Will Ospreay Declares Love For Key WWE Figure

Will Ospreay has been looking back on an incredible moment from 2016.

While on tour through the United Kingdom as part of a series of “Evening With…” shows in 2016, Paul Heyman pulled a young Will Ospreay from the crowd in London.

Heyman then proceeded to offer Ospreay a contract with EVOLVE, which at the time had close links with WWE. However, the now-AEW star later turned down the deal and continued his career in Japan, where he cemented his place as one of the premier wrestlers in the world.

During an interview with Josh Martinez of Z100 on Superstar Crossover, Ospreay looked back on that meeting with Heyman and explained why he remains a fan of the former ECW boss.

“Listen, yeah, sure. Paul gave me that incredible moment once upon a time, where he offered me an EVOLVE deal years ago. I didn’t take it. The money was sh*t, to be honest with you. [Laughs]

It was lovely, but I love Paul Heyman. I grew up watching him, man. I’ve always admired his ability to evolve his character and to get into certain roles. He’s the man.”

Will Ospreay Wants Match With NJPW Star

With AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door fast approaching, Will Ospreay was also asked which Japanese wrestler he would like to face. Perhaps surprisingly, the British star named the current IWHP World Heavyweight Champion Hirooki Goto.

Ospreay reasoned that he’d never faced Goto before, and even hinted that he’d be open to the match at Forbidden Door.

Next up for Ospreay is Double or Nothing on May 25. At the event, he’s set to wrestle “Hangman” Adam Page in the final of the Owen Hart Cup. The winner will then face the World Champion at All In Texas in July.

H/t to Fightful