On the 8th June 2022, Will Ospreay wrestled his first match in All Elite Wrestling.
His AEW debut was highly anticipated, with the hardcore AEW being well aware of his work in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
As one of the best British wrestlers of all time, Will Ospreay quickly wowed fans in NJPW with his incredible high-flying ability, which he soon used to transition into a safer and more sustainable style of wrestling.
His United Empire stable mates had appeared on AEW two weeks prior, helping to build up to the upcoming Forbidden Door show.
Jeff Cobb and Great O-Khan debuted on the May 2th, 2023 episode of AEW Dynamite, attacking Roppongi Vice and FTR in the build up to their tag title match at Forbidden Door.
Two weeks later, Will Ospreay made his surprise debut for AEW on the June 8, 2022 episode of AEW Dynamite, where along with other United Empire wrestlers Aaron Henare, and Kyle Fletcher and Mark Davis of Aussie Open.
The team attacked FTR and Trent Beretta in the ring, with Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood being blind sided by Will Ospreay’s shock debut. They laid out all three men, cementing themselves as huge threats going into the pay per view.
Later that evening, Will Ospreay wrestled his first match in AEW (although it would not be broadcast until two days later, on AEW Rampage).
Shockingly, Will Ospreay lost his first match in AEW, when he teamed up with Aussie Open to take on the men he attacked that same night. Teaming with Kyle Fletcher and Mark Davis (Aussie Open), they lost the match when Trent pinned Fletcher, hitting him with the Strong Zero for the victory.
Ospreay looked fantastic in defeat, and did not look at all shaken by the loss. He beat Dax Harwood in a singles match the following week, which helped set up his Forbidden Door match against Orange Cassidy.
With his NJPW contract up next year, there are heavy rumours that Will Ospreay could be signing for AEW permanently next year.
Following the footsteps of fellow former-IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Jay White, Ospreay could become the next big signing to AEW as they launch their new TV show on Saturday nights – AEW Collision.
Will Ospreay is also set to take on Kenny Omega at Forbidden Door, alongside Kazuchika Okada vs Bryan Danielson on one of the most anticipated cards of wrestling history.
Click below to see what happened after Will Ospreay took on Orange Cassidy at Forbidden Door.