Latest AEW X NJPW Forbidden Door 2023 Match Card and Predictions

AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling's Forbidden Door show has become one of the most anticipated events each year, and the 2023 edition is no exception.

This year's show will feature two true dream matches. In addition to a highly desired rematch between Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay for the United States Championship, the two companies have also booked Bryan Danielson against Kazuchika Okada.

With the addition of several other marquee bouts to the card, it is hard to imagine Dave Meltzer and the other wrestling pundits having enough stars when grading this event.

Here are predictions for the matches already announced for Forbidden Door 2023 and a focus on the two top matchups.

Confirmed Matches

Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay: IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship

Bryan Danielson vs. Kazuchika Okada

Sanada vs. "Jungle Boy" Jack Perry: IWGP World Heavyweight Championship

MJF vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi: AEW World Championship

*Winners are italicized.

Bryan Danielson vs. Kazuchika Okada

In today's wrestling landscape, there are only few actual dream matches left for wrestling fans, but that's precisely what they'll get when the "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson steps into the ring against "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada.

Okada is widely considered one of the greatest Japanese wrestlers of all time, and at just 35 years old, he still has plenty of time to cement his place as the unquestioned best. On the other hand, most wrestling fans believe Danielson is the greatest technical wrestler of this generation, with some even claim he is the best in-ring worker in history.

With two of the best finally stepping into a ring and going toe-to-toe, the result should be absolute magic.

Neither Danielson nor Okada will want to give an inch in the match, resulting in a stiff battle of ferocious forearms and devastating kicks. Add in a healthy mix of chain wrestling, reversals and submissions, and the bout will go down as an instant classic if the two men find even a modicum of chemistry.

With a bar set so high by fans of the sport, it would be hard for most performers to meet or exceed expectations, but we are not talking about two average wrestlers. Okada and Danielson understand the sport and the magnitude of this moment, and the magic they will create should be talked about for years to come.

Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay

At Wrestle Kingdom 17, Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay put on an epic battle that earned 6.25 stars from Meltzer and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Widely considered the best match of 2023 and one of the best ever by some, the two men will try to top perfection at Forbidden Door.

On Dynamite, Omega hit the ring to save his Elite brethren from an attack by Konosuke Takeshita, only for Ospreay to hit him with a surprise attack, including the Storm Breaker. With the pay-per-view on the horizon, the animosity between both men has never been higher.

With a memorable previous meeting and an even better storyline, wrestling fans are more excited for the rematch.

From an in-ring perspective, Omega and Ospreay have a chemistry seen rarely in wrestling, with their offensive move sets complimenting their elite selling. With a larger audience and the U.S. title on the line, the battle at Forbidden Door will be unforgettable, regardless of whether it surpasses their previous bout.

The only question now with the addition of MJF vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the AEW World Championship is where Omega and Ospreay II will be booked on the card. Whether it's the title match or Danielson vs. Okada, the rematch should open Forbidden Door and set the tone for the show.

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