News

Top Star Brutalized At AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, As Another Injured Wrestler Returns

By Sridhar Krishnan • Published Aug 24, 2025 15:46 EDT
AEW logo over Swerve Strickland Prince Nana

AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door witnessed the return of behemoth Wardlow.

It occurred after Swerve Strickland‘s loss to Kazuchika Okada for the Unified Championship, which was contested under Continental Rules.

The match itself witnessed hard-hitting action, but Okada got the best of Strickland with a lariat clothesline.

After the match, Okada trapped Strickland’s right leg between the ring steps and hit it multiple times with a steel chair.

Prince Rana, who was banned from ringside under continental rules, arrived with a steel pipe in his hand.

As Rana helped Strickland recover in the ring, Wardlow appeared behind him.

Wardlow Attacks Prince Rana At AEW Forbidden Door

Wardlow has been out of action for over a year due to injury.

After the match, he entered the ring behind Prince Rana. He immediately attacked him, throwing a series of punches as Swerve Strickland looked helplessly.

This prompted a few backstage security guards to arrive, but Wardlow took them out, too.

While he did not attack Strickland, AEW might have plans for them in the near future.

It was recently reported that the 34-year-old is suffering from an injury and might require surgery. This may be AEW’s way of keeping him out of action until he’s fully fit.