Will Ospreay’s comments about WWE offer a compelling insight into the broader landscape of professional wrestling today
There’s no longer a single mold for what “top-tier wrestling” looks like.
For fans, this diversity is a blessing. Whether you enjoy the storytelling spectacle of WWE or the technical artistry of AEW and NJPW, there’s something for everyone.
And voices like Ospreay’s—while polarizing—serve to keep the industry honest and self-reflective.
Ultimately, Will Ospreay’s dislike of WWE doesn’t mean it’s wrong to enjoy it. But it does highlight the importance of having multiple platforms where different wrestling styles and philosophies can thrive. In that way, the sport is healthier than it’s ever been.
Whether it’s chasing championships, leading new storylines, or putting on show-stealing matches, Ospreay is at the peak of his powers.
There is also potential for crossover appearances—whether in Japan, the U.K., or other promotions AEW collaborates with. Fans are clamoring for dream matches: Ospreay vs. Bryan Danielson, vs. Kenny Omega (again), or even vs. CM Punk—if he returns to the ring.
Despite past comments, a WWE run in the distant future can’t be ruled out entirely. After all, wrestling is unpredictable. If the right creative opportunity arose, and if the landscape changed, Ospreay could someday share a ring with the very legends he grew up admiring.
Also Read: Will Ospreay’s Big Setback: AEW’s Full Gear Drama Explained, Injury Scare and More
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Will Ospreay: The Aerial Assassin Redefining Wrestling Greatness
Will Ospreay is not just another name in the wrestling world—he is a sensation.1
Known as “The Aerial Assassin,” the English-born superstar has become one of the most talked-about athletes in professional wrestling.
His unmatched agility, jaw-dropping moves, and constant innovation inside the ring have earned him global acclaim.
Currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Ospreay is a cornerstone of the company’s growing success and has rapidly climbed the ranks to become one of its most prominent stars.
Wednesday 14th May
Beach Break !! pic.twitter.com/2ET26ETOIR
— Will Ospreay • ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay) May 9, 2025
A Fan Favorite with a Rebellious Edge
What truly sets Will Ospreay apart is his connection with the audience. He isn’t just an elite in-ring performer; he’s a fan favorite with charisma, confidence, and a touch of rebellion.
Fans appreciate his raw honesty, even when it causes controversy. He represents a new generation of wrestlers who are unafraid to challenge conventions and speak their minds.
Social media has further amplified his voice. Ospreay engages with fans, shares behind-the-scenes glimpses into his career, and isn’t afraid to clap back at criticism.
While this approach can sometimes be polarizing, it adds authenticity and makes him even more compelling.
Will Ospreay’s Rise in All Elite Wrestling
Since signing with AEW, Will Ospreay has made a massive impact. He has already held the AEW International Championship twice, showcasing his in-ring prowess and his ability to carry high-stakes matches.2
Whether he’s going toe-to-toe with veterans or stealing the show on weekly television, Ospreay brings an intensity that is hard to match.
Ospreay’s style is a blend of high-flying maneuvers, lightning-quick counters, and hard-hitting strikes. He doesn’t just wrestle; he tells stories through his matches—narratives of struggle, resilience, and triumph.
AEW has benefited immensely from his presence, and he has become a reliable draw for fans, both in North America and globally.
From Essex to the East: Dominance in New Japan Pro Wrestling
Before AEW, Ospreay was a mainstay in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). From 2016 to 2024, he honed his craft in Japan, where he became one of the most decorated and respected gaijin (foreign wrestlers) in the company’s history.
He joined NJPW as part of the junior heavyweight division but quickly outgrew it—both figuratively and literally.
His transition to the heavyweight division marked a turning point. Not only did he bulk up and adapt his style, but he also became a main event-level competitor.
In NJPW, Ospreay won numerous championships, including the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship and the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. He also formed the United Empire faction, further solidifying his influence in the promotion.
Ospreay’s matches against the likes of Kazuchika Okada, Kota Ibushi, and Shingo Takagi are now considered modern classics. His ability to deliver high-octane, emotionally charged performances made him a standout in a company already stacked with world-class talent.
Leading the United Empire: A Legacy Beyond Titles
Ospreay’s leadership of the United Empire added another layer to his character. No longer just a solo competitor, he became the focal point of a rising faction that included Jeff Cobb, TJP, Great-O-Khan, and others.
The group represented a mix of international talent with one common goal: dominance.
Under his guidance, the United Empire became one of the most feared factions in NJPW. It wasn’t just about in-ring success but also about changing the landscape of Japanese wrestling.
Ospreay brought a brash, confident attitude that resonated with fans and simultaneously sparked controversy—just the kind of polarity that great wrestling characters thrive on.
Controversial Statements and Unfiltered Opinions
- Never one to hold his tongue, Will Ospreay recently made headlines for his controversial comments about WWE and Triple H.
- While he has often been respectful of individual talents, he hasn’t shied away from criticizing the overall direction or creative choices of WWE.
- This has, unsurprisingly, stirred up strong reactions from fans and wrestling insiders alike.
- In interviews, Ospreay has emphasized his desire to remain creatively free—something he feels is better supported in AEW and was present during his NJPW run.
- He has expressed skepticism about the heavily scripted nature of WWE and has suggested that it doesn’t allow certain wrestlers to fully express themselves.
- While his words may come across as bold or even disrespectful, they come from a place of passion.
- Ospreay cares deeply about the art form of wrestling, and he’s protective of the things that make it great—authenticity, athleticism, and storytelling.
Will Ospreay: Respecting the Legends
Praising AJ Styles’ NJPW Run
Despite his candid criticism of WWE as a company, Ospreay has openly expressed tremendous admiration for several WWE superstars, most notably AJ Styles.3
The two share similar career paths, particularly their time in New Japan, and Ospreay has been vocal about the impact Styles had during his brief but memorable NJPW tenure.
According to Ospreay, AJ Styles’ two-year stint in NJPW was nothing short of legendary. During that period, Styles held the IWGP Heavyweight Championship twice and led the infamous Bullet Club faction. His matches against Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, and Shinsuke Nakamura are still hailed as some of the best of that era.
Ospreay has referred to Styles’ NJPW period as a “GOAT run,” highlighting the blend of excellence, consistency, and influence Styles brought to the table. Coming from a wrestler of Ospreay’s caliber, this praise holds weight and shows his ability to respect greatness, even when it comes from a rival company.
Bridging Generations: Styles and Ospreay’s Parallels
It’s easy to draw parallels between AJ Styles and Will Ospreay. Both men built their reputations internationally before making waves in American promotions.
Both revolutionized what a high-flying, technically proficient wrestler could achieve in heavyweight divisions. And both captained respected factions—Bullet Club for Styles and United Empire for Ospreay.
Moreover, both possess that rare ability to transcend cultural and stylistic boundaries. Whether wrestling in Tokyo, London, or New York, they adapt, innovate, and elevate the sport.
Ospreay has credited Styles with helping inspire his own journey. Their styles may differ—Styles is more grounded now due to age and injuries, while Ospreay still pushes the aerial envelope—but the DNA of their wrestling philosophy is strikingly similar.
Also Read: Will Ospreay (Professional Wrestler): Age, Bio/Wiki, Career, Relationship And More Explained
Will Ospreay on WWE
A Clear-Cut Dislike for the Product
British professional wrestler Will Ospreay has never been shy about expressing his opinions.
Known for his electric in-ring performances and strong personality, Ospreay recently made headlines once again—this time for his blunt dismissal of WWE as both a product and a company.
In an interview with The Daily Star, the AEW star openly criticized the WWE’s presentation and admitted that he didn’t watch WrestleMania 41, although he acknowledged hearing praise for one standout match: the Women’s World Championship triple threat involving IYO SKY, Rhea Ripley, and Bianca Belair.
Ospreay’s remarks have reignited conversations about the ideological and stylistic divide between WWE and its alternatives like AEW and NJPW.
Let’s dive deeper into his perspective and what it reveals about the current state of professional wrestling.
A Harsh Take on WWE’s Presentation
In his interview, Ospreay didn’t mince words when asked about WWE.
“I still, as not only a viewer but also a wrestler, just don’t enjoy it,” he said. “I just don’t like the show. I don’t like the style of wrestling or the presentation.”
This statement is telling. Unlike many wrestlers who diplomatically acknowledge WWE’s influence or reach, Ospreay firmly rejected both the entertainment value and the in-ring style of WWE.
For him, the glitz, glamour, and tightly scripted structure of WWE simply lack the kind of authenticity and excitement he seeks in wrestling.
WWE’s product has long been characterized by sports-entertainment spectacle, episodic storytelling, and character-driven narratives. To a wrestler like Ospreay, who values high-octane physicality and creative freedom, WWE’s system might feel rigid and overly theatrical.
Will Ospreay’s Career Moves
A Statement in Themselves
Ospreay’s choice to sign permanently with AEW rather than entertain offers from WWE speaks volumes.
Many wrestlers see WWE as the ultimate destination due to its global reach and financial stability. Ospreay, however, prioritized artistic freedom and creative fulfillment.
This move wasn’t entirely surprising. Even during his NJPW tenure, Ospreay frequently expressed appreciation for AEW’s wrestling-centric approach.
Now, with AEW offering a major platform in the U.S., he can enjoy global exposure without compromising his values.
A Divisive But Authentic Voice in Wrestling
Ospreay’s bluntness may ruffle feathers, especially among WWE loyalists, but it also contributes to his authenticity.
Wrestling thrives on diverse perspectives, and Ospreay’s willingness to challenge the status quo adds to the richness of the discourse.
He represents a growing faction of wrestlers who value wrestling’s athletic roots over its entertainment-driven evolution.
His words may not sit well with everyone, but they reflect a real divide in the wrestling community—a divide that has shaped the modern landscape with the rise of AEW as a viable alternative to WWE.
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WWE’s Global Power vs. Its Polarizing Appeal
WWE remains the most powerful brand in professional wrestling, boasting global recognition, billion-dollar deals, and a loyal fanbase. But with that dominance comes a fair share of criticism.
Many fans and wrestlers feel the product has become formulaic, overly sanitized, or disconnected from the core elements that make wrestling compelling.
Ospreay’s criticism taps into these frustrations. While not everyone agrees with him, his opinion is shared by a sizable segment of fans and performers who feel WWE has traded passion for polish.
Respect for Talent, Criticism of the System
What’s clear from Ospreay’s statements is that his issue isn’t with the performers themselves. WWE boasts one of the most talented rosters in the world.
Wrestlers like Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Becky Lynch, and Roman Reigns have delivered incredible performances over the years. Ospreay’s critique lies squarely with how that talent is used, framed, and limited by WWE’s production style.
This is an important distinction. He isn’t dismissing the talent but rather challenging the environment that often restrains that talent from reaching its full potential.
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