I want to preface this by saying I am a fan of both companies and will be attending the show today. I also understand it is mainly an AEW show and TK doesn't need to care about NJPW talent and stories. But however I do feel there has been a few open goals missed in terms of dream matches and storylines. It is also annoying that this crossover show has been turned into a regular AEW ppv with a bit of NJPW on the card.
The first year, 2022 was great in spite of all the injuries and roadblocks. No complaints.
The second edition was also an amazing show. I would only say that Jack Perry challenging Sanada made all parties involved look bad. Sanada really could have done with a big name like Christian Cage or Jericho to beat or someone he could have a potential 5 star match with. Instead he faced Bland Jack Perry with no momentum and looked like a Jr. It also excarbated Perry's weakness but did lead to the improvements in his character. Moreover, a lackluster defence here helped the sentiment that Sanada's title reign was a failure, a top defence here would have helped change that viewpoint.
2024/25 have lost the NJPW vs AEW approach, instead just being an AEW PPV with some NJPW talent. This year due to the show being later clashing with the G1 has been hard to build towards. However, I think as a predominantly NJPW fan there are a few matches or stories I wish we got on any edition of the show.
Firstly, considering the amount of smaller guys on their roster, it is wild the Jr title has never been defended. They easily could do a high flying 4 way with two NJPW guys two AEW guys or even a CMLL rep. Would be good to get the likes of Despy, Wato, Clark, Fujita or Akira on the card. In a similar vein, no idea how we haven't got a beautiful car crash between Hiromu and Darby yet.
In storyline Jay White is banned from NJPW. But a Bang Bang Gang vs War Dogs match writes itself. Could have been done 2023 or 24. But I guess both sides wouldn't want to lose. Similarly, if it wasn't for the G1 and Gabe's injury, a War Dogs vs Death riders cage match or anarchy in the arena would be perfect and an easy story.
This is more on NJPW, but the new generation are not over so they have not been in marquee spots. But Forbidden Door was the perfect show to free Umino from being tied to Moxley. With the benefit of hindsight. Umino should have been the one to take the belt back from Moxley last year instead of Naito. A second match with good build could have finally made him the star NJPW want.
Whilst Okada vs Strickland is a big time match and I'm happy to see it. It could have been done later whilst we see Okada face of vs the next Gen he kept refusing to face before he left.
It also is disappointing that since Osprey has left there has been no interaction with his old Empire teammates. Another disappointment is how during the great runs of Bishamon and Catch 2/2 that neither featured. Whether defending their own belts or challenging the AEW teams.
Lastly, some matches I wish we could have had by now: Cobb vs Joe, ZSJ vs Joe, Catch 2/2 vs FTR, Darby vs Hiromu, Tsuji vs anyone
by shecanbromehard