One Big Thing
A top WWE star, AJ Styles, made an effort to persuade Will Ospreay to join WWE, but Ospreay ultimately chose All Elite Wrestling (AEW) instead.
Key Moments
- Will Ospreay’s contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) expired in February.
- Ospreay announced at AEW Full Gear in November his decision to sign with AEW following his NJPW contract expiration.
- During his free agency, AJ Styles reached out to Ospreay in an attempt to influence his decision.
- On AEW Unrestricted, Ospreay expressed his admiration for Styles, calling him his hero and acknowledging Styles’ impact on his career.
Why It Matters
This incident highlights the competitive nature of wrestling promotions in securing top talent. Ospreay’s decision to join AEW over WWE, despite personal outreach from his hero AJ Styles, is significant because it reflects Ospreay’s desire to contribute to AEW’s growing influence in the wrestling world. It also showcases the personal relationships and respect among wrestlers across different promotions.
Ospreay’s Statement
“AJ was on the phone to me… trying to, I guess the right word would be ‘sway’ in making my decision on which company I should sign with. And it flatters me because AJ is my hero, everything I wanted to become,” Ospreay stated on AEW Unrestricted.
Conclusion
Will Ospreay’s choice underscores the importance of agency and personal goals in the careers of professional wrestlers. Despite the allure of WWE and the efforts of a respected peer, Ospreay opted for a path he believes offers him the best opportunity to make a significant impact.
What are your thoughts on Ospreay’s decision to join AEW over WWE, despite AJ Styles’ attempt to sway him? Leave your comments below.
