New Interim AEW World Champion Crowned At Forbidden Door

Who took the gold when Hiroshi Tanahashi faced Jon Moxley at AEW X NJPW Forbidden Door?

Hiroshi Tanahashi Jon Moxley
AEW

Jon Moxley is an AEW World Champion once more.

The Blackpool Combat Club man took AEW's interim belt at Sunday's Forbidden Door pay-per-view, defeating NJPW legend Hiroshi Tanahashi in their long-awaited match. A tough, claret-soaked affair was defined as much by Mox's ruthlessness as Tanahashi's endearing babyface brilliance, both of which conspired to turn the crowd against Jon for extended periods, though a post-match settling of differences (interrupted by the Jericho Appreciation Society) put the wrestlers back on the same page.

Moxley took the win via Paradigm Shift, pinning New Japan Pro Wrestling's celebrated Ace. This came after multiple submission teases emanating from Moxley's the Bulldog Choke.

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The Interim AEW World Championship was created in the wake of CM Punk's announcement that injury would force him to take time away from the company after defeating 'Hangman' Adam Page for the true world title in May. Punk's return date remains unknown, with Moxley set to anchor the main event scene in his absence.

In victory, Moxley became an AEW World Champion for the first time since December 2020, when Kenny Omega ended his acclaimed 277-day run on top at Winter Is Coming.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.