Will Ospreay, a rising star in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), has openly acknowledged AJ Styles and two other former WWE superstars as major inspirations behind his wrestling career. After spending eight years with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he captured the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship twice and two International Championship titles, Ospreay joined AEW, quickly becoming one of the promotion’s top babyfaces. Currently, he is recovering from surgery for herniated discs in his neck while reflecting on the impact these wrestling legends had on him.
During his time off, Ospreay responded to a post by Christopher Daniels, AEW’s Head of Talent Relations and former WWE star, who reminisced about his iconic TNA Unbreakable 2005 match against AJ Styles and Samoa Joe. This three-way bout remains highly regarded in wrestling history, and it clearly left a lasting mark on Ospreay’s career path.
How Daniels, Styles, and Samoa Joe Shaped Ospreay’s Ambition
Ospreay expressed deep gratitude toward The Fallen Angel (Christopher Daniels), The Phenomenal One (AJ Styles), and The Samoan Submission Machine (Samoa Joe) for encouraging him to pursue professional wrestling. He credited them for motivating him to experiment with advanced moves like the shooting star press by stating on Twitter,
“The reason why I bought a pair of kick pads and tried shooting star presses. Thank you to all 3 for inspiring me to try this wrestling bollocks.” —Will Ospreay, AEW Star
This admiration highlights how these veterans’ performances influenced Ospreay’s style and dedication to wrestling. Daniels, at the time of the Unbreakable match, was the longest-reigning X Division Champion, having held the title for six months. The match against Styles and Samoa Joe is often considered one of the greatest in TNA history, with Styles eventually capturing the X Division Championship for the fifth time by reversing Daniels’ finishing move, the Angel’s Wings.
Samoa Joe, now a former AEW World Champion, also played a crucial role in shaping Ospreay’s perspective. With a storied career in TNA before moving to WWE and later AEW, Joe’s presence continues to influence up-and-coming wrestlers in the Jacksonville-based promotion.
Insights from Bully Ray on AJ Styles’ WWE RAW Outburst
In a recent discussion on Busted Open Radio, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray (Bubba Ray Dudley) shared his thoughts on AJ Styles’ recent pipebomb-style promo during WWE RAW. Ray speculated that this intense segment might be part of a bigger plan, possibly signaling a final career run for Styles tied with the partnership between WWE and TNA. He suggested that although many interpreted the promo as a criticism aimed at Triple H, it might actually lay the foundation for an invasion storyline involving both companies.
Bully Ray emphasized Styles’ significant role as the face of TNA and expressed hope that Styles would eventually be inducted into the promotion’s Hall of Fame. The idea of Styles concluding his career with TNA while remaining active in WWE adds an intriguing narrative layer to his ongoing professional journey and will be captivating to watch unfold.
The Significance of AEW’s New Generation of Stars
Will Ospreay’s candid acknowledgment of AJ Styles and other wrestling legends underscores AEW’s emergence as a nurturing ground for new talent fueled by respect for wrestling history. The influence of seasoned performers from WWE and TNA continues to shape AEW’s roster, blending dynamic in-ring styles with reverence for past achievements. Ospreay’s blend of athleticism and homage to these icons illustrates the ongoing impact of wrestlers like Styles, Daniels, and Joe on the promotion’s future.
As AEW expands its footprint, the inspiration drawn from figures such as AJ Styles will likely encourage more young wrestlers to develop distinct yet connected identities, keeping the sport’s legacy alive while pushing its boundaries. Ospreay’s journey demonstrates how the careers of wrestling greats create lasting motivation for the stars of tomorrow.
