Tony Khan has built the excitement for Forbidden Door even more by promising a “great moment” when a mystery combatant reveals themselves on the show.
AEW was rocked recently by the news that in addition to their AEW Champion CM Punk, Bryan Danielson was also suffering an injury that will see him miss both Forbidden Door and Blood & Guts.
On Dynamite Danielson commented on being challenged by New Japan Pro Wrestling star Zack Sabre Jr. and announced that he had the perfect replacement to face the English star at Forbidden Door.
With that replacement remaining a mystery, Tony Khan has discussed the situation on a recent media call. The AEW President began by talking about the double threat of losing two of the company’s biggest stars at the same time to injury:
“Talk about the one-two punch of injuries, losing CM Punk and Bryan Danielson, two of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. Bryan Danielson is so valuable to the company, backstage and of course on-screen. And most importantly on-screen, fans were so excited for Forbidden Door, him wrestling Zack Sabre Jr.”
“I think the anticipation was there, we had been hoping that we could really start building it up and Bryan was really starting to feel well after Anarchy in the Arena. He didn’t have any doubts whatsoever, I just didn’t want to take a chance … So I shut him down, and I think it was the right thing to do.”
Tony Khan went on to promise a lot of great moments at Forbidden Door but reiterated that the mystery opponent of Zack Sabre Jr. will be “worth the wait” although he wishes the circumstances surrounding the match had been different:
“It was one of those also perfect situations because rarely do the stars align where you have a mystery opponent and a chance to build up a moment like this. It’s very fitting to go back to the United Center, where we’ve only had one show, and it was a great moment, and I know for sure we’re going to have that great moment.
“I think there’s going to be a lot of great moments to expect on the show, but one thing I know is this great moment when we introduce Zack Sabre Jr’s mystery opponent. I’m really excited about it and I wish it had happened under different circumstances.”