Challenges Faced by Will Ospreay: Obstacles and Turning Points
Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Will Ospreay. A timeline of obstacles and growth.
Will Ospreay is an English professional wrestler currently signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a former two-time AEW International Champion. He's renowned for his eight-year run with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he achieved significant success, including holding the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
January 2014: Progress Tag Team Championship Tournament
In January 2014, Ospreay and Paul Robinson as The Swords of Essex were defeated by FSU (Mark Andrews and Eddie Dennis) in the first round of the Progress Tag Team Championship tournament. This event marked a challenge in his early tag team career.
March 2014: Loss of British Tag Team Championship
On 15 March 2014, The Swords of Essex lost their British Tag Team Championship to Ricochet and Rich Swann in RevPro. This event marks a setback in his tag team career.
May 2015: Loss of SWE Speed King Championship
On 30 May 2015, Ospreay lost the Speed King title in a Six-Way Elimination match to El Ligero. This marks a period of challenge for Ospreay.
September 2015: Loss of British Cruiserweight Championship
On 5 September 2015, after an eleven-month reign with title defences, Ospreay lost the British Cruiserweight Championship back to Bodom. This marks an end to his reign.
2015: UK Super 8 Final
In 2015, Ospreay reached the final of the UK Super 8 tournament again, losing to Rampage Brown. This event marks both a triumph and a challenge in his career.
2015: Progress Championship Title Defenses and Manchester Main Event
Throughout 2015, Ospreay successfully defended his Progress title against Haskins and Robinson, overcame an attack from Robinson with help from Mark Andrews, beat Andrews, and headlined Progress's first show outside London in Manchester against Gibson and Webster. This year was full of triumphs and challenges in Progress Wrestling for Ospreay.
January 2016: Loss of Progress Championship to Marty Scurll
On 24 January 2016, Ospreay lost the Progress Championship to Marty Scurll after passing out in Scurll's chickenwing submission. This defeat marked the end of his championship reign.
March 2016: Loser Leaves Town Match Loss
On 28 March 2016, Ospreay lost a Loser Leaves Town match to his former Spitfire Britannia partner Dawkins in IPW:UK. This marks a significant setback in his career with the promotion.
2016: Progress Championship Title Loss
In 2016, Ospreay lost the Progress Championship and didn't have a victory in the promotion since that loss.
February 2017: Unsuccessful British Heavyweight Championship challenge
In February 2017, Will Ospreay unsuccessfully challenged Katsuyori Shibata for the British Heavyweight Championship at The New Beginning in Osaka.
April 2017: Loss of British Cruiserweight Championship
In April 2017, Will Ospreay lost the British Cruiserweight Championship to Josh Bodom.
August 2017: Pro Wrestling World Cup Final
In August 2017, Ospreay made it to the finals of the Pro Wrestling World Cup, before losing to Kushida. This event marks success but also a challenge in his career.
November 2017: Failed to win Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship
In November 2017, Will Ospreay failed to win the Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship from Zack Sabre Jr at Global Wars.
2017: Final Battle Loss
At Final Battle 2017, Will Ospreay was defeated by Matt Taven in an ROH match.
April 2018: Neck Injury Against Marty Scurll
On April 1, 2018, Will Ospreay suffered a neck injury during a match against Marty Scurll, highlighting concerns about his high-risk wrestling style and career longevity.
May 2018: Super Strong Style 16 and Wembley Arena Challenge
On 7 May 2018, during the Super Strong Style 16 tournament, Ospreay challenged Jimmy Havoc to a match at Wembley Arena, later being forced to withdraw. This marks an event of challenge in his career.
September 2018: ROH World Title Challenge
In September 2018, Will Ospreay answered Jay Lethal's open challenge on ROH TV, declaring his intention to pursue the ROH World Title, but ultimately lost the match at Death Before Dishonor later that month.
2020: Speaking Out Movement Controversy
In 2020, Will Ospreay faced accusations during the Speaking Out movement related to the blacklisting of Pollyanna, though the claims were later disputed.
2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Impact and G1 Climax
In 2020, Will Ospreay's participation in the New Japan Cup was initially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the suspension of NJPW activities. He later returned in September for the G1 Climax, where he turned heel, formed United Empire, and defeated Kazuchika Okada.
May 2021: Vacated IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Due to Injury
In May 2021, Will Ospreay vacated the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship due to a neck injury sustained during a title defense, ending his reign.
2022: Loss of Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship
In 2022, Will Ospreay lost the Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship to Ricky Knight Jr. at RevPro's 10th Anniversary show, ending his reign at 919 days, making him the longest reigning champion.
2023: New Japan Cup and IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship Pursuit
In 2023, Will Ospreay entered the New Japan Cup but had to forfeit due to a shoulder injury. He returned to action in May, winning a tournament to become the #1 contender for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship. In June at Forbidden Door, Ospreay defeated Kenny Omega to regain the title.
January 4, 2024: Failed IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship bid at Wrestle Kingdom 18
On January 4, 2024, at Wrestle Kingdom 18, Will Ospreay competed for the newly created IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship but was defeated by David Finlay, failing to win the title.
2024: Return to TNA and Match Against Josh Alexander
In 2024, Will Ospreay returned to Impact Wrestling, now rebranded as TNA, and faced Josh Alexander in a rematch on January 18, which he lost.
