Will Ospreay ‘Probably’ Calling Time On Independent Bookings

NJPW

NJPW’s Will Ospreay has opened up on his future on the independent wrestling scene and suggested he may be calling time on it.

Speaking at the post-show media scrum after AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, the new IWGP United States Champion reflected on his recent physical issues and his desire to continue to elevate the independent wrestling scene.

In the run up to his match at Forbidden Door, Ospreay revealed that his shoulder was “as good as it physically can be.”

Addressing the issues he faces and the presence he has on the independent wrestling scene, Ospreay said:

“My whole thing with performing, not just in Japan, in England, United States, France, Canada, Italy, Spain, Germany, and anywhere.

“The term ‘best in the world’ is thrown around almost religiously in any type of promotion. I don’t allocate myself to one place.

“I think to truly be the best in the world, you test yourself in every company’s position, you go anywhere and everywhere.

“That’s how you find and discover new talent. I always have a saying of ‘pay it forward.’ I’m very passionate about the British wrestling scene.

“They got hit real hard from the pandemic and I took it upon myself to try to get it back how it was. I still don’t think the job is done in England yet, but I do feel like my time is coming up, especially doing all the independents.

“My body is starting to break down and I think it is time for me to be a little more sensible, and I probably will wrap up doing the independents this year.”

It’s not clear whether this is specific to British independent wrestling or the independent wrestling scene around the world.

Ospreay currently resides in the United Kingdom and has recently revealed that the need to move to the United States was one of the factors that stopped him signing with WWE.

Ospreay had previously discussed his future as a wrestler after a shoulder injury he sustained in March 2023.

The current 1PW World Heavyweight Champion also made his return to Progress Wrestling in the United Kingdom over Super Strong Style weekend.

Alongside multiple title reigns in NJPW and as a former ROH World Television Champion, he has also held championships in Australia and multiple championships in the United Kingdom, including Revolution Pro Wrestling and Progress Wrestling.

Transcript from Fightful.

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• independent bookings
• NJPW
• Will Ospreay

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