5 NJPW Wrestlers Who Must Open The Forbidden Door To AEW Next

5. Jay White

Ideal match: vs. Darby Allin

Jay White was once a hot topic within the New Japan regime.

A former IWGP Heavyweight, Intercontinental, and United States Heavyweight Champion, 'Switchblade' is also in the midst of his inaugural run as the company's NEVER Openweight Champion, making him New Japan's first modern Grand Slam Champion, too. They trust him to be a company face, putting him on the same wavelength as the likes of Kazuchika Okada.

Having already stepped through the Forbidden Door, appearing a handful of times for IMPACT Wrestling over their summer programming, a Jay White match in AEW doesn't sound too far-fetched.

It's his debut IMPACT appearance that makes this feel more real. He confronted Kenny Omega, Don Callis, and the Good Brothers at the conclusion of the Anthem-helmed promotion's Slammiversary pay-per-view on 17 July, but the remainder of his time in IMPACT was spent feuding with FinJuice ahead of his title defence vs. David Finlay. Coming face to face with the Super Elite quarter felt a tad forced because of this. They were left in the headlights while White dropped Finlay with a Bladerunner.

For his AEW debut, an ideal debut adversary would be Darby Allin. He's a top babyface, a proven ratings draw, and can have a banger with literally anybody. Go on, Tony, put that NEVER Openweight Title on TNT.