Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Will Ospreay, often hailed as the top professional wrestler of the past decade and known by his nickname the “aerial assassin,” remains modest about his achievements. He emphasizes that this recognition comes from respected peers rather than self-promotion. Originating from Essex, Ospreay began his wrestling journey in the UK and subsequently gained prominence wrestling in Japan for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). His career also includes stints in the United States before signing with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), which has brought him back to the UK for a major event.
This weekend, Ospreay is set to headline AEW’s show at Wembley Stadium, competing for the men’s World Championship—an opportunity marking a significant milestone in his career. However, the path to this moment has not been without its difficulties. Ospreay has battled through a serious neck injury that nearly forced him to quit wrestling. He described experiencing numbness in his arm that became unbearably painful, even affecting everyday activities like driving. After undergoing double-fusion neck surgery to alleviate pressure on his spinal cord, he considers himself fortunate to have received a second chance to continue his career.
Ospreay attributes much of his growth as a wrestler to his time in Japan, where NJPW identified his potential while he was wrestling independently in the UK. Reflecting on that period, he acknowledged that he was a hyperactive 22-year-old, unaware that he had ADHD at the time. It was only later, at age 27, during emotional struggles in Japan, that he was diagnosed with the condition, which he says has brought clarity though he continues to learn how to manage it. Ospreay accepts that he sometimes makes mistakes, but these experiences are part of his ongoing personal growth.
His wrestling persona draws inspiration directly from the popular video game series Assassin’s Creed, particularly from the character Ezio Auditore da Firenze. Ospreay drew on the character’s distinctive hooded outfit and agile movements to craft his “aerial assassin” style, which highlights his high-flying wrestling skills. He views both wrestling and gaming as forms of escapism and storytelling, providing audiences with entertainment, hope, and emotion. Looking ahead, Ospreay hopes to inspire young wrestlers in Britain by showing that success can be achieved without immediately moving to the US, highlighting the value of hard work and perseverance, particularly through his years in Japan. He aspires to be remembered as someone with a big heart who uplifted others rather than held them back
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
