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 to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as of November 2023, where he is a former two-time AEW International Champion. He is also known for his eight year tenure with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he held various championships, including the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

January 2016: TNA Debut and Championship Challenges

In January 2016, Will Ospreay made his debut for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) during their UK tour. He entered the Joker's Wild tournament and challenged for the TNA King of the Mountain Championship and TNA World Tag Team Championship, but was unsuccessful. Plans to push him were cut short after TNA learned of his signing with NJPW.

March 2016: Joins Chaos Stable and Challenges for IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship

In March 2016, Will Ospreay was announced as the newest member of the NJPW stable Chaos. He then challenged Kushida for an IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship match at Invasion Attack 2016.

April 2016: Evolve Debut

In April 2016, Will Ospreay debuted for Evolve, losing to Zack Sabre Jr. at Evolve 58 and Ricochet at Evolve 59 in Dallas, Texas.

2016: Super J-Cup and NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship

In 2016, Will Ospreay entered the Super J-Cup, and on October 8, he received his first shot at the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship, but he and his Chaos stablemates were defeated.

February 2017: Unsuccessful British Heavyweight Championship Challenge

In February 2017, at The New Beginning in Osaka, Will Ospreay unsuccessfully challenged Katsuyori Shibata for the British Heavyweight Championship.

April 2017: Loss of British Cruiserweight Championship

In April 2017, Will Ospreay lost his British Cruiserweight Championship to Josh Bodom, who was the interim champion.

November 2017: Failed Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship Bid

In November 2017, at Global Wars, Will Ospreay failed to win the Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship from Zack Sabre Jr.

2017: Defeat at Final Battle

At Final Battle 2017, Will Ospreay was defeated by Matt Taven.

April 2018: Neck Injury Against Marty Scurll

On April 1, 2018, Will Ospreay suffered a neck injury against Marty Scurll.

September 2018: ROH World Title Match

In September 2018, Will Ospreay challenged Jay Lethal for the ROH World Title at Death Before Dishonor, but he lost the match.

2018: Challenges for NEVER Openweight Championship

In 2018, Will Ospreay called out Taichi for a NEVER Openweight Championship match, hinting at moving to the Heavyweight division; however, the match was later cancelled due to Ospreay's injury. He then challenged Kota Ibushi to a championship match at Wrestle Kingdom 13.

January 2020: Loss of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 14

On January 4, 2020, at Wrestle Kingdom 14, Will Ospreay lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship to Hiromu Takahashi, suffering a heel injury during the match.

May 2021: IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Win and Injury

In May 2021, Will Ospreay made his first defense of the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Shingo Takagi at Wrestling Dontaku. However, he suffered a neck injury during the match and had to vacate the title on May 20, 2021.

2022: Title Defences and Championship Loss

In 2022, Will Ospreay defended his title against Michael Oku at RevPro High Stakes 2022. He then defended against Mike Bailey on Night 1 of RevPro's 10th Anniversary show on August 20. On Night 2, August 21, Ospreay lost the Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship to Ricky Knight Jr., ending his reign at 919 days.

2023: New Japan Cup, IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship Pursuit and Win

In March 2023, Will Ospreay entered the New Japan Cup but had to forfeit due to a shoulder injury. In April 2023, NJPW announced a tournament for Kenny Omega's IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship, with Ospreay participating. On June 25, 2023, at Forbidden Door, Ospreay defeated Omega to regain the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship.

January 4, 2024: Failure to Win IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 18

On January 4, 2024, at Wrestle Kingdom 18, Will Ospreay failed to win the newly created IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship, with David Finlay winning the title instead.

February 2024: Final RevPro Event and Championship Challenge

In February 2024, on February 18, Will Ospreay unsuccessfully challenged Michael Oku for the Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship at High Stakes, marking his final appearance for RevPro.