Will Ospreay has become the first wrestler to receive 30 matches rated five stars or more.
As reported in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer has rated 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*.
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.
In an interview with the Battleground podcast, Ospreay gave no hints regarding his future but did state that he is still number 1:
“The way that next year is looking, I have no idea which direction I’m going to be in wrestling, but one thing is going to remain; no matter where I am, I am the best wrestler in the world,” [h/t to Fightful]
Who Is Will Ospreay’s Next Challenger
Following the successful retention, Will Ospreay was confronted by Shota Umino, who wanted to be next in line for a title shot. Ospreay agreed on the grounds that Jon Moxley would return to New Japan and face Great-O-Khan. The conditions were confirmed and the match has been scheduled for November 4th at New Japan Power Struggle.