Why Will Ospreay’s AEW Offer Was Night & Day Compared To WWE’s

Will Ospreay has broken down why he decided to join AEW.

At AEW Full Gear 2023, Will Ospreay was unveiled as the company’s latest big signing. After completing his obligations to NJPW and on the independent scene, Ospreay made his in-ring debut as an AEW-contracted wrestler at Revolution with a win over Konosuke Takeshita.

Ospreay signed with AEW despite heavy interest from WWE.

Appearing on Talk Is Jericho, Ospreay explained why he chose to become All Elite, outlining the very personal reasons behind his decision.

“Main thing was, I wanted to be in the UK. I know I’m not going to be exactly comfortable moving to another country. I moved to Japan in 2019, as much as I loved it, it wasn’t home.

I entered a new relationship with my new Mrs. who wrestles under the name Alex Windsor, I have a stepson now, she just started school. If you know her story and everything she’s been through, the UK scene kind of knows it, but she lost her husband, and having to pick herself up from that and having to be a mom, a single mom, to losing her husband, it’s going to have some tolls on you, so she needs to be around family and friends in her social circle.

I couldn’t bear the thought of moving her away from all of that and having her own on her own again. For me, the main priority was to stay in the UK, but also wanting to up the wrestling because I had done everything in New Japan. I completed it. The viable option was where was I happy and what was I doing?

Every time I came (to AEW), Tony [Tony Khan] has given me nothing but trust and respect the moment I came in here. It was the right decision for me at this time. I’m happy here and looking forward to the challenges. It’s the right decision,”

The British star confirmed he held talks with WWE, but the offer from AEW was much more appealing.

“Yeah, of course, but it was night and day. Even in differences of what they were offering and what AEW was offering, AEW was way better. The scheduling, everything about AEW was completely the right option for me. It was always, you can go be a superstar in WWE and famous, but it’s not as good of pay and it’s not as kind of a schedule. I respect everyone there doing it, but it’s not for me.”

Will Ospreay Set For AEW Dream Match

It’s been announced that Will Ospreay will meet Bryan Danielson at AEW Dynasty on April 21st. The bout is the first to be confirmed for the event which will be making its debut on the company’s schedule.

Ospreay and Danielson have never wrestled previously.

H/t to Fightful