As AEW prepared for its first major pay-per-view event of the year in early March, the anticipation was building around Revolution 2024. Often viewed as AEW’s version of SummerSlam, Revolution serves as the company’s second-largest show annually, packed with memorable moments that resonate deeply with fans. This particular event stood out for several reasons, not least because of Sting’s retirement match where he, alongside Darby Allin and allies, bested The Young Bucks to bid farewell to The Icon on a triumphant note. Eddie Kingston also solidified his standing by scoring another victory over Bryan Danielson after his Continental Classic win, earning a respectful handshake from the American Dragon. Meanwhile, the ongoing saga between Swerve Strickland and Hangman Page evolved during a three-way contest against Samoa Joe, who successfully defended the AEW World Championship.
Amid these highlights was an especially significant debut moment — Will Ospreay officially joining AEW’s roster. Though AEW audiences were already familiar with him through appearances linked with New Japan Pro Wrestling, Ospreay’s contract conclusion with NJPW in February 2024 marked his full transition to AEW. Desiring a high-impact introduction, and as a member of The Don Callis Family, Ospreay’s entrance was orchestrated by Callis himself. To truly test Ospreay’s readiness to compete at AEW’s top level, he was matched against fellow Don Callis Family member Konosuke Takeshita. Takeshita, having impressively overcome Kenny Omega twice in 2023, was on the rise and a victory over Ospreay would significantly advance his AEW ambitions.
With Revolution 2026 on the horizon, this retrospective glimpse at the 2024 AEW Revolution match between Will Ospreay and Konosuke Takeshita remains one of the most memorable clashes in AEW history.
A Match That Captivated the Audience
Longtime AEW followers were already aware of Will Ospreay’s extraordinary talent, given his electrifying performances in New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he held the IWGP United States Championship in 2023 and consistently dominated main events. Yet AEW pay-per-views are reputed to showcase at least one match worthy of Match of the Year honors, and Ospreay was determined to surpass his past achievements in Japan.
He found an ideal opponent in Konosuke Takeshita, whose high-caliber wrestling helped transform their contest into the spotlight-grabbing showdown many remember as a match-defining moment. Ospreay began by asserting dominance with physical slaps to Takeshita, signaling his intent to take charge in AEW. The match quickly evolved into a competitive back-and-forth, with both wrestlers exchanging control and countering one another’s offense in a strategic display of skill and resilience.
As the bout intensified, it showcased Ospreay’s dazzling aerial offense, allowing those unfamiliar with his ability to witness why he was dubbed “The Aerial Assassin.” However, Takeshita wasn’t merely a foil; he landed several punishing blows that put Ospreay under serious threat. Particularly striking were Takeshita’s impactful moves—the Blue Thunder Bomb nearly toppled him during execution, the Brainbuster delivered from the turnbuckle looked devastating, and the sharp strikes produced some of the loudest, most brutal-sounding elbows heard in AEW matches.
Despite the physical punishment, Ospreay consistently kicked out after these maneuvers, which has drawn some criticism for stretching believability. Nevertheless, his selling of fatigue in the match’s latter stages added realism, as his kick-outs became labored, signaling genuine strain. Ultimately, Ospreay secured victory after connecting with his trademark Tiger Driver ’91 followed by the Hidden Blade finisher. The match concluded as a visual explosion of athleticism, lacking a deep storyline yet captivating through sheer in-ring excellence.
Ospreay’s Emergence as a New AEW Star
While Revolution 2024 centered on the heartfelt farewell to Sting, it also marked the beginning of Will Ospreay’s rise as a potential generational star for AEW. Previously appearing as a visitor during Forbidden Door events, Ospreay had at times found it difficult to fully embrace a heel role, mainly because his athleticism and style earned cheers regardless of character alignment.
Ospreay’s performance revealed why he divides opinion but also why he captivates audiences of all ages. His spectacular moves inspire younger viewers, who might mimic his aerial maneuvers on trampolines or in playgrounds, while veteran fans admire the sheer athletic prowess on display. Beyond his in-ring work, the presentation he brought from NJPW—including his distinctive entrance robe and impactful entrance music—helped position him as one of AEW’s brightest rising stars despite having only one match on the promotion’s stage.
Recognition is also due to Konosuke Takeshita, who remains a member of The Don Callis Family despite ongoing tension with Kazuchika Okada. Takeshita possesses the talent to reach similar heights as Ospreay within AEW’s competitive scene, but whether AEW will prioritize him as a future cornerstone star remains uncertain. His upcoming challenge for Jon Moxley’s AEW Continental Championship on March 15 may determine his trajectory, especially if breaking away from Callis’s influence becomes necessary for his ascent.
The Road Ahead for AEW and Its Rising Talent
Unfortunately, fans won’t see Will Ospreay on this year’s Revolution card, as he continues to recover from a severe neck injury sustained at last year’s Forbidden Door event. Despite his absence, AEW maintains clear intentions for him, as evidenced by recurrent video packages promoting his eventual return. Many hope Ospreay can come back in time for AEW’s highly anticipated All In London show at Wembley Stadium in 2026.
Questions remain about whether Ospreay will perform at the same level post-injury, especially since he has already adapted his style since his NJPW tenure. However, given the intensity and commitment demonstrated in his match against Takeshita, there is reason to believe he will bring comparable passion and skill upon his return. This match stands as a testament to his exceptional talent and why he is widely regarded as being on an entirely different plane within professional wrestling.
