NJPW Spotlight is a series by Walter Yeates that highlights past and present members of the New Japan Pro Wrestling roster. This article highlights Will Ospreay. The previous article in the series on Jay White is available here.
Will Ospreay is one of the most spoken about wrestlers in the world today, mostly due to his rise through the ranks of New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). Since joining CHAOS in April 2016, he has earned the love and respect of NJPW fans in Japan and those across the world.
Despite only being 27, Ospreay’s career is already decorated with championships and tournament victories. He is a former MCW (Melbourne Championship Wrestling) Intercommonwealth Champion, 2x RevPro Undisputed British Cruiserweight Champion, RevPro Undisputed British Tag Team Championship, ROH (Ring of Honor) World Television Champion, 3x IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, and is the current RevPro Undisputed British Heavyweight Champion — not to mention a 2x Best of the Super Junior (BOSJ) tournament winner.
His recent move to the heavyweight division in NJPW came in conjunction with his winning of the RevPro Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship on February 14, 2020, after spending nearly four years as one of the key figures in the junior heavyweight division.
Throughout his time in NJPW Ospreay has evolved his daredevil style by adding more chair wrestling and strong style brawling elements. Many feel he is currently the best wrestler in the world, while others argue he is near the top of that list with the likes of Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Adam Cole, and an on Kenny Omega.
Ospreay has definitely adapted while keeping the origins of his training from the London School of Lucha Libre his ceiling is yet unknown, but his journey in NJPW could take him to international heights that he may not be able to reach in another company do to the prestige, style, and respect of NJPW’s in-ring product and modern bell to bell legacy.
While being the reigning RevPro Undisputed British Heavyweight Champion was one of his career goals, it’s likely Ospreay relishes the opportunity to hold the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in the future.
