Will Ospreay Details Battle With Anxiety And Depression

Will Ospreay might be widely regarded as the best wrestler on the planet, but not every performance is plain sailing.

2023 has been another incredible year in the career of Ospreay. Back in January, he went to war with Kenny Omega in a match of the year contender, before repeating the trick at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door in June.

There was also the small matter of wrestling in front of a packed Wembley Stadium at All In just two months later.

However, Ospreay’s journey to the top has been far from straightforward. Speaking to Alistair McGeorge of The Metro, the star opened up about his mental health struggles, revealing he still fights with major anxiety ahead of big matches.

“I used to be such in such a horrible, dark place where me and my head just didn’t get along. Sometimes it creeps in, especially big matches. The Tokyo match with Kenny [Omega], I can’t tell you enough how much doubt creeped into my mind with that. I get mad anxiety when I wrestle guys like Kenny,”

Although the anxiety might still be there, Ospreay explained that things are much better now than when he was younger. The former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion credited becoming a father as giving him a balance he never had previously.

“I’m a parent now, my kid goes to school, I’m with a wonderful girl. They motivate so much and it is literally the most rewarding thing that I’ve ever done in my entire life…

My mental health, my depression, my anxiety are huge factors into my performance – especially when you’re away from your family, and you’re left in the hotel rooms,”

Is Will Ospreay Going To Join WWE?

Earlier in the year, Ospreay revealed his NJPW contract expires in February 2024 sparking speculation that he could be heading to AEW or WWE. However, according to Dave Meltzer, it would be a surprise to see Will Ospreay in a WWE ring.

Meltzer noted that Ospreay’s desire to live in England would likely make a deal with WWE impossible.