In a recent interview with Fightful, wrestling star Will Ospreay discussed his contract situation with New Japan Pro Wrestling, as his deal with the company is set to expire soon. Ospreay revealed that he signed a five-year deal with New Japan in 2019 and is now considering his options for the future.
Will Ospreay, who signed a five-year deal with New Japan in 2019, admitted to feeling anxious about the prospect of wrestling in the United States. “I’ve only really dipped my toes into American wrestling,” he said. “I did my stint with Ring of Honor, but I think I wrestled there maybe ten times. I kind of like to arrive and leave, and not stick around too long. That’s no one’s fault besides my own. It’s a mad anxiety that I do have. The time that I did have with AEW did open my eyes and what I think that I know about myself and how good I am as a professional wrestler, being over there did make me take a step back and say, ‘maybe there is more to learn.’”
“My Heart Belongs To New Japan” – Will Ospreay
Despite his reservations about working in the US, Will Ospreay emphasized his loyalty to New Japan, saying “My heart does belong to New Japan. These guys are the reason why I am a star. There was the EVOLVE contract and that could have opened door ways, but I knew, in my heart, if I stuck it out with New Japan and worked hard, no one has the work ethic that I do when it comes to wrestling. A lot of guys put their work ethic in social media, bodies, and other ventures outside of wrestling, but my whole thing is, I wanted to be one of the best wrestlers going, and that’s down to everything New Japan has done.”
Will Ospreay also discussed the financial considerations that come with contract negotiations, saying “Money talks these days. I’m on phenomenal money, it’s money that I could literally only dream of. It’s one of those things where, I want to make sure my mom and dad never have to work again. I want to make sure this house is paid off one day. I still got 24 damn years left on the mortgage. A long way of bumping and feeding to go.”
Ultimately, it seems that Will Ospreay values the freedom and control he has with New Japan, saying “I’m just inspired to wrestle at my best and to have complete freedom of who I am as a wrestler. If anyone else had control of me – New Japan allows me to be as fluid and crazy as I want. Having someone else have control of me does intimidate me a little bit because I’m not the best actor, but I’m one of the best wrestlers.” It remains to be seen what the future holds for Will Ospreay and where he will end up, but it is clear that he has a lot to consider as he approaches the end of his contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling.