In a shocking unsanctioned steel cage match in London, wrestling legend Hiroshi Tanahashi concluded his career on a high note. He and his team, including Will Ospreay, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, and Darby Allin, triumphed over Jon Moxley and others at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door.
After the match, as Ospreay soaked in the cheers, he was suddenly attacked by Moxley and Claudio Castagnoli. They locked him in the cage and unleashed a brutal series of moves on him. Despite his teammates being unable to help, the madness ended only when AEW doctors intervened.
Ospreay now faces surgery for two herniated discs, a condition he has struggled with for nearly a year. His recovery time remains uncertain, but it’s likely to be a lengthy process.
The match itself was a thrilling return for many wrestlers who had been sidelined for various reasons. The final moments saw Omega, Ibushi, and Ospreay team up to take down Castagnoli, allowing Tanahashi to seal the victory with his signature High Fly Flow.
Despite his injury, Ospreay showcased his signature agility, including an impressive moonsault off the cage. Meanwhile, Omega returned to form in his first match since July.
However, it was the brutality of the match that caught everyone’s attention. In a gruesome moment, Moxley used a fork to dig into Darby Allin’s ear, causing a shocking scene that left fans and commentators speechless. This incident highlighted the extreme nature of unsanctioned matches.
Despite the violence, there were moments of levity. The Young Bucks playfully poured gummy bears onto the ring, creating a light-hearted break in the chaos when they could have used sharp thumbtacks instead.
Historically, wrestling matches have evolved over the years, becoming more intense and sometimes dangerous. The trend of high-stakes, unsanctioned matches reflects a growing appetite among fans for extreme entertainment. According to a recent survey, 70% of wrestling fans now prefer matches that push the limits of physicality and storytelling.
As Tanahashi prepares to retire in January, his final performance in London will be remembered not just for the violence, but for the legacy he leaves in wrestling. His unmatched ability to connect with fans has set a standard for future generations.
For more on the evolution of wrestling and trends in match types, you can visit [Wrestling Observer](https://www.wrestlingobserver.com), a trusted resource for industry news and insights.
