AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2026 went down at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, where the Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament came to an end. Mercedes Moné and Maya World met in the finals with far more than a trophy on the line, as the winner earned a shot at the AEW Women’s World Championship at All In.
Moné entered the final looking to win the tournament for the second straight year, while Maya World became the surprise story of the bracket after upsetting Athena to earn the biggest match of her AEW career.
Maya World tragically lost her brother a few weeks ago. He was the reason that she got into pro wrestling, and they made a point to draw attention to that during commentary.
Mercedes Mone kept the pressure on Maya World for most of this match. Fans were behind both competitors, as they followed every move. Maya World won over fans in a big way with this match, even though Mercedes commanded a bit of respect.
Maya World was able to kick out of a Money Maker from Mercedes. Fans exploded for Maya after that big kickout. Maya rallied after that with a few big moves, including a moonsault, but Mone got her shoulder up at two.
Maya World got Mercedes Mone in the Statement Maker, but Mone was able to turn it around on her. She got out of it, but ended up in the Statement Maker again, and Maya tapped out to give the Owen Hart Foundation tournament win to Mercedes Mone for the second year in a row.
The Owen Hart Foundation Tournament debuted in 2022 as a tribute to the late Owen Hart. Previous women’s winners include Britt Baker in 2022, Willow Nightingale in 2023, Mariah May in 2024, and Mercedes Moné in 2025, with each victory cementing the tournament’s reputation as a launching pad to the top of the women’s division.
Now that we have a 2026 winner, only time will tell if we see a title change at All In. The event will take place on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Wembley Stadium in London, England.
What’s your take on AEW and NJPW’s continued partnership? Is the Forbidden Door event still special? How do you feel Owen Hart’s name has been honored by AEW? Let us know what you think in the comments section!