While most wrestlers brush off negative feedback or get defensive about fan criticism, AEW International Champion Will Ospreay has taken a completely different approach. The high-flying superstar actively seeks out criticism and uses it as fuel to elevate his game inside the squared circle.
The Ego Check That Changed Everything
Speaking on the “JJRBTS” podcast, Ospreay revealed his mindset shift that separates him from wrestlers who dismiss fan opinions. Rather than getting defensive, he views every piece of feedback as valuable intel from his audience.
“They’re people that are watching the shows, so remove your ego,” Ospreay explained. “If they’re going, ‘Well, I don’t like Will Ospreay’s matches because he doesn’t do this.’ One thing that really makes me laugh, we’ve just done that Dynamite [segment] when me and Hangman were face to face one another.”
The former NJPW standout pointed to his recent promo battle with Hangman Adam Page as a perfect example. Despite delivering what he considered his best microphone work to date, fans fixated on an unexpected detail.
When Hair Becomes the Headline
Even when Ospreay felt he delivered career-best promo work during his face-off with Hangman Page, wrestling fans found something entirely different to focus on. The criticism wasn’t about his words or delivery—it was about his hair.
“That’s the best time I feel like I’ve ever really talked on a microphone, the best of my abilities, and everyone’s going, ‘Oh, but his hair.’ I get it. I can’t control this hair, but like I’ll take it. It’s a criticism and do you know what, fair enough, they’re watching.”
Rather than getting frustrated by the unexpected focus, Ospreay demonstrated the exact mindset that’s helped him become one of AEW’s top international stars.
The Industry Problem Most Wrestlers Won’t Admit
According to the two-time AEW International Champion, many of his fellow wrestlers make a critical mistake when dealing with fan feedback. They dismiss criticism by questioning whether fans have ever stepped foot in a wrestling ring themselves.
This attitude, Ospreay suggests, creates a dangerous disconnect between performers and the audience they’re trying to entertain. By actually listening to criticism and checking their egos at the door, wrestlers could potentially convert casual viewers into dedicated fans.
The Review Show Strategy
Ospreay takes his commitment to improvement seriously, regularly consuming wrestling review shows to gauge audience reactions. This hands-on approach to fan feedback helps him identify areas for growth that he might otherwise miss.
“I listen to review shows all the time because I want to get better at this and I want to be the guy for this, but I’m not going to be the guy if I’m just like ‘No, I’m making my money now.’ Complacency kills. If you are complacent in this industry, you are not willing to evolve.”
This dedication to continuous improvement has clearly paid dividends for the aerial specialist, who has established himself as a cornerstone of AEW Dynamite programming.
The Championship Mindset
Ospreay’s approach to criticism reflects the same mentality that’s made him a standout performer on AEW’s flagship show. His willingness to evolve and adapt has been instrumental in his success as a two-time AEW International Champion.
The British wrestler’s philosophy stands in stark contrast to performers who believe financial success should insulate them from fan opinions. Instead, he views every critique as an opportunity to refine his craft and connect with new audiences.
In an industry where ego often trumps evolution, Ospreay’s approach to fan criticism might just be the secret weapon that separates good wrestlers from truly great ones. What other AEW stars could benefit from adopting this mindset, and how might it change the landscape of professional wrestling criticism?
