AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2025 Star Ratings: One Five-Star Classic and Six Matches Over Four Stars
AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2025 Star Ratings – 5 Star Classic. The highly anticipated AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2025 pay-per-view lived up to expectations and delivered another unforgettable night of professional wrestling. Dave Meltzer’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter has released the official star ratings for the show, confirming that the event featured one perfect five-star match and a total of six matches rated four stars or higher.
One Five-Star Match Steals the Show
The main attraction of the night was the Lights Out Steel Cage Match, which earned a rare five-star rating. Fans and critics alike praised the match for its brutal storytelling, dramatic high spots, and decisive finish. It stood out as the match of the night and will go down as one of the greatest in Forbidden Door history.
Matches Rated Four Stars or Higher
While the cage match took the crown, several other bouts also came close to perfection. The clash between Hangman Adam Page and MJF earned 4¾ stars, falling just short of five but showcasing incredible pacing and crowd investment.
Elsewhere, Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Nigel McGuinness and Mark Fletcher vs. Hiromu Takahashi both scored 4½ stars, highlighting technical mastery and hard-hitting sequences that defined the night.
Kazuchika Okada vs. Swerve Strickland was rated 4¼ stars, a match that blended charisma with top-tier athleticism. Meanwhile, the six-man tag featuring Bandido, FTR, and the Hurt Syndicate impressed with a four-star rating, delivering pure chaos and teamwork in equal measure.
Women’s Division Showcases
The women’s matches also received strong recognition. Toni Storm vs. Athena earned 3¾ stars, praised for its intensity and pacing. The four-way match featuring Mercedes Moné, Windsor, Persephone, and Bozilla was rated 3¼ stars, showing flashes of brilliance while setting the stage for future rivalries.
Veteran Storytelling and Tag Team Battles
Another highlight came from the tag team world, as Adam Copeland and Christian Cage faced off against Kip Sabian and Killswitch. The match earned 3½ stars, delivering on nostalgia, storytelling, and crowd reaction.
Complete AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2025 Star Ratings – 5 Star Classic
- Lights Out Steel Cage Match – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Hangman Adam Page vs. MJF – ⭐⭐⭐⭐¾
- Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Nigel McGuinness – ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
- Mark Fletcher vs. Hiromu Takahashi – ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
- Kazuchika Okada vs. Swerve Strickland – ⭐⭐⭐⭐¼
- Bandido, FTR & Hurt Syndicate Six-Man Tag – ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Toni Storm vs. Athena – ⭐⭐⭐¾
- Mercedes Moné vs. Windsor vs. Persephone vs. Bozilla – ⭐⭐⭐¼
- Adam Copeland & Christian Cage vs. Kip Sabian & Killswitch – ⭐⭐⭐½
Final Thoughts on Forbidden Door 2025
The 2025 edition of AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door will be remembered as one of the strongest cross-promotional cards in recent memory. With one five-star classic and six matches rated four stars or above, the event proved why this annual showcase has become a can’t-miss spectacle.
