MJF retains.
MJF retained the AEW World Title at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, defeating Hiroshi Tanahashi in the opening contest.
The finish saw MJF shove Tanahashi into referee Bryce Remsburg and then deck Tanahashi with the Dynamite Diamond Ring for the victory.
MJF was favoring his knee throughout the match, and Tanahashi targeted the injured limb, but MJF got his knees up when Tanahashi went for the High Fly Flow to prevent a potential loss. Tanahashi had MJF rolled up as the referee disposed of the AEW World Title that MJF brought into the ring, but MJF kicked out once Remsburg turned around to count. The kick out led into the finish.
Classic MJF -- pic.twitter.com/xObV6piFIh
— B/R Wrestling (@BRWrestling) June 26, 2023
Of course he did....
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 26, 2023
Order #AEWxNJPW #ForbiddenDoor on PPV right now!
----: https://t.co/QkT7hO9Xh4
--: https://t.co/SWp7bcLK64@The_MJF @tanahashi1_100 pic.twitter.com/a5wzbIm5aM
High Fly OH NO! @The_MJF didn't want this match, but he came prepared for the Ace! #AEWxNJPW #ForbiddenDoor
— TDE Wrestling (@tde_gif) June 26, 2023
https://t.co/CkfxC2VBqd
-- https://t.co/2RPTamuzf4 pic.twitter.com/tJhBpUflYU
This marked the fourth successful title defense for MJF. He won the title by defeating Jon Moxley at AEW Full Gear 2022. Hiroshi Tanahashi failed to capture the Interim AEW World Title at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2022 when he lost to Jon Moxley.
The match went on first because MJF stated he wanted to get his match over with so he didn't have to spend time watching the event and being in Toronto.
Fans can find Fightful's coverage of AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door by clicking here. Check out the post-show podcast for a full review of the action by clicking here.
