Free-Agent-To-Be Will Ospreay Returning To Impact Wrestling
In the midst of a career-defining year, Will Ospreay is returning to Impact Wrestling.
A star from London, Ospreay is leaving his mark all over the world. His 2023 has already included stunning performances at Wrestle Kingdom against Kenny Omega (as well as their brilliant rematch at Forbidden Door), an impressive showing against Chris Jericho at All In, and most recently, a spectacular match against Zack Sabre Jr. at New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Royal Quest.
Courtesy AEW
Every time Ospreay enters the ring, it is must-see. And he is accomplishing that feat all across the globe. He defeated Naomichi Marufuji last month in Pro Wrestling NOAH, and delivered another outstanding match against Shingo Takagi for RevPro in London. That is only a snippet of his breathtaking work, with the next must-see bout taking place on Saturday night at Impact’s Bound for Glory.
“The last time I was in Impact, I wasn’t the guy I am now,” said Ospreay, who made his Impact debut seven years ago. “I’ve made my name all around the world, and now I’m back to challenge the world’s finest.”
Ospreay wrestles “Speedball” Mike Bailey at Bound for Glory, a collision of two of absolute masters of the craft. In terms of innovation, athleticism, and psychology, these operate in pro wrestling’s most elite pantheon.
“Returning to Impact, this is a chance to test myself,” said Ospreay. “People holler on TV each week that they’re the best in the world, but I’m stretching myself across the world. I’m going everywhere. This year alone, I’ve done the Tokyo Dome for Wrestle Kingdom, which is New Japan’s biggest event. I’ve done All In, which is AEW’s biggest event, and now I’m doing Bound for Glory for Impact Wrestling.
“I want my legacy to be that I tested myself around the world. No one else in wrestling can say that except for one person, and that’s Mike Bailey. That makes me even more excited to face him.”
Courtesy NJPW
Ospreay, who is a former IWGP world heavyweight champion in New Japan, is on the cusp of becoming wrestling’s most intriguing free agent. His current deal with New Japan expires in four months, and the bidding war for his services will then begin.
“The deal is up in February, and we’re still in negotiations,” said Ospreay, who turned 30 this past May. “I’m looking to explore every single option and every single avenue. Impact Wrestling is in the running for my next home. I’m willing to test the waters. So this match against Mike Bailey is a real treat for me, and I’m excited to do it, especially with what could happen next year.”
Unlike his prior bouts against Omega and Jericho, the match with Bailey is a chance for both men to experience a breakthrough moment into a higher tier of stardom. Considering Ospreay believes he is wrestling’s best, this match will be a testing ground for him.
“In those matches with Omega and Jericho, I’m climbing after them,” said Ospreay. “This will be different. This is two guys in their prime, both clawing to be the best.
“Line up the world’s greatest wrestlers, whoever people think the GOATs are of the industry, and I’ve beaten them. Facing Kazuchika Okada was one of the hardest tests of my life. Or look at that WWE stratosphere that has come over to AEW, like Jericho. I’ve beat him. I’ve beat the best in Japan. I’ve beat Shingo Takagi. Look to the future, and I’ve beat Yota Tsuji. Or the best wrestler in the past 20 years, Kenny Omega? I’ve beaten him, too.
“That’s how I crown myself the best in the world. I’m currently the IWGP United Kingdom champion, but this is bigger than titles. I hope someone can knock me off my perch as best in the world.”
Courtesy AEW
There is every reason to believe that Ospreay is about to become an industry-defining star. For that matter, so should Bailey. Their match at Bound for Glory, especially important for the industry since it is taking place outside the walls of WWE.
The Ospreay-Bailey matchup is a clash of two emerging stars. The competition is genuine, with both seeking to showcase their extraordinary value inside the ring.
“I am building a legacy,” said Ospreay. “I’m doing that through the company I’m contracted to, and every other match I’m in outside of it, too. I’m here to state my name and show why I’m the best in the world.”
