Ospreay believes time is right for his venture into American wrestling

Wrestlers battle during a tag team battle royal during AEW Dynamite at Footprint Center. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Will Ospreay believes the time is right for his venture into American wrestling

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 3/3/24

Will Ospreay made his official AEW debut on Wednesday in Alabama. He signed as a free agent in 2023, announcing his decision at Full Gear. However, he honored the remaining months of his New Japan Pro Wrestling contract.

Speaking on a recent episode of "AEW stories," Ospreay revealed that his career in Japan and England has been building toward him making the move to an American company. He did note that the jump has created some anxiety.

"For eight years, man, I applied myself in Japan," Ospreay said. "That’s all I did. Japan, and the UK indies, I only dipped my toes into America. I believe honestly, it’s an anxiety coming here, it’s something that’s been holding me back. ... I felt that in there, man. Alabama. I couldn’t even find Alabama. If you showed me a map of America, I couldn’t find where it is. ... I’m ready for this responsibility. I’m ready to take this. I’m ready to go All Elite. I’m ready to be the No. 1 guy here."

Ospreay is the latest big-name addition to AEW. He comes with a reputation for producing stellar matches inside the ring. However, he will need to prove himself on the mic.

His career has primarily revolved around sport-based wrestling. There will undoubtedly be an adjustment to the American style that involves creating emotional investment via stories and feuds. AEW has struck a good balance between promos and in-ring storylines, which could make the adjustment easier for Ospreay.

Still, Tony Khan has added another talent capable of becoming a face for the company. Ospreay has the charisma and athletic talent to be a major hit with a much larger audience.

Of course, a lot will come down to booking and how well Ospreay is utilized during his tenure with the company. He has a huge opportunity to emerge as the next big thing in AEW.

Ospreay's first official match as part of the AEW roster will occur on Sunday at Revolution. Both he and the AEW fanbase will be hoping that the match is the start of a special run within the company.

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