AEW X NJPW Forbidden Door 2022: 10 Nightmares That Could Happen

2. The IWGP Heavyweight Title Is An Afterthought

Jay White Hangman Page
AEW

Right, just what is going on here?

Reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champ Jay White has rubbished a title bout vs. Hangman Page in-character, and Adam Cole's rumoured injury situation has thrown cold water over the chances of that match happening either. Still, AEW claim White will defend his prize at Forbidden Door, but they won't say against who.

This doesn't sound promising. The crown jewel of New Japan Pro Wrestling shouldn't be overlooked like this, nor should it be teased as some last-minute "order now, folks" dangling carrot mid-week before a pay-per-view. That's insulting, and it doesn't inspire hope for the AEW/New Japan working relationship in the minds of fans.

Come bell time, White could have a stunning match vs. anyone. However, wouldn't it be better if the title was just left off the card if this afterthought nonsense is all AEW has in mind for it? Maybe that's harsh, but New Japan's big belt deserves better.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.