date.
Unfortunately for Toni, she is eventually defeated when she must succumb and tap out to the Dis-Arm-Her. A top class match, to lead us into our main event.
But first…
The Young Bucks announce the attendance figures
Yes, the EVPs of AEW are here front and centre in the ring to announce the official attendance figures for both Night One and Night Two. Following on from this they discuss some of the matches we have seen, claiming that they did consider having a match themselves, but couldn’t find anyone in WWE worth their time…
CM Punk then heads out from the back to interrupt The Young Bucks before they can slander the WWE locker room any more. Punk says that The Bucks need to watch out, because he reckons any team can team them a thing or two. Matthew Jackson responds with a challenge, “The next WWE tag team to walk out gets to take us on, right now!”…
The Young Bucks versus The Street Prophets
Answering the challenge are The Street Prophets, who get a loud pop from the crowd as they “cheers” CM Punk and head to the ring.
I’ll be honest, this is kept short, as everyone kind of wants to get to the main event. Montez gets some high flying moves in and Dawkins runs through both Nicholas and Matthew, but it’s not enough as The Bucks hit their signature super kicks, followed by an EVP Trigger and TK Driver to end the match.
After clearing the ring it is now main event time.
MJF versus Cody Rhodes
There’s already a story here, and if you aren’t aware of it, go do your research! However, the main crux of this match occurring is built on MJFs jealousy of how far Cody has come. Many had written Cody off in AEW after some poor displays, and the crowd had turned on him, and no-one, especially not MJF, saw what would rise out of those ashes and become the Cody Rhodes we see today.
Maxwell Jacob Friedman believes that this match is his ticket to the next level. Whether that be mainstream success, a Hollywood movie deal, a WWE contract no-less, he isn’t specific on what he means, but he intends to show the world that he is #1, not Cody.
The match starts slow with each other taking their time, ensuring to not make mistakes. MJF is as verbal as ever throughout the bout, while Cody remains quiet, composed and focused. The match spoils into the crowd at one point, MJF desperate to win by any means necessary, with a defiant Cody responding to each blow from MJF with one of his own. The referee seems to be lenient here so as to not have another no-contest on our hand – especially in the main event of the biggest show ever.
There is no interference, it’s just these two men for over 40 minutes. “This is Awesome” and “Fight Forever” chants are called out sporadically throughout this time, MJF ends up through a table, and with what we thought may be a count out victory for Cody, ends at the nine count as MJF’s lifeless body clambers back to the ring running on adrenaline alone.
During the matches final moments, the referee is pulled into the way of a Beautiful Disaster Kick, allowing MJF to take advantage, pulling out his Dynamite Diamond Ring to end this match once and for all. Cody turns and receives a huge blow to the head. MJF shakes the referee back to consciousness as he goes for the pin. One… Two… Thr-Cody kicks out!
MJF is in disbelief. He doesn’t know what to do with himself. He rolls out the ring and grabs a chair. The referee pulls this off of MJF as Maxwell turns into a Beautiful Disaster Kick. In the same motion Cody springs off the opposite ropes and hits the Cody Cutter. He pulls MJF up, holds him into position, acknowledges the crowds and puts him away with a Cross Rhodes.
One, Two, Three. Cody wins!
Confetti is blasted around the ring, fireworks are going off, as Cody celebrates with the crowd. A beaten down MJF slowly rises to his feet as MJF and Cody embrace in a hug, and Cody lifts MJFs arm into the air. An excellent show of respect. This is then immediately met with a kick to the groin from MJF as he walks out of the arena.
Brandi and Paul Levesque come down to help Cody to his feet as the show goes off air. Night One was full of AEW noise and hype; however, Night Two very much felt like a win for WWE.
…
And that’s it! Apologies for the length, my stream of consciousness has never heard of a word count, and never will! Let me know your thoughts on my fantasy booked card, whether they be good or bad, I am always down to chat wrestling!
Please also let us know what AEW vs WWE dream matches you would love to see, and if you wish to add some backstory to it as well. We may look to feature them on the website!
