Come this spring, Will Ospreay is set to celebrate a decade in the industry of professional wrestling, and what a decade it has undoubtedly been for this young man (28).
It was a bout between Christopher Daniels, Samoa Joe and AJ Styles that set this young man on his pro wrestling journey, the TNA match providing quite the inspiration for the young British talent from Havering, London, England. That match took place at TNA’s Unbreakable event in 2005. AJ Styles would win that match for the coveted X Division championship.
Well, the young Ospreay was hooked and set to achieving his dream soon after.
He made his way through many promotions, specifically Progress Wrestling; he also worked the United Kingdom independent circuit, Revolution Pro Wrestling, which he also still makes appearances for, ROH, even Frontline Wrestling, and finally landing in NJPW.
via Cozy Superkick /YouTube
*Please keep in mind that the above match happened when Ospreay had been in the business for only about 3 years. The word prodigy comes to mind.
It didn’t take him long to rise amongst the ranks there in the legendary promotion, and he won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship 3 times and the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship once. His list of accolades and championships is massive, and rightfully so.
Dare I say it, the young man’s career and achievements take me back to the career of yet another rising NJPW star from a different era: the one, the only, “the belt collector” himself, Kenny Omega.
via NJPW /YouTube
In addition to all that, he is a great heel; also, he’s charismatic and has that kind of Tom Hardy thing going for him, which works…surely he’s an original, all the while calling on qualities from wrestlers from the past.
It was recently, as he took the time to speak to SEScoops that he talked about facing such stars like the legend Kenny Omega, mentioned above, and he had some pretty interesting things to say to that effect:
“…I would still love that match with CM Punk…He’s the one that called me out. He said, ‘I want to wrestle Will Ospreay.’ So with that, Bryan Danielson, he said ‘I want to wrestle Will Ospreay’ and I get it. Kenny Omega wants to wrestle Will Ospreay. Take a ticket and I’ll get to you when I get to you guys…Sammy Guevara, he’s another one that called me out…Because when Big Match Billy is in town, their stock goes up. Everyone that wrestles me – and you can’t deny it – every single person that wrestles me ups their game…If you guys really want it that bad…just call my number and I’ll show up…I’ll embarrass them…”
Harsh words indeed for the entirety of the AEW roster, but with the “Forbidden Door,” these matches can actually happen. On Bryan Danielson and if CM Punk actually is the “Best in the World,” he said:
“Guys like Bryan Danielson made a living being one of the best wrestlers in the world. But if I showed up, he would not last in the ring with me. Kenny Omega was THE guy in New Japan Pro Wrestling. He left. I took over…I’m THE challenge. So, if those guys want it, I’m ready. But, you guys hit me up. I didn’t hit none of you guys up…”
via SEScoops
On Punk’s “Best in the World” moniker:
“…Is he though? He says he’s the best wrestler in the world. When was he saying that, 2011? Was he the best in the world, or was he the best of the bad bunch? …”
via SEScoops
via SEScoops /YouTube
Challenges for the AEW roster aside for now, he also made headlines, f4wonline.com reporting that he’s headed for MLW (Major League Wrestling). The report suggested that he may appear at Thursday’s Fightland which airs on Vice, and also hinted at, was the possibility that he could also show up at the Intimidation Games event scheduled for November 6th, that event taking place in Philadelphia, although nothing is certain just yet.
Regardless of when he debuts, though, he is certainly on the road to a legendary status in this business for sure, especially looking at all he’s accomplished in almost ten years.
Just think of what the next ten can bring for him. He’s something special for sure, and if you haven’t paid a attention to his career thus far, dear readers, now’s the time to certainly do so.
