A new report has claimed that AEW are close to securing a deal with another major Japanese promotion.
On June 26th in Chicago, AEW joined forces with New Japan Pro Wrestling to hold their first-ever super-show titled Forbidden Door.
While the card was greatly affected by a number of injuries to AEW stars such as Bryan Danielson and CM Punk, the show was positively received by fans. AEW President Tony Khan has since said that he is open to running a similar show in Japan, although ‘Forbidden Door’ is expected to remain in North America.
One interesting plan which didn’t come together at Forbidden Door was the potential for appearances from wrestlers signed to Stardom. The promotion is of course owned by the same parent company which owns New Japan. Since Stardom came under the NJPW banner, it’s stars have appeared on a number of New Japan shows.
Speaking after the super-show, Khan confirmed that he had hoped to use Stardom contracted talents but visa issues meant that plans fell through.
In a new update, Dave Meltzer has noted in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, that a deal is still on the table. Furthermore, AEW star Toni Storm who has history with the Japanese promotion, could be involved.
“There has been communication between AEW and Stardom of late. There are no deals but we’re told to expect something. There had been no talks in the past. We do know that Stardom is interested in getting dates with some AEW women, notably Toni Storm. But we were told to expect some stuff to happen. Storm has said she’s interested in working there as well.”
Tony Khan has also been discussing the prospect of All Elite Wrestling holding shows in both the United Kingdom and Canada.
The news comes after it was announced that NJPW are returning to the UK for the first time in three years.