Zack Sabre Jr. retains IWGP title over McGuinness at Forbidden Door

Nigel McGuinness faced a career-defining moment at the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event in London, challenging IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Zack Sabre Jr. for the title after earning his spot in a qualifier on AEW Collision. The bout, held at The O2 Arena, delivered a high-stakes clash on a global stage, a centerpiece of the cross-promotional show. Ultimately, Sabre Jr. retained the championship in a match noted for its technical precision, physical toll, and dramatic moments, including McGuinness focusing on Sabre’s finger and Sabre sustaining a bloodied nose before forcing the finish.

The buildup to Forbidden Door highlighted McGuinness’s long arc back to in-ring competition. A veteran who has competed across major promotions, he had been sidelined by injuries and spent recent years as a full-time commentator before returning to action at All In London and continuing to perform in AEW events. In candid remarks, he emphasized how instrumental Tony Khan’s backing has been in reviving his dream of competing at the sport’s highest levels. He described a sense of having “dealt with the disappointment, the regret, and the failure,” recalling that a decade earlier he never...