Will Ospreay has been making waves since joining AEW as a full-time roster member in March 2024. In just a few months, Ospreay has delivered electrifying matches against top-tier talents such as Konosuke Takeshita, Claudio Castagnoli, and Bryan Danielson. His crowning achievement came at AEW’s Double or Nothing event, where he captured his first title by defeating Roderick Strong for the AEW International Championship.
However, AEW wasn’t the only wrestling promotion vying for Ospreay’s signature. During a recent interview with Adrian Hernandez, Ospreay revealed that a former WWE Champion reached out to persuade him to join WWE. The wrestling star in question was none other than AJ Styles, a legend in the industry and a major influence on Ospreay’s career.
“WWE-wise, AJ was the main guy that came and reached out to me just to fly the flag for them,” Ospreay said. “He’s my hero, like in any retrospect of how he carried himself in TNA, New Japan, Ring of Honor, he was the man, and the fact that he was trying so hard to get me over there, I can’t begin to tell you enough how much I appreciate him and how much I’m so grateful for that moment in time with him.”
This revelation highlights the respect and admiration Ospreay holds for AJ Styles, considering Styles’ storied career across multiple wrestling promotions, including TNA, New Japan Pro Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and WWE. Styles’ efforts to recruit Ospreay speak volumes about his belief in Ospreay’s potential and the high regard in which he is held by his peers.
Interestingly, Ospreay also mentioned that TNA Wrestling (now known as Impact Wrestling) was a serious contender for his talents before he eventually signed with AEW. His positive experiences with TNA in late 2023 and early 2024 played a significant role in his decision-making process. Ospreay’s childhood admiration for TNA and his desire to work for the promotion added another layer of complexity to his choice.
“TNA had a real shot at getting me before AEW,” Ospreay admitted. “Growing up, I was a huge fan of TNA. It was one of my dreams to work there, and having conversations with AJ, who has such a rich history with TNA, made it all the more special.”
Despite the allure of WWE and the strong pull from TNA, Ospreay ultimately chose AEW, where he felt he could best showcase his talents and contribute to the growing brand. His decision has proven fruitful, with his performances earning rave reviews and his championship victory solidifying his status as a top-tier talent in the company.
Ospreay’s journey to AEW underscores the competitive nature of professional wrestling, where top promotions are constantly vying for the best talent. His story also highlights the impact that personal connections and respect within the industry can have on a wrestler’s career choices. AJ Styles’ attempt to bring Ospreay to WWE, despite not coming to fruition, speaks to the camaraderie and mutual admiration that exists among wrestling’s elite.
As Ospreay continues to thrive in AEW, fans can look forward to more standout performances and potential dream matches. His presence adds depth to AEW’s roster and brings a dynamic, high-flying style that complements the diverse array of talent within the company.
