Will Ospreay, a prominent figure in the wrestling world, recently concluded his tenure with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), marking the end of an era.
Ospreay’s departure from NJPW followed his announcement of signing a multi-year contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), revealed by Tony Khan during the 2023 Full Gear pay-per-view event.
In what was his final match in NJPW, Ospreay participated in a captivating steel cage bout where his team, unfortunately, faced defeat against Bullet Club War Dogs in a memorable encounter.
Following this emotional match, Ospreay bid a heartfelt farewell to the promotion that had been a significant part of his career.
Expressing his gratitude, Ospreay took to Twitter to convey his appreciation to NJPW with a poignant message: “Thank you New Japan Pro Wrestling. I’m really going to miss you guys. I love you all so much.”
loudest chants of the night are for Will Ospreay!
OS-PREAY OS-PREAY🗣️👏🏽 #njnbg pic.twitter.com/73S1KpPsVf
— AIR (@AIRGold_) February 11, 2024
The announcement of Ospreay’s departure evoked a mix of emotions among fans, many of whom were saddened by his farewell but also wished him well as he embarked on his journey with AEW.
Claudio Castagnoli, a fellow wrestler and member of the Blackpool Combat Club alongside Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, and Wheeler Yuta, shared his admiration for Ospreay’s talents.
In an interview with Adrian Hernandez, Castagnoli praised Ospreay’s decision to seek new challenges and grow as a performer, highlighting Ospreay’s relentless pursuit of excellence in each match.
Reflecting on Ospreay’s decision to join AEW, Castagnoli remarked, “He wants to impress people. He wants to give them something to remember, and that’s why he figured his next step is coming to AEW.”
As Ospreay transitions to AEW, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing his contributions to the Tony Khan-led promotion, where he is poised to continue showcasing his remarkable skills and captivating performances on a new platform.
