Will Ospreay is a name synonymous with high-octane action and breathtaking athleticism in the world of professional wrestling. The English grappler has carved a unique path in the industry, captivating audiences worldwide with his innovative offence and unmatched aerial prowess.
This article dives into the career of the “Aerial Assassin,” exploring his journey from the independent circuit to becoming a champion in the biggest promotions of Japan and the United States.
Early Days and UK Success (2011-2015)
Born William Peter Charles Ospreay in 1993, his fascination with wrestling began at a young age. He trained under renowned British wrestler Paul Robinson and debuted in the independent circuit at the tender age of 17.
Ospreay quickly established himself as a standout, showcasing his agility and developing a signature style heavily influenced by Japanese high-flyers.
His talent caught the eye of promotions across the UK. He captured numerous championships, including the PROGRESS Atlas Championship and the IPW:UK International Championship.
Ospreay also competed in prestigious tournaments like the PROGRESS Strong Style Tournament, where he displayed his in-ring acumen and ability to work different styles.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling: A meteoric rise (2015-2023)
In 2015, Ospreay’s career took a significant leap as he signed with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), one of the premier wrestling promotions in the world. NJPW is known for its emphasis on strong in-ring work and athleticism, making it a perfect fit for Ospreay’s skillset.
He quickly rose through the ranks, impressing audiences with his dazzling moves and captivating matches. Ospreay formed a successful tag team with Kushida, winning the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship twice.
His singles career also flourished, culminating in a victory over Jushin “Thunder” Liger for the NEVER Openweight Championship in 2019.
This victory marked a turning point, showcasing Ospreay’s ability to excel outside the high-flying style. He challenged for the top prize in NJPW, the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, on multiple occasions.
In 2020, Ospreay transitioned to the heavyweight division, a move that surprised many. Despite his smaller frame compared to traditional heavyweights, he proved his doubters wrong. He captured the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in 2020, defeating Hiroshi Tanahashi, a legendary figure in NJPW.
Ospreay’s reign as champion was a testament to his versatility. He blended his signature aerial offence with hard-hitting strikes and technical prowess. He defended the title against some of the best wrestlers globally, including Kazuchika Okada and Kota Ibushi.
However, injuries plagued Ospreay’s championship reign, forcing him to relinquish the title in 2021. Nevertheless, he continued to be a top star in NJPW, winning the New Japan Cup in the same year.
He also held the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship twice, solidifying his status as a multi-time champion across weight divisions.
Taking Flight in All Elite Wrestling (2023-Present)
In 2023, Ospreay made another significant move in his career, signing with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a fast-growing American promotion. This move allowed him to showcase his talents on a wider stage and work with a new generation of wrestlers.
His debut match against “The Demo God” Kenny Omega was a critically acclaimed classic, further establishing Ospreay’s reputation as one of the best wrestlers globally.
Ospreay’s impact in AEW has been undeniable. He has formed a successful partnership with Aussie Open, capturing the AEW World Trios Championship. His high-flying style and innovative movements continue to enthral fans, and his matches are consistently among the most anticipated on AEW programming.
FAQs
Q. Who is Will Ospreay?
William Peter Charles Ospreay is a 30-year-old English professional wrestler currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Before joining AEW, he established himself in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) for eight years, capturing multiple championships, including the prestigious IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
Q. What’s Ospreay’s wrestling style?
Ospreay is famous for his “aerial assassin” persona. He incorporates high-risk manoeuvres, flips, and dives into his matches, often leaving audiences awestruck. He’s also well-rounded, showcasing impressive striking and technical wrestling skills.
What are Ospreay’s biggest achievements?
Holding the record for most 5-star-or-higher-rated matches (37) by wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer.
Winning the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in 2020.
Being a two-time and the final IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion.
Winning the NEVER Openweight Championship in 2019.
Q. Where can I see Will Ospreay wrestle now?
Catch Ospreay competing in AEW shows broadcasted on TNT and YouTube: .
Q. What are some good resources to learn more about Will Ospreay?
His official Wikipedia page: [Wikipedia Will Ospreay]
Online documentaries like “THE INSANE SUMMER OF WILL OSPREAY – Complete Run” YouTube
Many fans and wrestling personalities consider Ospreay to be among the top wrestlers in the world. His in-ring work has garnered immense praise for its athleticism, storytelling, and ability to consistently deliver high-quality matches.
Q. What’s next for Will Ospreay?
With his talent and ambition, Ospreay is sure to continue captivating audiences in AEW. Who he’ll face next and what championships he might pursue remain to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Ospreay will continue to push the boundaries of professional wrestling.
Q. What Makes Will Ospreay Special?
Several factors contribute to Ospreay’s unique appeal:
Unmatched Athleticism: Ospreay possesses exceptional agility and aerial ability. He performs moves rarely seen in professional wrestling, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the ring.
Technical Prowess: While his high-flying style takes centre stage, Ospreay is also a skilled technician. He seamlessly blends his aerial offence with strikes, submissions, and reversals, making his matches unpredictable and exciting.
Strong Selling: A crucial aspect of professional wrestling is “selling” moves, making them appear impactful. Ospreay excels in this area, conveying the pain and impact of every move he takes and delivers.
Charisma and Mic Skills: While primarily known for his in-ring work, Ospreay has shown significant improvement in his promo.
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