Will Ospreay
Lists:
Top 10 Wrestlers of 2025 (So Far)
The Best Finishing Moves in Wrestling History
The Best Wrestling Champion In History
Real Name: Will Ospreay
Date of Birth: May 7, 1993
Place of Birth: Havering, London, England, UK
Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight: 187 lbs (85 kg)
Billed From: Havering, London, England
Debut: 2011
Current Promotions: New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Impact Wrestling, Various International Promotions
Finisher(s): OsCutter (Modified Cutter), Storm Breaker (Sitout Lifted Powerbomb), Shooting Star Press
Career Highlights
| Promotion | Accomplishments |
|---|---|
| NJPW | IWGP World Heavyweight Champion (multiple times) |
| IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion (record-setting reigns) | |
| NEVER Openweight Champion | |
| Winner of Best of the Super Juniors (2016, 2019) | |
| ROH (Ring of Honor) | ROH World Tag Team Champion |
| RevPro (Revolution Pro Wrestling) | British Heavyweight Champion |
| Impact Wrestling | Impact X Division Champion |
Persona & Gimmick
Will Ospreay is celebrated as a high-flying, innovative, and risk-taking performer who blends incredible athleticism with storytelling. He embodies the spirit of a trailblazer, constantly pushing the limits of what’s possible in the ring.
Key traits:
- Known for breathtaking aerial maneuvers and creative offense
- Charismatic and sometimes cocky persona, evolving into a darker “Black Ospreay” character
- Mixes technical wrestling with high-impact, high-risk moves
- Highly respected for both his in-ring skills and storytelling ability
- Combines British wrestling tradition with modern international style
In-Ring Style
Will Ospreay’s style is an electrifying fusion of high-flying agility, technical precision, and hard-hitting strikes.
In-ring trademarks:
- Shooting Star Press—one of his signature aerial moves
- OsCutter—a unique, impactful cutter finisher
- Storm Breaker—a devastating sitout lifted powerbomb used in heavyweight competition
- Incredible agility combined with technical grappling
- Incorporates innovative counters and dynamic pace in matches
Career Timeline
Early Years & Rise (2011–2015)
- Debuted in 2011 on the British independent circuit
- Gained recognition in promotions like Progress Wrestling, RevPro, and ICW
- Became one of the top junior heavyweights worldwide with standout matches
NJPW Breakthrough (2016–Present)
- Joined NJPW, quickly establishing himself as a junior heavyweight star
- Won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship multiple times
- Made history by becoming the first junior heavyweight to win the IWGP Heavyweight title (later IWGP World Heavyweight)
- Developed a compelling “Black Ospreay” heel persona
- Main evented major NJPW shows and led factions like United Empire
International Success & Expansion
- Wrestled in ROH, Impact Wrestling, and various global promotions
- Known for top-tier matches against Kenny Omega, Kazuchika Okada, Shingo Takagi, and others
- Multiple awards including Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Best Flying Wrestler
- Continues to innovate and influence the global wrestling scene
Mic Skills & Charisma
While Ospreay’s in-ring work is his greatest strength, his charisma and promos have evolved, especially since adopting a more villainous “Black Ospreay” character. His confident, sometimes arrogant promos add depth to his persona, making him a compelling main event star.
Notable Matches
- Vs. Kazuchika Okada (multiple NJPW main events)
- Vs. Kenny Omega in epic junior heavyweight and heavyweight bouts
- Best of the Super Juniors finals (2016, 2019)
- Impact X Division Championship defenses
- RevPro British Heavyweight title matches
- United Empire faction battles in NJPW
Will Ospreay’s Best Moments
Will Ospreay has taken AEW by storm with his jaw-dropping athleticism, unmatched agility, and fearless in-ring style. From show-stealing debuts to unforgettable high-flying clashes, The Aerial Assassin continues to push the limits of what’s possible in professional wrestling. Watch the very best of Ospreay’s electrifying AEW moments in this action-packed playlist.
Social Media Presence
- Twitter: @WillOspreay
- Instagram: @will_ospreay
- Active in sharing training, match highlights, and personal insights with a global fanbase
Fun Facts
- Started wrestling at 18 and rapidly rose through the ranks
- Known for innovative moves inspired by lucha libre and traditional British wrestling
- Has a background in gymnastics and martial arts
- “Black Ospreay” persona features a darker, more aggressive style and look
- Influenced a generation of wrestlers with his aerial style and storytelling
Legacy & Future
Will Ospreay is considered one of the best wrestlers of his generation and a transformative figure in modern pro wrestling. His blend of risk-taking athleticism, storytelling, and evolving character work ensures he remains a major star on the global stage for years to come.
“Will Ospreay is the future of wrestling — a high-flying innovator who constantly rewrites the playbook.”
