Since becoming a heavyweight on the roster of New Japan Pro Wrestling, Will Ospreay has become one of their top stars. This culminated in him winning the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship from Kota Ibushi in 2021, following winning the New Japan Cup. However, his reign was cut short due to a neck injury – and being stripped of his belt… while Moxley was sitting on his NJPW gold.
Will Ospreay Was Mad About Jon Moxley In 2021
When he was stripped of his gold, Ospreay took it upon himself to label himself the real worlds champion, and used the lack of defences from Moxley as fuel for this. He’d also call out Moxley for being a part-timer, and getting special treatment during a recent interview with the All Wrestling Podcast. Ospreay had the following to say.
“Yeah, there was part of me being angry because you look at Jon Moxley, who didn’t defend his IWGP U.S title for a year. But NJPW was like, oh, he’s fine, but the guy who is actually breaking his back for the company and done all the neck issues just needs four months off. So I was kinda angry, but I got it. You need a fighting champion.
But like, if you’re gonna do it for Moxley, then do it, but do it for me because he’s a part-timer and I’m gonna actually be here. So that was why I made my stand telling them I was not showing up to Japan until I was recognized as the real champion.”
The reign of Jon Moxley as IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship was ended by Lance Archer on AEW Dynamite, and lasted 564 Days – with just five successful defenses.
Working His Way Back To The Top Of NJPW
Right now, Jon Moxley is only set to show up for New Japan Pro Wrestling during their major shows in the United States. Meanwhile, Ospreay is on his way to his second New Japan Cup victory, having recently defeated BUSHI to advance to the second round. El Phantasmo is next in line to face Ospreay, who is projected to atleast reach the finals of the tournament.
Should Will Ospreay have been stripped of his championship in 2021? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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