History of Will Ospreay in Timeline
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.
May 1993: Birth of William Peter Charles Ospreay
On 7 May 1993, William Peter Charles Ospreay was born in the Havering borough of London.
May 1993: William Ospreay's Birth
On May 1993, William Peter Charles Ospreay was born. This marks the beginning of his life and eventual wrestling career.
2005: Inspiration to Become a Wrestler
In 2005, Will Ospreay decided to become a wrestler after watching a match between AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels, and Samoa Joe at TNA's Unbreakable event.
April 2012: Professional Wrestling Debut as Dark Britannico
On 1 April 2012, Will Ospreay made his professional wrestling debut at BritWres-Fest as the masked character Dark Britannico.
September 2012: Regular Wrestler for IPW: UK
Since September 2012, Will Ospreay has regularly wrestled for International Pro Wrestling: United Kingdom (IPW: UK) in singles matches and as part of teams.
2012: Start of UK independent circuit career
In 2012, Will Ospreay began his professional wrestling career on the UK independent circuit.
February 2013: RevPro Debut
On 10 February 2013, Will Ospreay debuted for Revolution Pro Wrestling (RevPro) with a win over Mike Hitchman.
May 2013: Winning the FPW Tag Team Championship
In May 2013, The Swords of Essex (Ospreay and Robinson) became the first FPW Tag Team Champions after winning a four-way match.
June 2013: Winning the British Tag Team Championship
On 15 June 2013, The Swords of Essex (Will Ospreay and Paul Robinson) won the British Tag Team Championship by defeating Project Ego (Kris Travis and Martin Kirby).
January 2014: Loss in Progress Tag Team Championship Tournament
In January 2014, The Swords of Essex (Will Ospreay and Paul Robinson) lost to FSU (Mark Andrews and Eddie Dennis) in the first round of the Progress Tag Team Championship tournament.
March 2014: SWE Regular and Speed King Championship Pursuit
From March 2014 onwards, Will Ospreay became a regular for Southside Wrestling Entertainment (SWE).
March 2014: Losing the British Tag Team Championship
On 15 March 2014, The Swords of Essex lost their British Tag Team Championship to Ricochet and Rich Swann, The Inner City Machine Gun.
2014: UK Super 8 tournament and Battle Royale win
In 2014, Will Ospreay reached the final of the UK Super 8 tournament and won the 30-man Battle Royale.
May 2015: Rematch Victory and Title Defense
In May 2015, Will Ospreay won a rematch against Matt Sydal, retaining the British Cruiserweight Championship.
May 2015: Losing the Speed King Championship
On 30 May 2015, Will Ospreay lost the Speed King title in a Six-Way Elimination match to El Ligero.
September 2015: Losing the British Cruiserweight Championship
On 5 September 2015, Will Ospreay lost the British Cruiserweight Championship back to Josh Bodom after an eleven-month reign.
October 2015: Loss to Kazuchika Okada and NJPW Recommendation
In October 2015, Will Ospreay lost a match to New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Kazuchika Okada. Impressed by Ospreay's skills, Okada recommended him to NJPW officials, which, along with endorsements from AJ Styles and Hiroshi Tanahashi, led to Ospreay being signed by NJPW.
2015: UK Super 8 tournament and Battle Royale attempt
In 2015, Will Ospreay reached the final of the UK Super 8 tournament and failed to win the Battle Royale when the All England Championship was on the line.
2015: Title Defenses and Main Event in Manchester
In 2015, Will Ospreay successfully defended his title against Haskins and Robinson. He also headlined Progress's first main show outside of London in Manchester.
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.
January 2016: Loss of Championship to Marty Scurll
On 24 January 2016, Will Ospreay lost the championship to Marty Scurll after passing out in Scurll's chickenwing submission.
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.
March 2016: Loser Leaves Town Match
On 28 March 2016, Will Ospreay lost a Loser Leaves Town match to his former Spitfire Britannia partner, Dawkins.
August 2016: Unveiling the British Triangle Championship
On 27 August 2016, Will Ospreay posted a video unveiling the new British Triangle Championship with his Swords of Essex partners.
November 2016: ROH World Television Championship Win and Loss
In November 2016, Will Ospreay signed with Ring of Honor (ROH). On November 18, 2016, Ospreay defeated Bobby Fish to become the new ROH World Television Champion, but he lost the title to Marty Scurll two days later.
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.
2016: Last Progress victory since 2016
In 2016, Will Ospreay had his last Progress victory since losing the Progress Championship.
2016: Wins and Title Matches
In 2016, Will Ospreay secured wins over Marty Scurll, Pete Dunne, and Mike Bailey, leading to a Cruiserweight Championship match against Pete Dunne on July 10, which Ospreay won. He also headlined York Hall against Vader after a Twitter debate sparked by Vader's criticism of Ospreay's match with Ricochet.
2016: Best of the Super Juniors Victory and IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Challenge
In 2016, Will Ospreay won the Best of the Super Juniors tournament, becoming the youngest and first English winner. He then challenged for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, but was defeated by Kushida at Dominion 6.19 in Osaka-jo Hall.
2016: Joining NJPW as a junior heavyweight
In 2016, Will Ospreay, recommended by AJ Styles, joined New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) as part of the junior heavyweight division.
2016: WCPW Performances and Tag Team Championship Win
Throughout 2016, Will Ospreay wrestled for What Culture Pro Wrestling (WCPW), including wins over Noam Dar and Marty Scurll and winning the WCPW Tag Team Championship with Scotty Wainwright.
January 2017: Starting Lucha Forever Promotion
On 4 January 2017, Will Ospreay and Ryan Smile started their own promotion known as Lucha Forever.
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.
August 2017: PWA Heavyweight Championship Win and MCW Intercommonwealth Championship Win
In August 2017, Will Ospreay debuted for Pro Wrestling Australia (PWA) and won the PWA Heavyweight Championship by defeating Robbie Eagles. Shortly after, he also won the MCW Intercommonwealth Championship by defeating Adam Brooks at a Melbourne City Wrestling show.
August 2017: Pro Wrestling World Cup Finals
In August 2017, Will Ospreay reached the finals of the Pro Wrestling World Cup before losing to Kushida.
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.
2017: Relationship with Bea Priestley
In 2017, Will Ospreay began a relationship with English-New Zealand wrestler Bea Priestley and they planned to move to Japan together.
2017: Return to Progress Wrestling
Will Ospreay returned to Progress Wrestling at the last event of 2017 as a mystery opponent for Travis Banks but lost the match.
January 2018: Regains IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship at 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.
April 2018: Neck Injury Against Marty Scurll
On April 1, 2018, Will Ospreay suffered a neck injury against Marty Scurll.
May 2018: Challenge to Jimmy Havoc
On 7 May 2018, Will Ospreay challenged Jimmy Havoc to a match at Wembley Arena.
June 2018: Frontline Wrestling's First Event
On June 28, 2018, Will Ospreay's promotion, Frontline Wrestling, ran its first event, "Build Me An Empire".
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.
September 2018: Victory Against Jimmy Havoc
On 30 September 2018, Will Ospreay defeated Jimmy Havoc in a no disqualification match at Progress Chapter 75.
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.
2019: Best of the Super Juniors and IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Win
In 2019, Will Ospreay won his block in the Best of the Super Juniors with a 7-2 record, advancing to the final where he defeated Shingo Takagi, winning the tournament and earning an IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship match at Dominion. At Dominion in 2019, Ospreay defeated Dragon Lee to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship for the third time. After winning the title, Ospreay announced his intention to enter the G1 Climax 29.
2019: Winning NEVER Openweight Championship and participation in G1 Climax
In 2019, Will Ospreay won the NEVER Openweight Championship and participated in the G1 Climax, NJPW's biggest heavyweight wrestling tournament.
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.
February 2020: Wins Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship
In February 2020, at High Stakes, Will Ospreay defeated Zack Sabre Jr. to win the Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship.
November 2020: Title Defence against Ricky Knight Jr.
On November 15, 2020, Will 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 his second G1 Climax, finishing with twelve points. At night 17 of the G1 Climax in 2020, Ospreay defeated Kazuchika Okada after interference, 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, increasing his size and muscle mass. He adopted the nickname "The Commonwealth Kingpin" and incorporated more technical and powerful offense into his in-ring style, including the Stormbreaker.
2020: Transition to Heavyweight Division and IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Win
In 2020, Will Ospreay transitioned to the heavyweight division in NJPW and won the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
2020: Accusations during Speaking Out movement
In 2020, during the Speaking Out movement, Will Ospreay was accused of blacklisting Pollyanna, but it was later revealed that the venue, not Ospreay, had requested her removal from an IWL show. The IWL Twitter account later retracted the initial claim.
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.
August 2021: Title Defence against Doug Williams
In August 2021, at RevPro's Ninth Anniversary on August 21, Will Ospreay defended his Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship against Doug Williams.
2021: Split with Bea Priestley
In 2021, Will Ospreay and Bea Priestley ended their relationship.
2021: Winning the New Japan Cup
In 2021, Will Ospreay won the New Japan Cup tournament.
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. On June 15, 2022, Ospreay defeated Dax Harwood in his first singles match at Road Rager. At Forbidden Door in June 2022, Ospreay successfully defended his IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship against Orange Cassidy.
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.
2022: First Appearances in AEW
In 2022, Will Ospreay made his first appearances in All Elite Wrestling.
2022: Return to RevPro and Win Against Tomohiro Ishii
In December 2022, Will Ospreay returned to RevPro and defeated Tomohiro Ishii.
May 2023: Return to Progress as part of the Super Strong Style 16 tournament
On 17 May 2023, it was announced that Will Ospreay would return to Progress as part of the 2023 Super Strong Style 16 tournament. He won his first match back against Tate Mayfairs but lost his second match against Nathan Cruz by DQ.
June 2023: AEW Appearances Leading to Forbidden Door Match
In June 2023, Will Ospreay returned to AEW, attacking Kenny Omega. On the same week's episode of Rampage in June 2023, Ospreay teamed with Jeff Cobb and Kyle Fletcher to defeat Chaos.
November 2023: Signing with AEW
In November 2023, Will Ospreay was signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he became a former two-time AEW International Champion.
December 2023: Deactivation of the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship
In December 2023, the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship was deactivated during Will Ospreay's second reign as champion.
2023: Further Appearances in AEW and Signing
In 2023, Will Ospreay made further appearances in AEW and signed with the company.
2023: Return to "The Aerial Assassin" moniker
In 2023, Will Ospreay reverted to "The Aerial Assassin" moniker and introduced a new finisher, the Tiger Driver '91, a kneeling double underhook powerbomb.
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.
2023: Relationship with Alex Windsor and AEW signing
In late 2023, Will Ospreay was in a relationship with fellow wrestler Alex Windsor and became the step-father to her son. He signed with AEW, citing his desire to raise his step-son in the United Kingdom as a major reason.
2023: Sporadic RevPro Appearances and AEW Signing Announcement
Throughout 2023, Will Ospreay made sporadic appearances for RevPro, securing victories over Big Damo, Luke Jacobs, and Eddie Dennis. On December 16, at RevPro Uprising, Ospreay defeated Gabe Kidd and announced that February 18, 2024, would be his final RevPro event due to his signing with AEW (All Elite Wrestling).
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: Officially Joining AEW
In February 2024, Will Ospreay officially joined the AEW roster after his NJPW contract expired.
February 2024: Official AEW Roster Member
In February 2024, Will Ospreay officially joined the AEW roster.
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.
March 2024: AEW Revolution Win
On March 3, 2024, at Revolution, Will Ospreay had his first match as an AEW contracted wrestler and defeated Konosuke Takeshita.
2024: Achieving Feat at AEW's Worlds End
In 2024, Will Ospreay achieved the feat of wrestling two five-star matches on the same night at AEW's Worlds End.
2024: Return 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: Aid to Kenny Omega on Dynamite
On the January 8, 2025 episode of Dynamite, Will Ospreay came to the aid of Kenny Omega from an attack by the Don Callis Family.
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