Will Ospreay still wants to fly the flag for New Japan in 2024.
At Full Gear, it was announced that Ospreay will join the AEW roster in the spring when his contract with NJPW expires. One of The Ariel Assassin’s final matches in Japan will see him compete at Wrestle Kingdom 18 in a 3-way match against David Finlay and Jon Moxley. The winner will be crowned the inaugural IWGP Global Champion, NJPW’s newest championship. The title will replace the IWGP United States and United Kingdom Championships as part of the promotion’s global expansion strategy.
Ospreay has wrestled all around the world in 2023 and hopes to continue that when he becomes a full-time member of the AEW roster. Having made his name in the wrestling world for his work in New Japan, the British wrestler also wants to remain close to the promotion.
Ospreay spoke to Sports Illustrated to discuss the new championship that will be introduced in January 2024. The Ariel Assassin stated that he wants to continue to represent New Japan and defend the title around the world as much as possible:
“It is going to be defended around the globe, and there is no one better served to do that,” said Ospreay. “I’m performing at the highest level around the world. This is my chance to cross-promote. That’s truly a special thing to have. I want to elevate the promotions I work with and my opponents in the ring. I am going to deliver the best possible matches I can deliver.”
As has been confirmed by Tony Khan, Will Ospreay will be able to return to New Japan to work dates for the promotion when he has officially signed with AEW.
Multiple Promotions Intended To Sign Will Ospreay
When enws broke that Ospreay’s New Japan contract was nearing its end and he was exploring other options, many of the top promotions looked to sign the critically acclaimed wrestler to a new deal. Although AEW won the war to secure Ospreay, another top promotion did offer Will Ospreay a massive offer.