Will Ospreay has responded to the critics of his matches, believing that if he had signed with WWE then they might see things differently.
Although Ospreay has 48 five-star matches from Dave Meltzer and many wrestler of the year awards to his name, the AEW star’s matches are not to everyone’s taste, something that Ospreay is very aware of. Criticised for being too spot-heavy in his matches and with a lack of selling, The Aerial Assassin understands that he won’t be able to please everyone with his in-ring work.
During an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Ospreay spoke about adapting his in-ring style in recent years while still incorporating big moves, such as taking a Tombstone from the apron onto the steel steps at Full Gear 2024.
It was then brought up that the criticism could be deemed unfair because if a similar spot happened in WWE then it would be more well-received. Responding to this, Ospreay stated that while it is not unfair to say that, he does believe that there would be much less criticism if he went to WWE, noting how many are out to criticise AEW:
“No [I don’t think it’s unfair]. But then if I’ve had gone there, they’d be f*cking w*nking into f*cking tissues over me. But it’s the same. That’s why you have to separate it, otherwise you drive yourself insane. I think if you have something, my wrestling is my passion, it’s my job, most importantly. But if you have something that you’re passionate about, you really don’t care about what people are saying who have never impacted your career in your entire life.
None of those people. Once upon a time, they were big hits that anyone that’s ever complained about AEW like the grifters or whatever they’re called. I don’t know if that’s the right term. That’s what everyone says. But even if they say something, it’s like they’re not impacting our show. We’re the second most profitable wrestling company of all time. That’s not talked about enough, and everyone wants to dig on it.
I get it, there’s things that we could generally improve on and I think it’s fair to listen to some criticism. But for me, I don’t lose sleep over anyone trying to tell me how to wrestle. Because now, look at me. I’m a f*cking idiot. I know I am, but I’ve carved out this little lane for myself. I was destined to be someone that either worked in McDonald’s or pushed trolleys at Tesco’s.
But because I grafted at this, and because I learned the trade over in England and over in Japan, and my enthusiasm, my passion comes over here, I don’t let things like, ‘Oh this is sh*t.’ Why? ‘Because it’s sh*t.’ Well, that’s not fair. If you give me criticism and you give me points that I can work on, then I’ll try my best to work on it. I’m not going to get it right away, but I think that’s the stuff that people need to speak more about.”
Will Ospreay Speaks Out On Triple H Comments
Shortly after Ospreay signed with AEW, Triple H spoke in an interview about some wrestlers being “afraid of the WWE grind”, which many felt to be a reference to the British star. Also in the interview, Will Ospreay gave his thoughts on Triple H’s comments and why he issued a reply of his own.
Also in the interview, Will Ospreay spoke about how he wants to end his in-ring career.
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