Backstage News On Nick Wayne Missing AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door

Nick Wayne is out of AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door due to injury, with a returning Luchasaurus set to team with Kip Sabian on Wayne’s behalf to face Cope and Christian Cage.

Whilst Wayne appeared on the go-home edition of Dynamite via video on August 20, leading to some speculation that his injury is a work, it has been confirmed that Wayne is legitimately out of action with a broken foot. Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer speculated that Wayne could be good to go in around 10 weeks if he doesn’t undergo surgery.

Wayne is the reigning Ring of Honor World Television Champion, and it remains to be seen if ‘The Prodigy’ will be forced to vacate the title. Wayne won the title in April 2025 after defeating Komander for the strap at AEW Collision: Spring BreakThru.

Nick Wayne is the latest name to join AEW's injured list, with Will Ospreay and Swerve Strickland also dealing with injury issues, although both are set to work Forbidden Door before potentially taking time off. For Luchasaurus, Forbidden Door will mark his first match in AEW since August 2024 after contracting double pneumonia.

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