Will Ospreay after AEW All Out: Was the Grand Slam challenge the right move?

AEW

Will Ospreay retained the AEW World Championship after All Out and set a challenge for France on October 6, but should that be happening?

The challenges are coming thick and fast for Will Ospreay, with a victory over Jon Moxley at All Out just under a month after beating Kenny Omega for the AEW World Championship at All In.

During the post-show All Out press conference, Ospreay named his next challenger, with Kazuchika Okada being the next in line and the match made for Grand Slam France on October 6.

The match is bound to be a contender for the best the year has to offer, but was there a better story to tell for Will Ospreay?

Coming To Terms With What Death Riders Did

There was a show of respect from Jon Moxley after his loss at AEW All Out, but that doesn’t erase what went on between Ospreay and Death Riders earlier this year.

Under Moxley’s guidance, Ospreay was broken down and rebuilt as a star mentally as well as physically and that’s a story that could still be explored.

Despite the stories it may tell, AEW doesn’t have the time to deliver a soap opera level of drama, but there could be an opportunity to tell the story of Ospreay recognizing the strain he was under and the lasting impact it has on him.

A Besieged Champion

At some point, an AEW star is going to specifically target the World Championship but, for now, Ospreay is in charge of the challenge.

Outside of this, however, AEW All Out saw United Empire and Death Riders collide, with the possibility that their feud isn’t over.

Ospreay has had past issues with Gabe Kidd, and it would be a missed opportunity not to settle their rivalry in the ring at some point in the near future.

Then there’s the introduction of an AEW chapter of United Empire, something that Callum Newman hasn’t been too happy about over in NJPW.

A post-Grand Slam plan?

Since winning the AEW World Championship, Ospreay has been competing on every episode of Dynamite and now All Out. He’s got the fire, drive and determination to continue to be one of the most highly-regarded professional wrestlers in the world today, but an in-ring absence could make the heart grow fonder.

This isn’t the suggestion of a long absence, but just a few weeks where the AEW World Champion isn’t present in the ring, allowing him to continue to elevate his microphone game, which already stands as a high point for the star, as well as build on the stories being told around him and United Empire.

Capitalize on the past to shape the future

Seeing Ospreay come to terms with the man he is now because of Death Riders would be an opportunity to show more layers to the World Champion.

Presenting him as a pillar of strength makes sense, as it would with any top star with the title, but Ospreay showed a softer and more human side in the Journey to All In: London video series that would be worth AEW leaning into to.

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!

• Kazuchika Okada
• Grand Slam
• Grand Slam France
• AEW
• Will Ospreay

Share this article with friends