Will Ospreay courtesy of AEW
Originally published on April 29, 2024.
The following content reflects my personal opinion and should be interpreted as such. Any views expressed here are solely mine and do not represent any official stance. This opinion piece is intended for entertainment and discussion purposes only, and should not be construed as factual information or professional advice. Reader discretion is advised.
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Two months after pledging his allegiance in All Elite-ness with AEW, Will Ospreay has managed to do two things for me that make me like him even more than I have before. Firstly, he consistently delivers top-notch 5-star matches every time he steps into the ring since joining the promotion. Secondly, he has successfully captivated audiences, both in-person and on television, which is no easy feat. Ospreay’s decision to join AEW was undoubtedly a brilliant one, and I’m excited to share why.
I gotta confess, that before AEW, I had zero clue about Ospreay or NJPW. But man, my Ospreay awakening happened during his clash with Kenny Omega for the IWGP US Heavyweight Championship last year at Forbidden Door. That match? Pure magic. It hit me like a freight train: this guy is the real deal. So when the banter started between Seth Rollins and Ospreay, and whispers of him maybe heading to WWE started swirling, I was hyped beyond belief.
During an interview with The Ringer before WrestleMania 40, Rollins was questioned about his past online feud with Ospreay, sharing his thoughts on the “Aerial Assassin”:
[Will Ospreay] is absolutely one of the best performers in the world, and I’m happy that he is finally, you know, getting to the very top level in our industry…
And of course, you know how it went after that: Ospreay picked AEW over WWE, Triple H threw a jab at him, and Ospreay fired back. And that’s a wrap on that saga… for now. But since Ospreay’s official debut in March, he has had nothing but amazing matches in AEW:
Konosuke Takeshita:
Kyle Fletcher:
Katsuyori Shibata:
Powerhouse Hobbs:
Claudio Castagnoli:
And what might go down as one of the best AEW matches in 2024, Will Ospreay and Bryan Danielson at Dynasty:
I’ve poured out my thoughts on Ospreay on my socials, and let me tell you, I firmly believe we wouldn’t have seen the same Ospreay if he went the WWE route. Sure, there are brawlers like Pete Dunne with similar styles, but there’s this distinct wrestling freedom vibe in AEW that WWE seems to lack. In my humble opinion, Ospreay might have felt a bit suffocated in WWE, having to adhere to a more restricted and cautious approach. Plus, we’d have missed out big time on the Ospreay vs. Danielson classic if he went elsewhere.
So, kudos to Ospreay for choosing the path that allows him to spread his wings and showcase his full potential. AEW’s platform has provided him with the creative space to craft his artistry in the ring without limitations, and fans like us are reaping the rewards. It’s not just about the jaw-dropping maneuvers or the high-flying action; it’s about the raw passion and energy he brings to every match, igniting a fire in the hearts of wrestling enthusiasts worldwide. And let’s not forget the matchups we’ve been blessed with — from dream bouts to unexpected showdowns, each one adding another layer to Ospreay’s legacy.
As he continues to carve his path in AEW, I have no doubt we’ll witness even more unforgettable moments and rivalries that will solidify his status as one of the all-time greats. So here’s to Will Ospreay, the aerial virtuoso, the master of the squared circle, and the embodiment of what it means to be truly elite in the world of professional wrestling.
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