A recent ranking list stirred significant controversy as WWE’s Jey Uso was placed above AEW’s Will Ospreay, sparking debates among wrestling fans. The yearly PWI 500, known for highlighting top wrestling talents worldwide, featured Cody Rhodes at number one and Jon Moxley at number two, with a mixture of AEW, WWE, NJPW, and CMLL stars filling the top spots.
Debate Erupts Over Jey Uso’s Higher Ranking Compared to Will Ospreay
The Professional Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 list drew attention when Jey Uso was ranked sixth, surpassing Will Ospreay, nicknamed the Aerial Assassin, who was positioned at tenth. Fans expressed surprise, given Ospreay’s reputation for elite in-ring ability and consistently high-quality matches. Meanwhile, Jey Uso has struggled somewhat with his transition from a tag team competitor to a singles main event star, although his popularity and wrestling skills have been steadily rising.
This discrepancy in rankings prompted speculation that WWE and its affiliates might have influenced the list, especially since many questioned the fairness of Jey Uso’s placement above Ospreay. The list’s inclusion of four WWE and AEW wrestlers among the top ten also contributed to the intensity of fan reactions. NJPW’s Hirooki Goto and CMLL’s Mistico also made the prestigious list, confirming the global nature of the rankings.
Will Ospreay’s Recovery and Support from WWE Colleagues
Will Ospreay, who recently underwent neck surgery, has been absent from wrestling since the Forbidden Door event. In an interview with Metro, Ospreay revealed that several WWE stars he had never met reached out to support him during his recovery process. He expressed gratitude for their kindness and willingness to help with any medical concerns.
“I’ve got people in (WWE) that I’ve never met before in my entire life, that have reached out because of this neck injury, and they have gone, ‘Hey, if you need a doctor, or if there’s any questions that need to be answered.’ Every single one of them are super lovely. And I wish them all the best. I really do,” Will Ospreay, AEW Wrestler
With his surgery now behind him, fans are eager to see when the Aerial Assassin will return to the Jacksonville-based promotion. His comeback is highly anticipated, as his unique style and exceptional talent have made him a standout performer in AEW and the wider wrestling community.
Context of Rankings and the Ongoing Fan Discussions
The PWI 500 remains one of the most debated rankings within the professional wrestling world. This year’s list was led by AEW’s Cody Rhodes, closely followed by Jon Moxley. Several top ten spots featured wrestlers from both AEW and WWE, reflecting the competitive nature of current wrestling promotions. Meanwhile, wrestlers like Hirooki Goto and Mistico represent international talent from NJPW and CMLL, showcasing wrestling’s global reach.
Jey Uso’s placement above Ospreay highlights the subjective nature of rankings, with fan loyalty and perceived promotion biases influencing opinions. Uso’s evolution from a tag team specialist to a compelling singles competitor has been noteworthy, but many still feel Ospreay’s in-ring achievements deserve higher recognition. This ongoing debate illustrates the passionate and sometimes contentious environment surrounding wrestling rankings.
Potential Impact of These Rankings Moving Forward
The Will Ospreay ranking debate underscores the complexities involved in assessing professional wrestlers across different promotions and wrestling styles. While rankings like the PWI 500 provide visibility and recognition, they also generate conflict among fans about who truly deserves top honors. For wrestlers, such placements can influence their marketability and booking but remain subjective to a range of factors beyond pure performance.
As for Jey Uso, his higher ranking may fuel his momentum in WWE, reinforcing his rising status as a main event performer. For Will Ospreay, recovering from surgery and receiving unexpected support from WWE peers adds a layer of intrigue to his career trajectory. Fans will be watching carefully to see how both wrestlers’ paths evolve after this contentious ranking has sparked widespread discussion.
The PWI 500 top-10 for 2025:
1. Cody Rhodes
2. Jon Moxley
3. Gunther
4. Hangman Adam Page
5. Hirooki Goto
6. Jey Uso
7. Swerve Strickland
8. Seth Rollins
9. Místico
10. Will Ospreay pic.twitter.com/FkOrih6d3l— Drainmaker (@DrainBamager) September 23, 2025
