Tony Khan, Mercedes Moné, Will Ospreay, and Thekla spoke at the post-Forbidden Door media scrum in San Jose Sunday. Key highlights:
Moné said winning the Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament puts her in position to win the one title she has not yet held. She called Thekla “a walk in the park” and labeled herself “the greatest women’s wrestler of all time.” She praised opponent Maya World, saying she was “really proud” of her but noted at 34 she is still in her prime. She credited Eddie Guerrero as a foundational influence on her career. She rejected the idea of forming her own faction.
Thekla was brief and direct: on Moné winning the tournament, she said “Good for her” before adding “I’m going to retain, I don’t care.” She confirmed Stardom head Taro Okada is coming to Dynamite and said she “wasn’t done burning Stardom to the ground” following her victory over Starlight Kid. On the Triangle of Madness: “Expect the worst.”
Khan said pre-buys for Forbidden Door went very well. He has respect for Yota Tsuji’s decision to skip the event and noted Tsuji also said positive things about AEW. He wants to do a cross-branded NJPW/AEW tournament but acknowledged logistical challenges. He said Maya World has “earned a really great place” in AEW ahead of the tournament. Mike Mansury designed the Death’s Door circular steel cage — Khan said he hopes to use it again. On AEW’s WrestleMania weekend presence, he said “something to keep an eye on.”
