Will Ospreay On His 5-Star Matches, NJPW Contract Ends Next Year, AEW, Kenny Omega Match

Will Ospreay (@willospreay) is a professional wrestler currently signed to New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). He sits down with Chris Van Vliet before NJPW Resurgence in Los Angeles to talk about being one of the best wrestlers in the world, having 25 matches rated 5-stars or better by Dave Meltzer from Wrestling Observer, his match with Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 17, the match with Ricochet in 2016 that changed both of their lives, his AEW debut, why he doesn't want to move the United States, a possible match with CM Punk, why he doesn't want a WrestleMania moment, what wrestling in the Tokyo Dome is like and much more!
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Quote I'm thinking about:
"Don't find fault, find a remedy. Anyone can complain." - Henry Ford
00:00 Intro
00:26 Would he move to America?
01:53 What was his journey getting into shape?
05:02 Having to change his wrestling style
07:49 Which move does he need to cut out?
09:15 What’s his worst match?
09:54 How the COVID pandemic impacted New Japan
12:56 Wrestling in the Tokyo Dome
13:28 Japanese fans vs American fans
14:35 TNA & AJ Styles influencing him
17:48 How Ricochet helped his career
23:10 Do 5-star match ratings matter?
27:27 Would he leave New Japan?
29:33 Dream match with Seth Rollins
30:14 CM Punk & working with AEW
34:49 Would he want to go to WWE?
37:03 Cody Rhodes stole his cutter
38:58 People adjusting to his accent
39:45 What he learned from Kenny Omega
43:05 Story behind his elbow attack
45:00 What is the cost of being Will Ospreay?
48:54 How emotionally difficult pandemic wrestling was
52:35 People calling him the GOAT
54:49 3 Things Will Ospreay is grateful for
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#willospreay #njpw #aew

[@ChrisVanVliet]

During this interview, I told Will that he should make a shirt that says BRUV. Guys, he listened! It’s a real thing now: www.prowrestlingtees.com/wrestler-t-shirts/william-ospreay/bruv.html

[@Reign_Fire2022]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b17EqJWiqpKmodU one of wills greatest matches far as I'm concerned...it's got sum bruv moments 🤘🥂

[@ILOVEPITS2]

These ranha's ain't working no more would be a better shirt. Or BRUV on the back and these ranha's ain't working no more on the front side

[@horstpansen1756]

Yes, but no one cares that meltzer throws stars at him. If he wants to become a real star, he has to make it in WWE. But he is probably only one of many.

[@DarylMCDeath]

When will you smark people learn that Dave Meltzers rating System is rigged and worthless? His System prefers interchangeable Spotfests like Oasprey, Cole,Kenny Horrowitz, the Janetty Brothers, Aj Styles, Seth Rollins, Cody Rhodes, DB, Finn Balor and and ...Guys like Braun, Brock, Bobby, Omos or so can not achieve a higher than 3 rating! Despite them drawing WAY more than the other Category! To be exactly, if you only rely on first one, your company is already lost! Happened with WCW, happened with TNA 2010, will happen with AEW...F Dave the Cancer Meltzer. Remember Punks pike pomb? Yeah maybe WWE is better when Vince dies, but Wrestling overall will be better once Dave Meltzer dies...

[@higurashianduminekoconnect1702]

Of course Kenny Omega and will ospreay are going to be amazing they're two of the best. It would be interesting if Will Ospreay Kenny Omega Kota ibushi and Okada had a match. Also could you imagine how awesome it would be if Will Ospreay Kenny Omega Kota ibushi and Okada were to form a faction.

[@edwardtorai3545]

He’s always been a great wrestler but I feel like he’s started to really carry himself like a star lately. Loving how much more polite and articulate he comes across here.

[@AndrewJShirley]

Facts

[@fraserlewis6905]

In fairness to him he has adhd and a couple other things too dyslexia I think so it's not his thing to be articulate it takes alot of work on yourself to get to where he is more than people who don't have said things will understand

[@CoolAliana]

Now he’s called the best wrestler at the moment by his peers

[@trexslapfight]

A mature, humble and veteran Will Ospreay has been such a joy to watch and grow.

[@jomama6937]

so weird to call him a veteran when hes only 30 but considering his accomplishments, how hes treated in njpw as the leader of the best current faction, and even how his body is deteriorating, i cant help but agree

[@AAAHH]

@@jomama6937exactly. he’s one of the best rn and could go on for probably 5-10 more years

[@theelusiveman9706]

Will Ospreay is so dang good, the stuff he does is unreal man.

[@uncas2002]

The reason these interviews are so good is because it really feels like a free flowing conversation and not just forced questions.

[@unbroken1010]

No , Chris is more cheesy then blms thugs

[@kanelfc98]

really? I'm 10 minutes in and it feels like a fan talking to his idol for make a wish. such a markish interview style

[@kanelfc98]

@@afterglowexpress6620 the interviewer sounds like a mark* "ooo you're the best wrestler ever you have more stars than a whole company" ask him about his contract situation and his upcoming bouts stop licking his testicles

[@tjkale1800]

@@kanelfc98Chris whole character is like a lovable cornball. He’s overall a great dude tho and super respectful and gives all eras of wrestling a voice. You should give him another chance

[@thedefeatedpurpose9772]

The admiration for Will here is wholesome. He's genuinely one of the greatest ever and he's still evolving.

[@CJB4476]

Outside of WWE and AEW, he's my favorite wrestler. Him and Kenny Omega could put on a 5 star classic everytime they fight. This man doesn't get enough credit

[@Duality_of_Man]

His saying that the Unbreakable Triple Threat (AJ specifically) inspired him is so cool to me, as AJ is and always has been my all time favourite wrestler. Will has since become a close second, and I'd never thought about it until now, but this makes more sense if Will instinctively gravitated to a more TNA Styles style of wrestling

[@saqib7965]

AJ is a Goat too the level of consistency at every company

[@JSmith-dj2pi]

Will has been of my favorites for years now. Probably since 2015-2016. I think he's starting to really come into his own as the main event talent he is. He's been incredible for years. Selfishly, Id love to see him in the US, but I respect the fact he doesn't want to. I just hope he gets the universal respect and accolades he deserves.

[@FrozenSurf]

Don’t be shocked if he signs for AEW.

[@saqib7965]

Aew hopefully

[@thedeadlynose5127]

All elite bruv

[@edes01]

Amazing interview Chris. Hearing Will talk about working in the USA, makes seeing him work on programs like AEW Forbidden Door becomes all the more special.

[@rickyallen7877]

I've always liked Will as a wrestler but the more interviews I see the more love him as a person! I grew up not far from Will and he is so relatable for someone like me 👍 for the record "bruv" is a very common way we greet each other in essex/London, too man. 🙌👍 Cheers bruv 😂

[@AndrewJShirley]

Totally, dude speaks the truth.

[@Liam_Warren]

As an Essex lad, I can confirm this. So from me to you Ricky I say "alright bruv?"

[@royceflores23]

This interview was so so good. Wil/Rico will always hold a special place in my heart. But to also see him on aew was a wrestling dream come true for me. I really hope we get him on American tv more, he’s incredible.

[@k-billy6137]

Great interview, Will sounds like a really nice guy on top of being one of the best wrestlers in the world.

[@Slurlance]

I love that he could care less about not ever being in Wrestlemania. I absolutely love that he doesn’t allow these ideas about what a wrestler should be doing and he’s like “I like being home” he can make mad money going to wwe but “ he likes being home” hahaha I love it.

[@kennytaco4474]

Wow I didn’t expect him to be this humble and chill. Seems just like a bloke you met at the pub or work

[@tylerleggett5088]

I don't usually take pictures at meet and greets because I get self conscious in lines regarding how long I'm taking, so typically just get an autograph and move along. I met ospreay at a warrior wrestling show. He had 50 people plus in his line but he said something to the effect, "You paid all this money to meet us, people can relax for a minute." I was in line alone, so he had one of his people take the picture. Despite meeting dozens of awesome performers the last couple years, he's still one of the few that got me to slow down enough to appreciate the moment. Despite the short interaction, he seemed like a good dude. This was right around the time he had that serious kidney infection, so I admired the fact he even showed up for the fans.

[@ericastein3926]

Last year I went to my first AEW show and got to see Will in a match against Dax and I’ve been a huge fan of Will since. I have so many of these interviews saved to watch when I have time but this is the first that I stopped and made the time to watch. Genuinely one of if not my favorite wrestler. He absolutely deserves to be where he is now and he’s only going up from here. Wonderful interview. Thank you so much for providing this to us fans❤

[@thek1ng02]

My favorite wrestler in the world rn, THANK YOU FOR THIS INTERVIEW CHRIS ❤

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Thanks for being here!

[@Nero_9000]

​@@ChrisVanVlietso when are you interviewing me? 👀

[@hailhydra91]

One of the only good things that came out of 2020 was that it gave me time to do a deeper dive into Ospreay's career and he became my favourite wrestler in the world.

[@Christopherjazzcat]

Oh man, when he started talking about wrestling through the pandemic. You can feel that he is being 100% honest. Ospreay is awesome

[@rod_2109]

Maybe it’s the dynamic that Chris and Will have, but it felt like on this interview we got a bit more of Chris being a massive fan haha. Loved it. Will Ospreay amazes me every single time and I hope the best for him and his career. Great Stuff!!

[@RockNRoIIa_]

I noticed it too, Chris was absolutely marking out 😂

[@fresheeee]

I had to pause this interview and watch that match... WOWZA. This guy just seems so genuine and honest. Once again another great interview by CVV

[@neekoj7549]

How can u not like him. He´s a S-Tier performer and S-Tier persona

[@Blaziken2k]

Greatest wrestler and a great interview! Thanks! Glad I got to see him perform live in Japan at Wrestle Kingdom 17!, yes I was there!

[@CezrDaPleazr]

Incredible interview, always love Will Ospreay interview

[@ron4n831]

Will Ospreay is a great lad, he's goofy, lovely, humble and also very grounded. He is one of the greats and I love the interview Chris!

[@duey23]

Nando's is now in DC, Chicago, Maryland, Texas and Virginia. it's pretty close to the UK version, I've had both.

[@cameronpollock1889]

Had obviously heard of him before, but admittedly as more of a casual fan who hasn’t watched any of the companies he has wrestled in this interview is the first I have actually seen of Will. I’m now a fan, speaks really well and will definitely go out of my way to watch some of his matches now

[@djwalker6608]

Same here

[@AnarooDub]

Amazing interview, Chris. You can see your admiration for Will shining through the entire interview. Truly great to see.

[@scrambledlegs423]

I’m familiar with Ospreay but not familiar with his wrestling history and this interview is making me want to do a deep dive. Thank you for this and thank you both for your time and giving us such an incredible talk

[@legobrickcollector4574]

LOVED THAT INTERVIEW !!! OSPREAY IS SUCH AN INSPIRATION!!❤️❤️🔥🔥

[@Ricardo27723]

One of my all time favourite wrestlers, he's incredible inside of the ring and outside of the ring. Thank god he didn't go WWE. Look at what they've done to Ricochet 🤦🏾‍♂️loved this interview wish him nothing but more success in the future

[@Deposterboy]

Good interview best will has come across 👊🏾

[@MaxCarroll]

Awesome interview!

[@johnwisser654]

Love to see him in AEW every week

[@michaelriverajr8891]

That would be awesome. We did get a small sample of billy goat in aew last year. His contract with new Japan is ending in 2024 or so that is what being reported

[@jeffery44]

Great interview. Orange vs Ospreay last year was awesome. Can't wait for FD2.

[@MonoGrinded]

Great interview, can't beat those in person CVV conversations. Love those Misawa references too

[@WrestleManiaX7Fan]

Seth Rollins Vs Will Ospreay would be INCREDIBLE

[@mrgonzale0978]

you want Seth to injured osprey? why?

[@gorillakid9394]

@@mrgonzale0978 They both are Professionals Seth ain’t gon hurt dat man

[@thatladpablo]

Awesome interview

[@1untamedbrain]

I love how humble he is. You can tell it’s genuine. Guy’s a living legend and he talks like he’s just a normal dude. I became an even bigger fan after seeing his interviews.

[@andrewbenjamin3835]

Brilliant as ever love your interviews

[@acekingtrader9853]

My dream is for Ospreay to sign with AEW. MAKE IT HAPPEN TK

[@zafreedkhan4063]

Thank God for Ospreay

[@JoeyLEGENDARY]

Great interview as always Chris. You always make anyperson you interview better and so comfortable. Just a quick question, was this filmed before Aussie Open signed with AEW?

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Thanks! This interview was filmed on May 20, just a few days before the Aussie Open announcement

[@JoeyLEGENDARY]

@@ChrisVanVliet Thanks for the clarificatiion Chris. Sad United Empire will not be a complete unit with them signing in AEW.

[@donniedinero]

It amazing I watch him as a teen he 30 now and he was shattering records with his youth so proud I’m a fan maybe one day I’ll get his autograph

[@Bakutalk]

I really like how humble Will is and makes an excellent point about the Meltzer ratings. In terms of overall impact it really does not matter because it is just Dave's opinion but Dave's star ratings can contribute to the wrestler's ability to negotiate for better deals.

[@rnbiscuits]

I have always felt like I'm supposed to be a huge fan of Will Ospreay don't know if it's because he has that swagger and is clean in-ring, after watching this interview oh my goodness - I'm in love.! He's such an amazing soul.

[@antonion.5970]

Awesome interview Chris, you are the Will Ospreay of Wrestling media

[@GottaBeMurph-V2]

He’s a likable guy and his in-ring talent is sensational already this early on in his career.

[@juancalosservindaniel2185]

Bro Ospray you were really respectful bro, congrats you sound really mature, thanks also for helping me with my mental health issues through entertainment.

[@stoneypittman9325]

His match with Kenny omega at wrestle kingdom at the beginning of the year is the best match so far of 2023. Future iwjp heavyweight champ again 💪. I hope he and kenny do something at forbidden door.

[@dominickbenacquisto6122]

I need an Okada vs Omega vs Ospreay match

[@tuepaperchasnn]

Automatic 10 star match

[@alan11121959]

Will Ospreay NEEDS to come to the US, work in AEW with Kenny Omega and The Elite just to do a program with Moxley, Bryan, Claudio and Takeshida (ok so Yuda can be the young boy). That would make it a crowning achievement to an absolutely stellar career. Will, Forbidden Door, please...

[@michaelriverajr8891]

He did forbidden door against orange Cassidy but maybe this time he can do a match against danielson and then maybe the rematch against omega at wembley

[@Sigmamaleofhumanspecies4209]

Rematch with kenny stole the show

[@greenfingers8839]

Saw this man wrestle in my home town in the UK. Absolutely phenomenal

[@lindseysummers7958]

I love Will so much. He's so adorable 😍

[@ogo3122]

I really hope Ospreay makes it to the very top of the industry. Great interview

[@rg46979]

First time I've ever heard him interview. Mad respect.

[@JohnDoeDeMondo]

Both of these guys are true gems

[@mcfleischwurst2079]

Man, there's a lot of negativity in the comments. On the off chance that Will reads this: I really appreciate your hard work and dedication. I hope to see you in Wembley.

[@SpaceGamblerJR]

2 of 3 United Empire signed with AEW. Come on Will Ospreay Sign with AEW.

[@carolynbuckley8733]

Yep. Will is that guy now. Hellz yeah

[@TheGingerVaper]

Such a humble human being.. one in a million.

[@tylore238]

The star system is kinda flawed but he's still great.

[@Steamedhams578]

It's just the opinion of one old dude it ain't worth taking it seriously. But it does show how much he likes Will.

[@blitzy7961]

What are the flaws? And why does Will Ospreay have so many 5 star matches?

[@billythekid22220]

Kinda flawed? It’s the biggest bias in all of history

[@bobsucks9647]

@@billythekid22220 it’s just one dudes opinions lol, that’s on y’all for taking it so seriously when no one else does just a frame of reference

[@MP-py1ei]

@@Steamedhams578 Yh only has credibility cause he’s been doing it but for 40 years which I can see why people take it in. But Yh it’s defo flawed it’s crime Kurt has no 5 star matches

[@PeschtigeWorldwide]

Fantastic interview. Him vs Seth is a match that needs to happen.

[@MarinaP-ro3qs]

It's so cool to see Will grow and mature over the years. ❤️

[@documentthedrama8279]

I knew this guy was going to be special. you could see the potential and its great watching him coming into his prime.

[@darylreino5396]

Will is a brilliant wrestler and it's nice to see someone from my neck of the woods doing so well

[@warfang67-PS5]

If Will doesn’t come to forbidden door 1000% wembly would be the best place for Kenny v will

[@JSmith-dj2pi]

I didn't even know think about that, but now that you said it...I think Kenny vs Will needs to happen at Wembley!

[@mistaMClaugh]

Amazing interview as always but man what a class act will is.

[@thedespairsquid399]

Such a good interview Everytime Will finished his sentence with Ay, i was thinking he's been spending alot of time with Aussie Open 😂 it's even better that Will is actually aware he's picked up saying it 😂😂

[@AzraelDarkness64Gaming]

Happy for our Essex man right here

[@Red-Red-Red-Red]

Will Offspray is a great wrestler. Would love to see him in AEW

[@michaelriverajr8891]

He was in aew for a short time last year but imagine if he came to aew once his contract with new Japan ends. We can only hope

[@KevinCarter420]

Will trying to stay humble, which love about. Don’t know why he down playing this fantastic interview he did. Can’t wait to see if he will be at Wembley, for ALL IN?

[@theonetheonlyjoey]

He will be there, match isn't 100% decided yet but he'll be there. I only know this because my dad works with someone who knows him

[@KevinCarter420]

@@theonetheonlyjoey interesting knowledge to know this. Thanks!!!

[@justindawson520]

Never was a New Japan guy always respected it but this man got me into it 100% always been a fan of his

[@casiokid325]

Will is a gem.

[@NinjaSquirrel30]

Amazing wrestler His legacy is well underway best UK mixed high flyer and power wrestler since Dynamite Kid. #1 Wembley AEW will be rocking can't wait!

[@user-fm9st5eu6e]

God bless to all your fight Will

[@nerddad2180]

Always loved Will, being an Essex boy too has nothing to do with it, but this version of him is absolutely amazing. Long live the King!!!

[@mbaC512]

gotta search for that omega vs ospreay match

[@AustinPowerz817]

This dude is in my current top 3 and I pretty much only watch aew.., thats how good he is

[@arlenedevera2369]

Will Ospreay❤ passionate and dedicated pro wrestler❤

[@mrgonzale0978]

I have been following osprey for a few years now. the guy is a hard worker.

[@toadster464]

Osprey is someone in cirque du soleil that found wrestling first.

[@AcornPlays]

I've never been a huge Ospreay fan until the G1 last year, only saw him wrestle first in 2019 and thought he was a worse version of both Ricochet and ZSJ, but man nowadays he really is just incredible. And he's so likeable in this interview as well.

[@freshkiddmanny]

I first heard about will ospreay in the wcpw days and the ricochet match been a fan ever since ❤ his theme songs have elevated no pun intended 😅 i do feel he'll face kenny at forbidden door for the iwgp us title and will be match of the night like at wrestle kingdom Much respect for mr will ospreay 🤟🏾🔥🙏🏾

[@djwalker6608]

10 mins in and I just really like this guy. I’ve seen him a few times as a wrestler but never seen the real person. Very like-able and u can tell he cares about his craft

[@davexxx316]

This Is AWESOME!!!

[@CharismaticEnigma121]

He’s the type of guy I would just wanna sit down with and have a beer. Talk wrestling, life, seems like a legit chill dude

[@SGlenn97]

I’d love to sit down and talk to Will about wrestling. It’s so rare for me to ever have a conversation like this because no one surrounding me watches nor understands professional wrestling.

[@pynito6937]

This video made me wanna meet Will Osprey

[@markbradley9907]

Used to train alongside him in London, first time I ever met him he placed both hands on a floor to ceiling metal support beam and lifted his whole body horizontally off the ground. He's a mensch.

[@lewismaclean8849]

Would love to see you do a interview with Ricochet.

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3PJn2CFodaNqdU

[@drainedlifeglory]

Excited for this one Ospreys the billy goat !

[@bmagada]

Dude is always in the top five of my favorite wrestlers in the world. Okada, Omega, Ospreay, Styles, and Cody. I don't think he should ever go to the WWE, but man knowing Paul Heyman would bend over backwards to get him there is a serious bump. You can't watch his matches and not realize there's no one else like him.

[@joshuagumpert8910]

No Walter?

[@bmagada]

@joshuagumpert8910 he's a great wrestler, but he's not even in the prime of his career and besides the legendary IC run he hasn't held major gold in really any promotions. All 5 of my top 5 have undeniably changed the face of pro wrestling and all have carried companies. He's up there for sure but not quite there. Him and MJF are definitely in my top 10.

[@bmagada]

@@STILLCLASSICS-yn7ce ibushi is great. Too bad NJPW decided to waste him as a champion

[@joshuagumpert8910]

@@bmagada Nice outlook. I also appreciate that you can disagree without crapping on my opinion. It’s a favorite thing. There is no right answer. 🍺

[@joshuagumpert8910]

@@bmagada funny you say MJF. My top five currently ( list fluctuates every year or so) are MJF, Gunther, Danielson, Okada, and Ospreay. AJ is also in my top ten.

[@stephanstolle720]

Great Interview! But why did you not talk about All In? 😢

[@pho3nixx510]

I love Will he’s so special! 💕

[@ao513]

He’s gonna pull an AJ and show up in WWE for the last quarter or so of his career.

[@hailhydra91]

As someone who has a ticket to Forbidden Door in Toronto, I'm hoping that we get an Ospreay match.

[@MikeHawksSmall]

what a class act, no one like Ospreay

[@VandalXXI]

I don't think I've ever seen Chris absolutely mark out for an hour straight before, but here it is 😂