Is This AEW Star Obsessed with WWE?
Will Ospreay is widely regarded by many in the professional wrestling industry as one of the greatest wrestlers in the world today. The Aerial Assassin consistently delivers incredible matches that often earn five-star ratings, no matter what ring he steps into. He is set to face “Hangman” Adam Page in the finals of the Men’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament at AEW’s flagship event, Double or Nothing, which should undoubtedly steal the entire show. However, despite focusing on this upcoming showdown, it sometimes feels like his mind is elsewhere. Over the past week, Ospreay has appeared more preoccupied with WWE, AEW’s biggest competitor, than with his own match. It is almost as if he is obsessed with WWE, but not because he wants to join the company; rather, it seems like he is more curious about their moves and strategies.
In 2024, after his very impressive eight-year tenure with New Japan Pro Wrestling came to an end, Ospreay became arguably the hottest free agent in the wrestling world. Fans and insiders speculated about where he would go next: either to WWE or AEW. Ultimately, he chose to become All Elite, primarily to avoid relocating his family to the United States. Since joining AEW, Ospreay has been thriving and enjoying his time there. During interviews, he has been making pointed comments to WWE more than when he joined AEW. claimed that “as soon as the bell rings, AEW smokes WWE,” and even states that on his worst day, he believes he is better in the ring than many WWE wrestlers.
Recently, Ospreay made headlines again when he expressed his desire for WWE star and wrestling legend AJ Styles to quit WWE and join AEW so they could face each other in a match. Ospreay has been a huge fan of Styles for years. Primarily from his time in TNA to NJPW. Ospreay even adopted some moves from Styles’ arsenal. Like the Styles Clash and the Phenomenal Forearm. AJ has expressed that his time in wrestling is coming to an end. The 47-year-old mentioned numerous times that he will not wrestle past 50, so it is almost doubtful we will receive such a match. He also spoke out about Ricochet, who was still in WWE at the time, criticizing how WWE was booking him. Ospreay hoped Ricochet would join AEW, and after Ricochet’s contract expired in summer 2024, he eventually made the move.
Fans are beginning to grow increasingly annoyed with Ospreay’s remarks about WWE. For a while, AEW seemed to be struggling while WWE was riding high. Now, it appears that the tide has turned, with AEW gaining momentum once more and WWE experiencing a bit of a WrestleMania lull. However, comments like these from one of their top stars risk turning fans away, and AEW cannot afford that right now.
