Will Ospreay’s Hayabusa Tribute at AEW Forbidden Door: A Nod to Wrestling Heritage

One big thing: AEW’s Will Ospreay honored Japanese legend Hayabusa at Forbidden Door

AEW International Champion Will Ospreay paid homage to Japanese wrestling icon Hayabusa by wearing his famous mask at the recent Forbidden Door pay-per-view.

The details:

• Ospreay donned Hayabusa-inspired ring gear for his AEW World Championship match.
• He revealed he sought permission from Hayabusa’s family before using the mask.
• This tribute was previously worn at NJPW’s “Historic X-Over” event in 2022.

What they’re saying:

“This is about celebrating wrestling culture right? Well, this is the culture that got me into professional wrestling, so I can’t be happier. I hope I do them proud,” Ospreay said in an exclusive AEW interview.

Why it matters:

Ospreay’s gesture bridges generations of wrestling, connecting modern AEW audiences with the legacy of Japanese wrestling. It demonstrates the global nature of professional wrestling and the respect current stars have for their predecessors.

Background:

• Hayabusa was the ace of FMW in the 1990s.
• His career ended tragically in 2001 due to a severe in-ring injury.
• He passed away in 2016 at the age of 47.

The big picture:

This tribute showcases the interconnectedness of wrestling promotions and cultures, a key theme of AEW’s Forbidden Door event. It also highlights AEW’s commitment to honoring wrestling history across different promotions and countries.

What do you think about Will Ospreay’s tribute to Hayabusa? Does it enhance your appreciation for wrestling’s rich history? Share your thoughts in the comments below.