The Forbidden Door opened early as NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi proved to be a difference-maker on AEW Collision.
On the May 26th edition of Collision, The Young Bucks‘ hired guns, Lance Archer and The Righteous, were set to take on Claudio Castagnoli, Daniel Garcia, and a mystery opponent. That mystery partner turned out to be none other than New Japan’s Ace and current President, Hiroshi Tanahashi.
The eight-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion helped Castagnoli and Garcia to victory in the bout, finishing things with a High Fly Flow on Vincent to clinch the win. Afterwards, the star even joined Garcia in a victory dance.
Hiroshi Tanahashi Presents AEW President Tony Khan With Gift
After the show, Tony Khan took to social media to thank his fellow President for flying all the way to Las Vegas to take part in the match. He also revealed that Tanahashi had given him the gift of a Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger-themed jacket to mark the occasion.
“Thank you Mr President @tanahashi1_100 for this amazing @Liger_NJPW jacket
+
thank you for flying to Vegas [Double or Nothing] weekend on behalf of @njpw1972 to stand up for @AEW vs the hired guns of The Elite”
Thank you Mr President @tanahashi1_100 for this amazing @Liger_NJPW jacket
+
thank you for flying to Vegas #AEWDoN weekend on behalf of @njpw1972 to stand up for @AEW vs the hired guns of The Elite on Saturday #AEWCollision on TBS TONIGHT!Thank you all watching AEW on TBS now! pic.twitter.com/N0WTartfeY
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) May 26, 2024
With Forbidden Door just around the corner, there is no doubt that Khan and Tanahashi will have a lot to discuss on his visit to the US. The Ace will also have an interest in Double or Nothing as current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley will give Konosuke Takeshita a chance to earn a shot at the coveted title at the event.