Will Ospreay’s future is yet to be determined.
Speaking in a new interview with Sports Illustrated, Will Ospreay spoke about his upcoming match against Speedball Mike Bailey at IMPACT Wrestling’s Bound for Glory. After making it clear he’s a different person than the last time he appeared in the promotion, he spoke about his goals for his return.
“Returning to Impact, this is a chance to test myself. 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.”
He then turned his attention to his current deal with NJPW, which is set to expire in February of 2024. Will Ospreay says that he’s still in negotiations with NJPW, but he’s eyeing IMPACT Wrestling as another possible new home.
“The deal is up in February, and we’re still in negotiations. 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.”
Although his wrestling future is uncertain, Will Ospreay is sure about one thing: He could suplex a bear.
Will Ospreay Awarded 30th 5 Star Match From Dave Meltzer
As reported in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer has rated Will Ospreay’s IWGP United Kingdom Championship defence against Zack Sabre Jr. at Royal Quest 5.5*. In the review, Meltzer described the match as “a classic.” In a year full of critically acclaimed matches, the main event of Royal Quest was Ospreay’s 6th match rated 5* or higher in 2023 alone and the 22nd match given the accolade so far this year.
For Sabre Jr., this is his second match to gain 5.5* in 2023 as his technical classic with Bryan Danielson at WrestleDream would also obtain the same rating. It should also be noted that a second match at Royal Quest also nearly received the coveted 5* rating as Shingo Takagi vs. Tomohiro Ishii was rated 4.75*.
Will Ospreay and Zabre Jr. have faced off on multiple occasions in the past, with all of their matches being match-of-the-year contenders. Of the 30 matches rated 5* or higher, 4 of those were against Zack Sabre Jr. Ospreay has spoken highly of Sabre Jr. in the lead-up to the match, following the career of his challenger and fellow Brit very closely and being in admiration of how far the New Japan star has progressed.