Career Timeline of Will Ospreay: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Will Ospreay made an impact.
Will Ospreay is an English professional wrestler currently signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a former two-time International Champion. He's also a producer and creative team member for Pro-Wrestling: EVE. Ospreay gained prominence during his eight years with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he won multiple championships, including the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. He is renowned for his exceptional in-ring skills and is considered one of the top wrestlers globally.
April 2012: Ospreay's Professional Debut
On April 1, 2012, Will Ospreay made his professional debut at the co-promoted BritWres-Fest as the masked character Dark Britannico. While wrestling with Lucha Britannia he twice won the Lucha Britannia World Championship.
September 2012: IPW: UK debut
In September 2012, Will Ospreay began regularly wrestling for International Pro Wrestling: United Kingdom (IPW: UK) in singles matches, as part of Swords of Essex with Robinson, and with Tom Dawkins as Spitfire Britannia.
2012: Ospreay Began His Career
In 2012, Will Ospreay began his career on the UK independent circuit.
February 2013: RevPro debut
On February 10, 2013, Ospreay debuted for Revolution Pro Wrestling (RevPro) with a win over Mike Hitchman.
May 2013: FPW Tag Team Champions
In May 2013, The Swords of Essex began wrestling for Future Pro Wrestling (FPW) and won the FPW Tag Team Championship after a four-way match.
June 2013: British Tag Team Championship win
On June 15, 2013, The Swords of Essex, consisting of Will Ospreay and Paul Robinson, won the British Tag Team Championship by defeating Project Ego (Kris Travis and Martin Kirby).
January 2014: Ospreay Participates in Progress Tag Team Championship Tournament
In January 2014, FSU defeated The Swords of Essex (Ospreay's team with Paul Robinson) in the first round of the Progress Tag Team Championship tournament.
March 2014: SWE debut
From March 2014 onwards, Ospreay became a regular for Southside Wrestling Entertainment (SWE).
March 2014: British Tag Team Championship loss
On March 15, 2014, The Swords of Essex, comprised of Will Ospreay and Paul Robinson, lost their British Tag Team Championship to Ricochet and Rich Swann, known as The Inner City Machine Gun.
2014: UK Super 8 tournament and Battle Royale
In 2014, Will Ospreay reached the final of the UK Super 8 tournament, losing to Zack Sabre Jr. He also won the 30-man Battle Royale in April of 2014.
May 2015: Rematch against Matt Sydal
In May 2015, Ospreay had a rematch against Matt Sydal, which Ospreay won.
May 2015: Speed King Championship
On May 30, 2015, Will Ospreay lost the Speed King title to El Ligero in a Six-Way Elimination match during the annual Speed King Tournament after beating Mark Andrews in the semi-final in a Best of Three falls match.
September 2015: British Cruiserweight Championship loss
On September 5, 2015, after an eleven-month reign, Ospreay lost the British Cruiserweight title back to Josh Bodom.
October 2015: Loss to Kazuchika Okada
On October 3, 2015 Will Ospreay lost to New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Kazuchika Okada, which led to Okada recommending Ospreay to NJPW officials.
2015: UK Super 8 tournament and Battle Royale
In 2015, Will Ospreay reached the final of the UK Super 8 tournament for the second year in a row, losing to Rampage Brown. He also failed to win the 30-man Battle Royale in 2015.
2015: Ospreay Defends Title and Headlines Manchester Show
In 2015, Will Ospreay successfully defended his title against Haskins and Robinson and headlined Progress' first main show outside of London in Manchester, in a triple threat match against Zack Gibson and Morgan Webster.
January 2016: Ospreay Loses Championship to Scurll
On January 24, 2016, Will Ospreay lost the championship to Marty Scurll when the referee stopped the match as Ospreay had passed out while being handcuffed in Scurll's chickenwing submission.
January 2016: TNA debut
On January 29, 2016, Ospreay debuted for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) during the promotion's tour of the United Kingdom. He unsuccessfully entered the 2016 Joker's Wild tournament and challenged for both the TNA King of the Mountain Championship and TNA World Tag Team Championship.
March 2016: Loser Leaves Town match
On March 28, 2016, Ospreay lost a Loser Leaves Town match to his former Spitfire Britannia partner, Dawkins, marking the end of their partnership and Ospreay's temporary departure.
March 2016: Joins Chaos stable in NJPW
On March 3, 2016, Will Ospreay was announced as the newest member of the NJPW stable Chaos after recommendations. He challenged Kushida to an IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship match.
August 2016: British Triangle Championship unveiling
On August 27, 2016, Ospreay posted a Facebook live video unveiling a new British Triangle Championship with his three Swords of Essex partners Paul Robinson, Jerry Sevanchez, and Scott Wainwright. The trios championships were not specific to any promotion and could therefore be defended anywhere.
November 2016: ROH World Television Championship win and loss
In November 2016, Will Ospreay signed with Ring of Honor (ROH). On November 18th, Ospreay defeated Bobby Fish to become the new ROH World Television Champion, but lost the title to Marty Scurll two days later.
2016: Matches and Cruiserweight Championship
In 2016, Ospreay beat Scurll and Pete Dunne in a non-title triple threat match. On July 10, 2016, he beat Mike Bailey to earn a Cruiserweight Championship match against Dunne, which he won. In August 2016 Ospreay headlined York Hall in a match against Vader.
2016: Ospreay's First Victory Since Losing Championship
In 2016, Will Ospreay lost the Progress Championship. In 2017, On chapter 61, Ospreay defeated Adam Brooks, this was his first victory in the promotion since losing the Progress Championship.
2016: 2016 Super J-Cup
In 2016, Will Ospreay participated in the Super J-Cup, defeating Titán in the first round on July 20th, but was eliminated by Matt Sydal in the second round on August 21st. Later, on October 8th, Ospreay, along with his Chaos stablemates Beretta and Rocky Romero, unsuccessfully challenged for the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship against David Finlay, Ricochet, and Satoshi Kojima.
2016: Best of the Super Juniors winner
In 2016, Will Ospreay won the Best of the Super Juniors tournament, becoming the youngest winner and the first English winner. He later lost to Kushida at Dominion 6.19 in Osaka-jo Hall.
2016: Ospreay Joins NJPW
In 2016, after being recommended by AJ Styles, Will Ospreay began working with the Japanese promotion NJPW as part of the junior heavyweight division.
2016: What Culture Pro Wrestling
Throughout 2016, Ospreay wrestled a series of shows for What Culture Pro Wrestling, including wins over Noam Dar and Marty Scurll, and a feud with Martin Kirby.
January 2017: Lucha Forever promotion
On January 4, 2017, Ospreay, along with fellow British wrestler Ryan Smile, started their own promotion, known as Lucha Forever.
February 2017: The New Beginning in Osaka
In February 2017, at The New Beginning in Osaka, Will Ospreay challenged Katsuyori Shibata for the British Heavyweight Championship but was unsuccessful. Also in May, Ospreay won his block in the 2017 Best of the Super Juniors tournament, advancing to the final, but was defeated by Kushida on June 3rd.
April 2017: British Cruiserweight Championship loss
On April 13, 2017, Ospreay lost the British Cruiserweight Championship to interim champion Josh Bodom.
August 2017: PWA Heavyweight Championship win
In August 2017, Ospreay debuted for Pro Wrestling Australia (PWA) and defeated Robbie Eagles to win the PWA Heavyweight Championship. He also won the MCW Intercommonwealth Championship from Adam Brooks.
August 2017: Pro Wrestling World Cup finals
In August 2017, Ospreay reached the finals of the Pro Wrestling World Cup, before ultimately losing to Kushida.
November 2017: Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship match
On November 10, 2017, at Global Wars, Will Ospreay failed to win the Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship from Zack Sabre Jr.
2017: Ospreay Returns to Progress
In 2017, Will Ospreay returned at the last event of the year as a mystery opponent for Progress Champion Travis Banks, however he lost the match. At Progress Chapter 66, Ospreay defeated Mark Haskins.
2017: Final Battle 2017
In 2017, at Final Battle, Will Ospreay was defeated by Matt Taven.
January 2018: Wrestle Kingdom 12
On January 4, 2018, at Wrestle Kingdom 12 in Tokyo Dome, Will Ospreay regained the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship from Marty Scurll in a four-way match also involving Hiromu Takahashi and Kushida, marking a significant career achievement.
May 2018: Ospreay Challenges Havoc
On May 7, 2018, day 3 of the 2018 Super Strong Style 16 tournament, Will Ospreay challenged Jimmy Havoc to a match at Wembley Arena on 30 September 2018, but was forced to withdraw due to contractual obligations with New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
June 2018: Frontline Wrestling launch and sale
In June 2018, Will Ospreay announced the launch of his own promotion, Frontline Wrestling. On June 28, 2018, they held their first event, "Build Me An Empire". After one year, Ospreay sold Frontline to move to Japan and pursue a full-time schedule in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
September 2018: Ospreay Defeats Havoc, Wins Progress Tag Team Championship
In September 2018, Will Ospreay defeated Jimmy Havoc in a no disqualification, 2 out of 3 falls match. At Chapter 82: Unboxing Live, Ospreay and Paul Robinson defeated Aussie Open to become the Progress Tag Team Champions.
September 2018: ROH World Title challenge
In September 2018, on ROH TV, Jay Lethal issued an open challenge answered by Will Ospreay, who stated his desire for the World Title. The match was set for ROH Death Before Dishonor, where Ospreay was unsuccessful.
2018: NEVER Openweight Championship win
In 2018, Will Ospreay defeated Kota Ibushi at Wrestle Kingdom 13 on January 4th to capture the NEVER Openweight Championship, becoming the first Junior Heavyweight to hold the championship. He defended the title against Chris Brookes at RevPro New Year's Resolution and against Dalton Castle at Honor Rising: Japan 2018 on February 22nd. He also faced IWGP Heavyweight Champion Jay White at New Japan's Anniversary Show in a losing effort.
2018: King of Pro-Wrestling and NEVER Openweight Championship pursuit
In 2018, at King of Pro-Wrestling, Will Ospreay teamed with Hirooki Goto and Tomohiro Ishii to defeat Suzuki-gun, with Ospreay pinning Taichi. He then challenged Taichi for the NEVER Openweight Championship, hinting at a move to the Heavyweight division. The match was scheduled for Power Struggle, but it was canceled due to Ospreay's injury. Later, Ospreay defeated Taichi and challenged Kota Ibushi for the NEVER Openweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 13.
2019: New Japan Cup and G1 Supercard
In 2019, Will Ospreay entered the New Japan Cup, defeating Bad Luck Fale and Lance Archer, but was eliminated by Kazuchika Okada. He then faced ROH Television Champion Jeff Cobb at G1 Supercard, losing his title to Cobb, who retained his.
2019: Best of the Super Juniors and IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship
In 2019, Will Ospreay won his block in the Best of the Super Juniors tournament with a 7–2 record. On June 5th, Ospreay defeated Shingo Takagi to win the tournament, earning an IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship match at Dominion. At Dominion, Ospreay defeated Dragon Lee to become IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion for the third time. Following the win, Ospreay announced his intention to enter the G1 Climax 29.
2019: Ospreay Wins NEVER Openweight Championship
In 2019, Will Ospreay won the NEVER Openweight Championship and also participated in the G1 Climax, NJPW's biggest tournament featuring heavyweight wrestlers.
January 2020: Wrestle Kingdom 14
On January 4, 2020, at Wrestle Kingdom 14, Will Ospreay lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship to Hiromu Takahashi. Ospreay suffered a heel injury during the match.
February 2020: Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship win
At High Stakes on February 14, 2020, Ospreay defeated Zack Sabre Jr. to win the Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship.
November 2020: Title defence against Ricky Knight Jr.
On November 15, 2020, Ospreay defended his Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship, defeating Ricky Knight Jr. at RevPro Epic Encounters 5.
2020: G1 Climax Participation and Heel Turn
In 2020, Will Ospreay participated in the G1 Climax, finishing with twelve points. On night 17, Ospreay defeated Kazuchika Okada after interference from Bea Priestley and Great-O-Khan. Post-match, Ospreay attacked Okada, turning heel, leaving Chaos, and forming a new stable called United Empire.
2020: Transition to Heavyweight Division
In 2020, Will Ospreay transitioned to the Heavyweight division, bulking up in size and muscle and adopting the nickname "The Commonwealth Kingpin". He changed his in-ring style to incorporate more technical skill and powerful offense.
May 2021: IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Win and Injury
In May 2021, Will Ospreay defeated Shingo Takagi at Wrestling Dontaku for his first defense of the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. However, during the match, he suffered a neck injury and was forced to vacate the title on May 20th.
August 2021: Title defence against Doug Williams
On August 21, 2021, at RevPro's Ninth Anniversary, Ospreay defended his Undisputed British Heavyweight title against Doug Williams.
2021: Ospreay Wins New Japan Cup
In 2021, Will Ospreay won the New Japan Cup.
June 2022: AEW Debut and IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship defense
In June 2022, Will Ospreay debuted for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) on Dynamite, attacking Trent Beretta and FTR along with United Empire stablemates. He teamed with Aussie Open in a loss to Beretta and FTR on Rampage. Ospreay defeated Dax Harwood on Dynamite, and successfully defended the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship against Orange Cassidy at Forbidden Door.
2022: End of Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship Reign
In 2022, Ospreay lost the Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship to Ricky Knight Jr, ending his reign at 919 days with 7 successful title defenses. His reign was the longest in history.
2022: Ospreay Appears in AEW
In 2022, Will Ospreay made appearances in AEW.
2022: Return to RevPro
In December 2022, Ospreay returned to RevPro for the first time since losing his title, defeating Tomohiro Ishii.
May 2023: Ospreay Returns to Progress
On May 17, 2023, it was announced that Will Ospreay would return to Progress as part of the 2023 Super Strong Style 16 tournament. Ospreay's first match back was against Tate Mayfairs, which he won. The Swords of Essex would be assisted by Callum Newman to take on CPF in a tag match in a winning effort.
June 2023: AEW Appearances
In June 2023, Will Ospreay returned to AEW on Dynamite, attacking Kenny Omega. He also teamed with United Empire to defeat Chaos on Rampage.
November 2023: Ospreay Signed with AEW
As of November 2023, William Ospreay is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a former two-time AEW International Champion.
December 2023: IWGP United States Heavyweight Title Deactivated
In December 2023, Will Ospreay was in his second reign as IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion when the title was deactivated.
2023: New Japan Cup, IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship pursuit and win at Forbidden Door
In 2023, Will Ospreay entered the New Japan Cup in March but forfeited due to a shoulder injury. In April, he was announced as a participant in a tournament for a new #1 contender for Kenny Omega's IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship. On May 21st, Ospreay defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi at Resurgence. Ospreay defeated Lance Archer at Dominion 6.4 to become the new #1 contender for Omega's title. On June 25th at Forbidden Door, Ospreay defeated Omega to regain the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship.
2023: Ospreay Appears in AEW
In 2023, Will Ospreay made appearances in AEW.
2023: Returns to Aerial Assassin Moniker
In 2023, Will Ospreay returned to "The Aerial Assassin" moniker and began using a kneeling double underhook powerbomb called the Tiger Driver '91.
2023: Sporadic Appearances for RevPro
Throughout 2023, Ospreay made sporadic appearances for RevPro, securing victories against opponents such as Big Damo, Luke Jacobs, and Eddie Dennis.
January 2024: Wrestle Kingdom 18 and IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship
On January 4, 2024, at Wrestle Kingdom 18, Will Ospreay competed for the newly created IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship but failed to win, with David Finlay winning the title instead.
February 2024: Ospreay Joins AEW Roster
In February 2024, Will Ospreay officially joined the AEW roster after his NJPW contract expired.
February 2024: Final RevPro event
On February 18, 2024, Will Ospreay unsuccessfully challenged Michael Oku for the Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship at High Stakes, which was his final appearance for RevPro.
March 2024: First AEW Match
On March 3, 2024, Will Ospreay had his first match as an AEW contracted wrestler at Revolution, where he defeated Konosuke Takeshita, who is a stablemate in the Don Callis Family.
2024: Ospreay Achieves Feat at AEW's Worlds End
In 2024 at AEW's Worlds End, Will Ospreay became one of five wrestlers to have wrestled two five-star matches on the same night. Ospreay holds the record for the most 5 or more stars matches given by wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer with a total of 54 matches.
2024: Continental Classic Tournament
In 2024, Will Ospreay participated in the Continental Classic, finishing with 9 points and advancing to the playoff stage at Worlds End on December 28. At Worlds End, Ospreay defeated Kyle Fletcher in the semi-finals but lost to Kazuchika Okada in the finals.
2024: Returns to TNA
In 2024, Will Ospreay returned to Impact, which had reverted to its original TNA name, and faced Josh Alexander in a rematch on January 18, which he lost.
January 2025: Aids Kenny Omega
On the January 8, 2025 episode of Dynamite, Will Ospreay came to the aid of Kenny Omega, who was under attack by the Don Callis Family.
February 2025: Joins Pro-Wrestling: EVE Creative Team
On February 13, 2025, it was reported that Will Ospreay had begun working as a producer and member of the creative team for the independent women's wrestling promotion Pro-Wrestling: EVE.
January 2026: NJPW Appearance at Wrestle Kingdom 20
On January 4, 2026, at Wrestle Kingdom 20, Will Ospreay made an appearance in NJPW as part of Hiroshi Tanahashi's retirement ceremony. The following day at New Year Dash!!, Ospreay confronted Callum Newman, promising to return to NJPW to help Newman lead the United Empire after recovering from a neck injury and completing his goals in AEW.
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