AEW Will Ospreay talks Wrestling, Assassin’s Creed, and life on the spectrum

Will Ospreay is a beloved professional wrestler from Essex, England, whose career began in the independent scene with Progress in 2012, before he went on to become one of the biggest names in New Japan Pro Wrestling, largely thanks to his epic matches against Ricochet, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, and Kenny Omega.

After performing in several memorable matches for the then-upstart US wrestling promotion AEW, Ospreay signed a full-time contract with the company in November 2023 and has since continued his upward career trajectory, flying the flag for England as one of the best and most charismatic pro wrestlers on the planet.

We’re just a few weeks away from AEW’s next big PPV, ‘Double or Nothing’ on 25 May at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, where Will Ospreay faces “Hangman” Adam Page in the final of the ‘Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Cup Tournament’, with the winner earning an AEW World Championship match at ‘All In’ in Texas on Saturday, 12 July.

As the name of the tournament suggests, it’s in memory of the late, great Owen Hart, the younger brother of Bret “The Hitman” Hart. Winning such a prestigious competition is an honour for anyone involved in the pro wrestling industry.

Check out Will Ospreay's entrance at AEW All In 2024 at Wembley!

“It will feel like a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders by winning the tournament,” Will said, when I recently had the opportunity to sit down with him. “However, when I win that trophy, I can’t sit on that glory for a second. My game plan instantly changes knowing that I’ll face either Jon Moxley or Samoa Joe for the AEW World Championship at ‘All In’.”

Before Will can look forward to a title shot at ‘All In’, whoever his opponent might be, it would be dangerous to look over “Hangman” Adam Page. Page has gone from being a traditional baby face (aka, a good guy) to someone a little unhinged, but has always remained a fan favourite. This will be the first match between the duo.

“For years, I’ve respected Hangman as a man and for his wrestling abilities. But I’m fully prepared to go toe-to-toe with him, and I’m super confident in my abilities that I can get the better of him,” said Will.

For months, current AEW World Champion Jon Moxley has kept the championship locked away in a briefcase, which has angered the wrestlers in the company, as well as fans alike.

“It’s been very frustrating, seeing Jon doing media, and we didn't see the world title once. It’s such a beautiful title, and it represents AEW. Even if people aren't familiar with the company, its letters are on the belt, and it’s something that people can look up, especially as it's one of the nicest-looking titles ever,” Will explained. “Even though AEW has existed for just six years, it’s a prestigious championship, and it p****s me off so much that it’s being locked away.”

“Jon is legitimately one of the best wrestlers in the game right now, and he’s one of the best on the mic, he’s like a devil breathing fire, and no one can tell me otherwise. But the fact that he’s kept that championship in the briefcase for so long, people are forgetting that he’s our champion. It should be on display for the world to see.”

Michael Watson/AEW

Not only is Will Ospreay one of the most beloved and best wrestlers on the planet, he’s someone on the spectrum, and is a proud ambassador for autism and ADHD. Will is used to performing in front of thousands of fans at a time, and being someone who has autism, I was curious to know how he copes with that immense pressure of being in front of a rowdy crowd.

“Ever since I was a child, I’ve always been very performative. My mum ran a drama group, so from a young age I’ve been used to it in a way. There’s a saying of ‘shy kids don’t get sweets’ and that’s stuck with me,” recalled Will with a smile.

“Sometimes, I can be in a bubble when I’m feeling uncomfortable, if I don’t want to talk to someone. But with wrestling, I’m having fun and it’s easier to navigate myself, even in front of a crowd. I just want to enjoy every moment that I can.”

“When I got diagnosed with autism and ADHD, I was able to look back and understand myself a bit more. It allowed me to work out my triggers, things I like and things I don’t like. I got diagnosed when I worked in Japan, and it wasn't easy,” Will explained.

“I’m proud of being on the spectrum. I’ve never been handed anything in life, but I’ve had great support from my parents, family and friends. Even if you’re on the spectrum, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Some people might see it as a curse, but I say it’s a blessing.”

Michael Watson/AEW

I was there at Wembley for ‘All In’ 2024 and witnessed the incredible Will Ospreay entrance collaborating with Ubisoft for the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Will is a huge fan of the Assassin’s Creed series, in particular Revelations and Black Flag, so this was a dream come true for him.

“When I got in speaking with Ubisoft, I asked if we could get Roger Craig Smith, the actor for Ezio Auditore, to record something for my entrance and induct me into the Brotherhood. I’m so grateful for my friends, team, AEW and Ubisoft for making this happen. I was just lucky enough to be the d**khead standing there in the Assassin’s Creed jacket.”

To end our chat on the highest note possible, I wanted to ask Will which moment over the last 12 months, whether it's professionally or something more personal, had given him the most joy in life.

“I have to say my Assassin’s Creed entrance at Wembley with fans singing along to my theme song,” Will confessed. “Being in front of 46,000 fans in the stadium, many of whom I’ve grown up in front of with them following my career in wrestling on the indies in places like social clubs and ballrooms, to this. Having all my friends and family in the crowd is incredible.”

“These fans have followed my whole career, including when I was over in Japan. I’ve become a man in front of them. I’m where I’ve always wanted to be, and now I’ve become an ambassador for British wrestling and carved my little piece of history. I hold that with a lot of pride. Now, I’m coming back with AEW this year in the UK, and I’m the poster boy for ‘Forbidden Door’ at the 02 in London. I’m so proud of what I’m achieving, it’s next level.”

Will Ospreay and the AEW roster will be attending the TV tapings for ‘Dynamite’ and ‘Collision’ at the OVO Hydro arena in Glasgow, Scotland, on 20 August before the big PPV, ‘Forbidden Door’, on Sunday, 24 August 2024.