A new report claims that a major element of the new era of WWE led by President Nick Khan and Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque could see the company finally kick open “The Forbidden Door.”
For decades WWE founder and former CEO Vince McMahon was often opposed to the idea of working with other promotions. During the company’s legendary history, ECW was the only rival promotion that he allowed his product to cross over with more than once and that was more due to a personal investment he had in the Philadelphia-based company.
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However, with his reign as the final decision-maker now over, there has been a recent crack in the “Forbidden Door” on WWE’s side. In 2022, Impact Wrestling Knockouts champion Mickie James — a former WWE titlist — made a surprise appearance in the Royal Rumble. Then in January, TNA Knockouts champ Jordynne Grace stunned many when she had a memorable appearance in this year’s Rumble.
Furthermore, WWE allowed Shinsuke Nakamura to compete in NOAH last year to face Great Muta in his retirement match.
Well, all of that may be just the beginning. Over the weekend WWE talent Shayna Baszler took part in the “Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport” shoot wrestling card and at the event, Nick Khan reportedly took a picture with Game Changer Wrestling founder Brett Lauderdale. After that moment turned many heads, Sports Illustrated reporter Justin Barraso offered an update on WWE possibly working with more companies soon.
“Speaking with numerous contacts surrounding Khan, one of WWE’s potential explorations is to engineer a collaboration with other professional wrestling promotions,” Barrasso wrote. “That is an area WWE rarely explored during McMahon’s four-plus decades of leadership, so it represents a new realm for Khan to make a lasting impact.”
4 promotions could Nick Khan could open the WWE ‘Forbidden Door’ to
TNA Wrestling
Considering the previous work WWE and TNA Wrestling have done together this seems like a no-brainer. While Scott D’Amore’s exit could affect things, the new TNA leadership team would be smart to continue that relationship and show the value of being a member of the roster to current and future performers.
Game Changer Wrestling
“Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport” was in collaboration with Game Changer Wrestling, and after Nick Khan and the company’s creator took a picture together it seems like more crossover in the future is but a formality. Don’t be surprised to see GCW talent popup on NXT and vice versa.
CMLL
In February it was reported that some CMLL wrestlers working with AEW were not happy with the current agreement between the two companies. With WWE always looking to expand its Spanish-speaking audience and reach in Latin America, luring CMLL — one of the top promotions in Mexico — to their side and away from AEW is very possible.
Major League Wrestling
Major League Wrestling has made a lot of noise in recent years and is becoming one of the best independent promotions in North America. Their current roster includes former WWE tag champion Matt Riddle, TNA great Sami Callihan, and former NXT tag titlist Bobby Fish. Nick Khan giving MLW a call for some crossover work with NXT in the future seems very likely.
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