Visa Problems Threatening Multiple Talent Appearances at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door

Visa complications are creating serious headaches for the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door pay-per-view, with Tony Khan acknowledging during a media call Thursday that the situation has been a “massive challenge for this event.”

Khan confirmed that Beast Mortos and Komander are among those affected, but went further to reveal that Mark Davis, Gabe Kidd, and Hechicero are also dealing with visa issues heading into the show. That’s a notable mix of talent — Davis is one half of celebrated tag team Aussie Open and a key part of the AEW/NJPW crossover roster, while Kidd has emerged as one of NJPW’s hottest acts in recent months. Hechicero, a technically gifted lucha libre veteran, has been a welcome addition whenever he’s appeared stateside.

Khan’s candid comments on the media call reflect just how fluid the situation remains. Visa and travel complications have been an ongoing issue for international wrestling events since the pandemic, but the scope of the problem here — spanning multiple wrestlers from different countries — underscores the logistical complexity of staging a joint show that draws talent from across the globe.

Forbidden Door has built a reputation as one of the most talent-dense cards on the annual wrestling calendar, precisely because it blends AEW’s roster with NJPW’s international lineup. Any significant absences, particularly from in-demand names like Kidd or Davis, would be felt on the final card.

With the show approaching, it remains to be seen whether all of the affected talent will be cleared in time to compete.