Will Ospreay is set to compete at the upcoming AEW Forbidden Door event with intentions beyond just wrestling. The show, scheduled for just over a week from now, will see Ospreay team up with Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Darby Allin, and Hiroshi Tanahashi to face Gabe Kidd, Death Riders, and The Young Bucks. In the days leading up to the event, Ospreay revealed on social media his goal of breaking the world record for the loudest indoor arena crowd roar, signaling his excitement for the hometown pay-per-view.
Ospreay’s involvement in the event had been uncertain until his recent appearance on the August 13th episode of AEW Dynamite, where he confirmed his participation, solidifying his return as a former International Champion for the highly anticipated show.
Views on WWE Stars Transitioning to AEW
In an interview on JJRBTS, Will Ospreay expressed his concerns about released <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE stars immediately joining AEW without proving themselves elsewhere. He emphasized that the wrestling industry demands more than just past experience, urging wrestlers to develop their skills and reputation in other promotions before entering AEW.
“For example, one of the guys who [just came in] is Speedball Mike Bailey, who was like the Indie King at one point. He was going everywhere and putting on some of the greatest matches ever. I think that’s what we’re looking at more now instead of guys that just got let go from WWE, and my heart goes out to them all, but we’re looking for guys that are appreciative of this position, who are grafting and improving the markets elsewhere instead of they just got let go from WWE and instantly assume they can come here. Nah, go out and prove to other people you’re wanted and desired.My heart goes out to all of them. It should never be assumed that ‘Oh, I got let go here, I can just walk into AEW.’ Nah, bruv. The bar is too high now. I want to see all of these guys cut their teeth elsewhere and improve the houses elsewhere. Go to New Japan, go to NOAH, go to STARDOM. Go elsewhere and improve their houses before you can think ‘Oh, I’ll just come here.’ That’s just me. There are certain guys, like Swerve [Strickland] got let go from WWE and came to AEW straight away.He’s a special one. He’s special, MVP is another, he’s special. [Bobby] Lashley, special! Shelton [Benjamin], special! I want people to be like, you can’t just come walk in. I really do think the independents need it right now. They need someone to help guide this next generation to come through. That’s just me, personally. I don’t mean that in any type of disrespectful way. Right now, AEW we are the best wrestlers right now, and all those guys who have been let go, tragically, are really good pro wrestlers, but you can’t just be good anymore. You’ve got to be elite.”
Ospreay noted that while he feels sympathy for all released WWE talent, AEW currently demands elite performers who prove their worth on other stages such as New Japan Pro Wrestling, NOAH, and STARDOM. He identified wrestlers like Swerve Strickland, MVP, Bobby Lashley, and Shelton Benjamin as exceptions who have successfully transitioned directly to AEW due to their exceptional abilities.
He stressed the importance of fostering the independent wrestling scene, arguing that it plays a vital role in developing future stars and helping raise the overall level of the industry.
Ospreay’s Return and Presence in AEW
Will Ospreay’s unexpected return on Dynamite confirmed his place in AEW’s current lineup just days before the Forbidden Door event. Known as the “Aerial Assassin,” Ospreay’s participation adds excitement to the card and brings his high-flying style to a broader audience, particularly in his hometown setting. His announcement about aiming to break the world record for crowd noise underscores his motivation to energize fans and leave an unforgettable mark on the event.
Implications for AEW and Wrestling Industry
Ospreay’s stance on talent transitions and his ambition reflect the growing competitiveness within AEW as it continues to shape its identity separate from WWE. By setting high standards for new arrivals and emphasizing the importance of the indie circuit, Ospreay signals a push toward elevating wrestling quality and preserving the authenticity of AEW’s roster.
The Forbidden Door event, featuring notable wrestlers like Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, and Darby Allin alongside Ospreay, remains an eagerly anticipated show that could influence future cross-promotional partnerships and fan engagement.
With Ospreay chasing a world record for the loudest arena roar, fan participation could become a key element in the event’s success, further emphasizing the communal and energetic nature of live wrestling spectacles.
