{"id":1181,"date":"2025-06-08T17:43:13","date_gmt":"2025-06-08T17:43:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/?p=1181"},"modified":"2025-06-09T16:09:26","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T16:09:26","slug":"will-ospreay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/will-ospreay\/","title":{"rendered":"Will Ospreay"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"312\" height=\"312\" src=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Will-Ospreay.png\" alt=\"Will Ospreay\" class=\"wp-image-1182\" srcset=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Will-Ospreay.png 312w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Will-Ospreay-250x250.png 250w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Will-Ospreay-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Will-Ospreay-50x50.png 50w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Will-Ospreay-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Will-Ospreay-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Will-Ospreay-300x300.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 312px) 100vw, 312px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Will Ospreay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lists:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/list-131-top-10-wrestlers-of-2025-so-far-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Top 10 Wrestlers of 2025 (So Far)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/list-130-the-best-finishing-moves-in-wrestling-history\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Best Finishing Moves in Wrestling History<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/list-44-the-best-wrestling-champion-in-history\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Best Wrestling Champion In History<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Real Name:<\/strong> Will Ospreay<br><strong>Date of Birth:<\/strong> May 7, 1993<br><strong>Place of Birth:<\/strong> Havering, London, England, UK<br><strong>Height:<\/strong> 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)<br><strong>Weight:<\/strong> 187 lbs (85 kg)<br><strong>Billed From:<\/strong> Havering, London, England<br><strong>Debut:<\/strong> 2011<br><strong>Current Promotions:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.njpw1972.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Japan Pro-Wrestling<\/a> (NJPW), Impact Wrestling, Various International Promotions<br><strong>Finisher(s):<\/strong> OsCutter (Modified Cutter), Storm Breaker (Sitout Lifted Powerbomb), Shooting Star Press<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Career Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Promotion<\/th><th>Accomplishments<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>NJPW<\/strong><\/td><td>IWGP World Heavyweight Champion (multiple times)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion (record-setting reigns)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>NEVER Openweight Champion<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>Winner of Best of the Super Juniors (2016, 2019)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>ROH (Ring of Honor)<\/strong><\/td><td>ROH World Tag Team Champion<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>RevPro (Revolution Pro Wrestling)<\/strong><\/td><td>British Heavyweight Champion<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Impact Wrestling<\/strong><\/td><td>Impact X Division Champion<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Persona &amp; Gimmick<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Will Ospreay is celebrated as a <strong>high-flying, innovative, and risk-taking performer<\/strong> who blends incredible athleticism with storytelling. He embodies the spirit of a trailblazer, constantly pushing the limits of what\u2019s possible in the ring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key traits:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Known for breathtaking aerial maneuvers and creative offense<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Charismatic and sometimes cocky persona, evolving into a darker \u201cBlack Ospreay\u201d character<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mixes technical wrestling with high-impact, high-risk moves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Highly respected for both his in-ring skills and storytelling ability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Combines British wrestling tradition with modern international style<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In-Ring Style<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Will Ospreay\u2019s style is an electrifying fusion of <strong>high-flying agility, technical precision, and hard-hitting strikes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In-ring trademarks:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shooting Star Press\u2014one of his signature aerial moves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>OsCutter\u2014a unique, impactful cutter finisher<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Storm Breaker\u2014a devastating sitout lifted powerbomb used in heavyweight competition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Incredible agility combined with technical grappling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Incorporates innovative counters and dynamic pace in matches<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Career Timeline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Early Years &amp; Rise (2011\u20132015)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Debuted in 2011 on the British independent circuit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gained recognition in promotions like <a href=\"https:\/\/progresswrestling.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Progress Wrestling<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.revolutionprowrestling.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.revolutionprowrestling.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">RevPro<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insanewrestling.co.uk\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.insanewrestling.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ICW<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Became one of the top junior heavyweights worldwide with standout matches<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">NJPW Breakthrough (2016\u2013Present)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Joined <a href=\"https:\/\/www.njpw1972.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NJPW<\/a>, quickly establishing himself as a junior heavyweight star<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Won the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.njpw1972.com\/champions\/iwgp-jr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship<\/a> multiple times<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Made history by becoming the first junior heavyweight to win the IWGP Heavyweight title (later IWGP World Heavyweight)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Developed a compelling \u201cBlack Ospreay\u201d heel persona<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Main evented major <a href=\"https:\/\/www.njpw1972.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NJPW<\/a> shows and led factions like <a href=\"https:\/\/puroresusystem.fandom.com\/wiki\/United_Empire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">United Empire<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">International Success &amp; Expansion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wrestled in ROH, Impact Wrestling, and various global promotions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Known for top-tier matches against <a href=\"https:\/\/puroresusystem.fandom.com\/wiki\/Kenny_Omega\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kenny Omega<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/prowrestling.fandom.com\/wiki\/Kazuchika_Okada\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kazuchika Okada<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/prowrestling.fandom.com\/wiki\/Shingo_Takagi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shingo Takagi<\/a>, and others<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Multiple awards including Wrestling Observer Newsletter\u2019s Best Flying Wrestler<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Continues to innovate and influence the global wrestling scene<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mic Skills &amp; Charisma<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While Ospreay\u2019s in-ring work is his greatest strength, his <strong>charisma and promos have evolved<\/strong>, especially since adopting a more villainous \u201cBlack Ospreay\u201d character. His confident, sometimes arrogant promos add depth to his persona, making him a compelling main event star.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Notable Matches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Vs. <a href=\"https:\/\/prowrestling.fandom.com\/wiki\/Kazuchika_Okada\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kazuchika Okada<\/a> (multiple NJPW main events)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vs. <a href=\"https:\/\/puroresusystem.fandom.com\/wiki\/Kenny_Omega\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kenny Omega<\/a> in epic junior heavyweight and heavyweight bouts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Best of the Super Juniors finals (2016, 2019)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Impact X Division Championship defenses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>RevPro British Heavyweight title matches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>United Empire faction battles in NJPW<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will Ospreay\u2019s Best Moments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s possible in professional wrestling. Watch the very best of Ospreay\u2019s electrifying AEW moments in this action-packed playlist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"AEW Will Ospreay Best Moments\" width=\"1130\" height=\"636\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2PbecKomX5U?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Social Media Presence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Twitter:<\/strong> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WillOspreay\">@WillOspreay<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Instagram:<\/strong> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/will_ospreay\">@will_ospreay<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Active in sharing training, match highlights, and personal insights with a global fanbase<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fun Facts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Started wrestling at 18 and rapidly rose through the ranks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Known for innovative moves inspired by lucha libre and traditional British wrestling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Has a background in gymnastics and martial arts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cBlack Ospreay\u201d persona features a darker, more aggressive style and look<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Influenced a generation of wrestlers with his aerial style and storytelling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Legacy &amp; Future<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Will Ospreay is considered one of the best wrestlers of his generation and a <strong>transformative figure in modern pro wrestling<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cWill Ospreay is the future of wrestling \u2014 a high-flying innovator who constantly rewrites the playbook.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lists: Top 10 Wrestlers of 2025 (So Far) The Best Finishing Moves in Wrestling History The Best Wrestling Champion In History Real Name: Will OspreayDate of Birth: May 7, 1993Place of Birth: Havering, London, England, UKHeight: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)Weight: 187 lbs (85 kg)Billed From: Havering, London, EnglandDebut: 2011Current Promotions: New Japan Pro-Wrestling [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1182,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_caption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_nocaption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_hide":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[156],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1181","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wrestlers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1181","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1181"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1181\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1250,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1181\/revisions\/1250"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1182"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1181"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1181"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1181"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}