Will Ospreay's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 16, 2026

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Will Ospreay.

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.

Sections (5)

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

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).

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2021: Ospreay Wins New Japan Cup

In 2021, Will Ospreay won the New Japan Cup.

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.

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.