Ospreay’s Journey to Destiny

Will Ospreay, a 33-year-old from Raynham, Essex, never imagined he would reach this moment. In his own words, it felt so distant that even dreaming didn’t seem plausible.

But as he prepares to step into the ring against Swerve Strickland at Forbidden Door, his fantasy is inching closer to reality with just three counts left.

The winner of this significant match not only secures the Owen Hart Memorial Cup but also advances to compete for the AEW World Championship at Wembley Stadium. Yet, many still grapple with the enormity of Ospreay being considered one of the best wrestlers today.

When asked what it would mean to compete for a world title in his homeland, Ospreay candidly shared, “I couldn’t say.” He added, “I’m brutally honest with you. How do you know that?”

Reflecting on his journey, Ospreay credits his parents for their unwavering support of his wrestling aspirations from a young age.

“If I could go back to when I was 14 wrestling in the yard, my parents bought me a wrestling ring. They believed it would keep me safe and off the streets.” He pointed out the dangers of living in an environment marked by high crime rates. His parents recognized his passion for wrestling and wanted him to pursue that path.

His parents not only backed his dreams—something many thought was outlandish—but Ospreay particularly highlights how his mother instilled in him a flair for showmanship.

“My mother ran an amateur theater group in Rainham,” he recalled. “It was quite low budget, but I always felt a drive to perform. Maybe that’s a reflection of her influence.”

Growing up, Ospreay couldn’t fathom the idea of performing at Wembley. Wrestling was just something he knew he wanted, even if others found it odd.

He remembered an impactful day at school when students shared their future dreams. Wrestling wasn’t popular in England at the time, and when he expressed his aspirations, laughter echoed through the classroom. “It was incredibly embarrassing,” he said.

Fast forward to 2023, Ospreay has achieved heights that many British kids dream of. He fought Chris Jericho at All In, which attracted an astonishing 81,035 fans, marking a historic moment in wrestling.

Ospreay chuckled, reflecting on the significant differences between that match and a previous independent one, “My pants were all messed up, dude.” The contrast was staggering, grappling with just 4,000 people and suddenly performing in front of a massive crowd felt surreal.

His victory over Jericho was a crucial stepping stone that solidified his decision to join AEW.

“Tony Khan had faith in me for that match,” Ospreay noted. “I wasn’t even signed to AEW; I was brought in as a favor from New Japan. They saw this as a great opportunity for both me and the company.” This trust gradually built a bond between him and Khan.

The match with Jericho followed remarkable encounters with Kenny Omega, who previously led New Japan and played a pivotal role in establishing AEW.

Their rivalry soared leading up to Wrestle Kingdom 17, where Omega narrowly defeated Ospreay for the IWGP United States Championship—a match that many are calling a classic. Ospreay reclaimed the title later that year at Forbidden Door. Five months on, he officially joined AEW.

What began as a rivalry with Omega has slowly morphed into a friendship.

Ospreay expressed how their relationship has “grown a lot.” He recalled the contentious past, where they were at odds. “Everyone saw it unfold on social media,” he said. “It was intense… I often felt like I was constantly striving to meet Kenny’s expectations. But I’ve come to realize that while I’m still not at his level, he’s also not at mine.”

Recently, the two have shared moments backstage, particularly after a hard-fought battle for the AEW title. They consoled each other after losses, with Ospreay urging Omega to keep pursuing his ambitions.

“For a long time, I felt like I was chasing Kenny,” Ospreay reflected. “Now, we have become close friends, sharing confidences. I truly admire him, and I hope he continues to strive for greatness.”

As Omega prepares to face New Japan’s Zack Saber Jr. at Forbidden Door, he’s made clear his ambitions for reclaiming the AEW World Championship. Ospreay noted the poetic nature of their potential third match, especially as time may not be on their side.

“I think many are eager to see Will Ospreay vs. Kenny Omega because this could be a rare opportunity,” he said.

Ospreay is acutely aware that should he triumph over Owen, he might face Maxwell Jacob Freedman at Wembley in 2024.

“It’s crucial we acknowledge what Max has achieved for AEW and the attention he’s drawn as champion,” he stated, though he wasn’t keen on fans thinking he’s warming up to Freedman, whom he labeled “still an asshole.”

Before that possible showdown, however, Ospreay must first contend with Swerve Strickland, a formidable opponent he’s never lost to in AEW.

“I’ve struggled to find a way to beat this guy,” Ospreay admitted. “Our fights in America and Europe have been intense. That history is why we continue to be two standout performers in AEW.”

Despite their longstanding friendship, Ospreay remains fiercely determined to climb higher, striving to reach a pinnacle that others doubted he could attain.

“I love Swerve,” he said. “There’s mutual respect, but this is what I’ve worked for.”

With his dreams tantalizingly close, Ospreay feels an overwhelming sense of gratitude. “This journey has been incredible, and I’m so blessed. I hope my story inspires kids, even those who might not care about wrestling—to chase after their dreams. I’ve pursued this feeling, and I’m nearly at the peak,” he concluded.