Forbidden Door Pioneers Who Wrestlers Crossed Over Before AEW

Hey guys, ever wondered who paved the way for all those epic crossovers we're seeing in wrestling today? Before AEW burst onto the scene, there was a whole history of wrestlers crossing promotional lines, and it's a wild ride! So, let's dive into the fascinating world of the forbidden door and explore the wrestlers who dared to walk through it before AEW made it the norm. We'll be looking at some legendary names, some surprising collaborations, and some truly groundbreaking moments that shaped the wrestling landscape as we know it. Get ready to have your wrestling history knowledge expanded!

What Exactly Is The Forbidden Door?

Okay, before we get too deep into the historical figures, let's make sure we're all on the same page about what the forbidden door actually is. In wrestling terms, it's basically an unspoken agreement (or sometimes a very loudly spoken one!) between different promotions that allows their wrestlers to appear on each other's shows. Think of it like this: it's the invisible barrier that keeps wrestlers from different companies from interacting, and when someone walks through that door, it's a big deal. It means dream matches can happen, storylines can cross over, and fans get to see wrestlers they never thought they would see together. This concept isn't entirely new, but AEW has definitely brought it into the mainstream in a massive way. They've collaborated with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Impact Wrestling, and even Ring of Honor (ROH), leading to some incredible moments. But, as we're about to see, the history of wrestlers crossing promotional lines goes way back, and there are some seriously cool examples that predate the AEW era. Understanding the forbidden door is key to appreciating the significance of these crossovers. It's about breaking down those artificial walls and giving fans the matches they crave, regardless of promotional affiliations. And when done right, it can create some truly unforgettable moments in wrestling history. Think about the possibilities: wrestlers from different styles and backgrounds clashing in the ring, new rivalries being born, and championships changing hands across promotions. The forbidden door opens up a world of opportunities, and it's something that fans are increasingly demanding in today's wrestling landscape.

The Pioneers of Crossover Wrestling

Now, let's rewind the clock and talk about the true pioneers of crossover wrestling. These are the wrestlers and promotions who laid the groundwork for the forbidden door as we know it today. We're talking about the risk-takers, the innovators, and the wrestlers who weren't afraid to step outside their comfort zones. One of the earliest examples that comes to mind is the work of promotions like International World Class Championship Wrestling (IWCCW) in the 1980s. Run by Kevin Von Erich's brother, Kevin Adkisson, this promotion showcased talent from various territories, effectively creating a melting pot of wrestling styles and personalities. Guys like Terry Gordy and Bruiser Brody were known for working in multiple territories, creating a sense of interconnectedness within the wrestling world. Another key figure in the history of crossover wrestling is Antonio Inoki, the legendary Japanese wrestler and promoter. Inoki was a master of blurring the lines between wrestling and other combat sports, often facing off against martial artists and boxers in high-profile matches. His vision of wrestling as a global spectacle paved the way for future collaborations between Japanese and Western promotions. In the 1990s, we saw the rise of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), a promotion that thrived on its rebellious spirit and its willingness to challenge the established norms of the wrestling industry. ECW was instrumental in bringing Japanese wrestlers like The Great Sasuke and Super Delfin to American audiences, exposing fans to a whole new world of wrestling styles. ECW's collaborations with Japanese promotions like Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW) were groundbreaking at the time, showcasing hardcore wrestling and innovative match types that had never been seen before in the US. These early examples of crossover wrestling were crucial in setting the stage for the forbidden door era. They showed that fans were hungry for something different, something that broke the traditional boundaries of wrestling. These pioneers paved the way for the collaborations we see today, and their legacy continues to inspire wrestlers and promoters alike.

The NJPW and WCW Connection

Speaking of groundbreaking collaborations, we can't talk about the forbidden door without highlighting the relationship between New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in the 1990s. This partnership was a game-changer, bringing together two of the biggest wrestling companies in the world and creating some truly unforgettable moments. The seeds of this collaboration were sown in the late 1980s, but it really took off in the early to mid-1990s. WCW, under the leadership of Ted Turner and later Eric Bischoff, was looking for ways to compete with the WWF (now WWE), and NJPW offered a wealth of talent and a distinct wrestling style that was unlike anything American fans had seen before. One of the key figures in this partnership was Antonio Inoki, who, as we mentioned earlier, had a vision of global wrestling. Inoki had strong ties to WCW, and he played a crucial role in facilitating the exchange of talent between the two promotions. Wrestlers like The Great Muta, Jushin Thunder Liger, and Masahiro Chono made appearances in WCW, showcasing their incredible skills and introducing American fans to the world of Japanese wrestling. In return, WCW sent wrestlers like Ric Flair, Sting, and The Steiner Brothers to NJPW, where they competed in high-profile matches and feuds. These talent exchanges were a win-win for both promotions. WCW got access to some of the most talented wrestlers in the world, while NJPW gained exposure in the American market. The NJPW-WCW relationship also led to some incredible dream matches, such as Sting vs. The Great Muta and Ric Flair vs. Tatsumi Fujinami. These matches were unlike anything American fans had seen before, blending the high-flying action of Japanese wrestling with the storytelling and showmanship of American wrestling. The NJPW-WCW connection was a crucial step in the evolution of the forbidden door. It showed that collaborations between different promotions could be successful and that fans were eager to see wrestlers from different companies compete against each other. This partnership laid the foundation for the crossover wrestling we see today, and it remains one of the most important chapters in wrestling history.

The Impact of ECW's Crossovers

As we've touched on already, Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) played a vital role in breaking down promotional barriers in the 1990s. This renegade promotion, led by the visionary Paul Heyman, wasn't afraid to do things differently, and their willingness to collaborate with other companies helped to shape the modern wrestling landscape. ECW's crossovers weren't just about bringing in talent from other promotions; they were about creating a unique and exciting product that blended different styles and sensibilities. ECW drew inspiration from various sources, including Japanese wrestling, hardcore wrestling, and even punk rock culture. They created a melting pot of wrestling styles, and their collaborations with Japanese promotions like FMW were a key part of that. ECW's partnership with FMW brought some of the most extreme and innovative wrestling matches to American audiences. Guys like Hayabusa, Masato Tanaka, and Mike Awesome became stars in ECW, showcasing their incredible athleticism and their willingness to push the boundaries of what was acceptable in wrestling. These matches were often brutal and bloody, but they were also incredibly exciting, and they helped to solidify ECW's reputation as a promotion that was unlike anything else. ECW also had working relationships with other promotions, including the WWF and NWA. These collaborations were often complex and sometimes controversial, but they helped to raise ECW's profile and introduce their unique brand of wrestling to a wider audience. ECW's crossovers weren't just about bringing in new talent; they were about creating a sense of excitement and unpredictability. Fans never knew who might show up in ECW or what might happen next. This sense of anything-can-happen was a key part of ECW's appeal, and it helped to make them one of the most influential wrestling promotions of all time. ECW's legacy continues to be felt today, and their willingness to break down barriers and collaborate with other companies paved the way for the forbidden door era. They showed that wrestling didn't have to be confined to traditional boundaries and that fans were eager for something different.

Other Notable Pre-AEW Crossovers

While the NJPW-WCW and ECW examples are perhaps the most well-known, there were plenty of other notable pre-AEW crossovers that deserve a mention. These collaborations often flew under the radar, but they played a crucial role in shaping the wrestling landscape. One example is the relationship between Ring of Honor (ROH) and NJPW in the 2000s and 2010s. ROH, known for its focus on in-ring action and its dedication to showcasing independent talent, developed a strong partnership with NJPW, bringing over some of the biggest names in Japanese wrestling to compete in the US. Guys like Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, and Shinsuke Nakamura made appearances in ROH, giving American fans a taste of the Strong Style wrestling that NJPW is famous for. This partnership helped to elevate ROH's profile and introduce a new generation of fans to Japanese wrestling. Another notable crossover was the relationship between Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA) and various Mexican promotions, including AAA. Impact has a long history of showcasing Lucha Libre talent, and their collaborations with AAA have brought some of the most exciting and innovative Luchadores to American television. Wrestlers like Pentagón Jr., Fénix, and Taya Valkyrie have all made appearances in Impact, showcasing their high-flying skills and their unique wrestling styles. These collaborations have helped to diversify the Impact roster and introduce fans to a different style of wrestling. We also can't forget about the various independent promotions that have collaborated over the years. Promotions like Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) and Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) have often brought in talent from around the world, creating a melting pot of wrestling styles and personalities. These independent crossovers have helped to cultivate a vibrant wrestling scene outside of the major promotions, and they've provided a platform for wrestlers to showcase their talents and gain exposure. These pre-AEW crossovers demonstrate that the desire for collaboration and the breaking down of promotional barriers has been a part of wrestling for a long time. While AEW has certainly brought the forbidden door into the mainstream, the groundwork was laid by these earlier partnerships and collaborations. They showed that fans were hungry for something different and that the wrestling world was more interconnected than many people realized.

AEW and the Modern Forbidden Door

Now, let's talk about AEW and how they've revolutionized the forbidden door concept in modern wrestling. While the collaborations we've discussed so far were significant, AEW has taken things to a whole new level, making inter-promotional partnerships a central part of their business model. From day one, AEW made it clear that they were open to working with other promotions, and they've followed through on that promise in a big way. Their partnerships with NJPW, Impact Wrestling, and ROH have led to some of the most exciting and unpredictable moments in wrestling in recent years. One of the key factors in AEW's success with the forbidden door is their willingness to give fans what they want. They've listened to the buzz on social media, they've paid attention to the dream matches that fans are clamoring for, and they've made those matches happen. This fan-centric approach has helped to create a sense of excitement and anticipation around AEW, and it's made them a must-watch promotion for wrestling fans. AEW's partnership with NJPW has been particularly fruitful, leading to events like Forbidden Door, a co-promoted show that brought together the top stars from both companies. This event was a massive success, selling out the United Center in Chicago and generating huge buzz online. It showed that there was a huge appetite for inter-promotional wrestling and that fans were willing to travel and spend money to see these dream matches come to life. AEW's collaborations with Impact Wrestling have also been significant, bringing in stars like Christian Cage, Kenny Omega, and The Good Brothers to compete in Impact's ring. These crossovers have helped to boost Impact's profile and create some compelling storylines that have spanned across both promotions. The acquisition of ROH by Tony Khan, the owner of AEW, has further solidified AEW's position as the king of the forbidden door. This acquisition has allowed AEW to tap into ROH's rich history and its roster of talented wrestlers, creating even more opportunities for inter-promotional matches and storylines. AEW's approach to the forbidden door has changed the landscape of wrestling, and it's likely to have a lasting impact on the industry. They've shown that collaborations between different promotions can be successful and that fans are eager for these kinds of crossovers. As other promotions take notice, we can expect to see even more inter-promotional partnerships in the future, creating a more interconnected and exciting wrestling world.

What the Future Holds for the Forbidden Door

So, what does the future hold for the forbidden door? It's safe to say that AEW has opened Pandora's Box, and there's no going back. Fans have gotten a taste of inter-promotional wrestling, and they're hungry for more. We can expect to see even more collaborations and crossovers in the years to come, as promotions realize the potential benefits of working together. One of the biggest questions on everyone's minds is whether WWE will ever fully embrace the forbidden door. WWE has traditionally been very protective of its brand, and they haven't often collaborated with other promotions. However, there have been some small signs that WWE might be warming up to the idea. Their willingness to work with NJPW to bring Finn Balor back to WWE was a significant step, and there have been rumors of potential collaborations with other promotions in the future. If WWE were to fully embrace the forbidden door, it would be a game-changer. It would open up a world of possibilities for dream matches and storylines, and it would likely create a huge surge in interest in wrestling as a whole. But even if WWE remains hesitant, the forbidden door is likely to continue to thrive. AEW has proven that there's a huge demand for inter-promotional wrestling, and other promotions will likely follow their lead. We can expect to see more collaborations between independent promotions, more partnerships between American and Japanese companies, and perhaps even some new and unexpected alliances. The forbidden door is more than just a trend; it's a reflection of the changing wrestling landscape. Fans are no longer content to watch wrestlers compete within the confines of a single promotion. They want to see the best wrestlers in the world compete against each other, regardless of promotional affiliations. And as long as that demand exists, the forbidden door will remain open. It's an exciting time to be a wrestling fan, and the future of the forbidden door is looking brighter than ever.

So, there you have it, guys! A deep dive into the history of the forbidden door, from the pioneers of crossover wrestling to AEW's modern revolution. It's a wild and fascinating story, and it's one that's still being written. Who knows what the future holds, but one thing is for sure: the forbidden door is here to stay, and it's going to continue to shape the wrestling landscape for years to come.