Jon Moxley has been challenged to a significant match at AEW’s upcoming Forbidden Door pay-per-view in 2025 by Darby Allin, intensifying their ongoing rivalry. This development comes after a dramatic sequence on AEW Collision, where Allin appeared to kidnap Moxley and attempted to throw him off a fire escape. The conflict escalated further during a recent AEW Dynamite episode when Allin attacked Wheeler Yuta, who was with Moxley for a match against Mike Bailey.
Following the assault, Moxley and Marina Shafir found Yuta trapped inside a body bag outside the venue, accompanied by a note reading Forbidden Door. This has been widely perceived as a direct challenge from Allin to Moxley for the upcoming event, although AEW has not yet officially confirmed the match.
WWE Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix Hints at Possible In-Ring Return Against Mercedes Mone
Beth Phoenix, a <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE Hall of Famer and multiple-time Women’s Champion, has sparked speculation about returning to wrestling after more than two years of retirement. Phoenix posted a photo of AEW star Mercedes Mone on her Instagram shortly after Mone’s appearance on AEW Dynamite, suggesting a future confrontation between the two. Phoenix last competed at WWE’s Elimination Chamber event in 2023 alongside her husband Cope (formerly Edge), who recently signed with AEW, raising strong rumors about her debut in the promotion.
Mercedes Mone Forms New Partnership with ROH Champion Athena
Mercedes Mone has aligned herself with Ring of Honor Women’s World Champion Athena, following the departure of her previous associate Kamille, who left AEW in November 2024. During a recent episode of AEW Dynamite, Mone and Athena teamed up against their Forbidden Door rivals, Toni Storm and Alex Windsor. Athena executed her trademark maneuver, the O-Face, on Storm, while Mone delivered a backstabber to Windsor.
After the match, Mone and Athena shared a playful moment in a TikTok video, signaling that their alliance may continue to develop on AEW programming.
Willow Nightingale Commits Future to AEW Over WWE
Willow Nightingale, the former TBS Champion, has confirmed she will remain with AEW despite rumors of a potential move to WWE. Having been part of AEW since 2021, Nightingale expressed satisfaction with her current role and emphasized the opportunities AEW provides for travel and diverse wrestling experiences. In an interview with News Herald, she said,
“I am so happy where I am, and I feel like my work here is so far from done. And the things that I love about wrestling the most are afforded to me here. I do get to travel and see the world, wrestle other places, wrestle other people,” —Willow Nightingale, AEW Star
This statement ends speculation about her jumping to WWE and underscores her dedication to AEW’s growth and presentation.
Context and Implications for AEW’s Landscape
The developments surrounding Jon Moxley’s potential blockbuster AEW match challenge promise to become a key storyline at Forbidden Door 2025, attracting attention from wrestling fans eager to see how the heated rivalry with Darby Allin will conclude. Meanwhile, Beth Phoenix’s hinted return could inject fresh energy into AEW’s women’s division, especially as Mercedes Mone strengthens her position with Athena’s support.
Willow Nightingale’s recommitment to AEW also indicates the promotion’s continued ability to retain top talent amid WWE’s ongoing competition. Collectively, these stories suggest a period of significant activity and high-profile matchups ahead for AEW, shaping the future landscape for both its male and female competitors.
