Will Ospreay targeted for major NJPW match as the wrestling world buzzes with anticipation after Hirooki Goto publicly revealed his interest in a bout at the upcoming Forbidden Door event. Ospreay, now established in AEW, continues to be linked with major matches in NJPW, reigniting excitement about a long-awaited singles clash between these international stars.
Ospreay, once closely associated with New Japan Pro Wrestling, gained global recognition for his performances in Japan, following significant achievements across the UK and Europe. While his career has shifted stateside, his legacy remains powerful in the Japanese wrestling scene, where his name is still front and center for crossover matchups.
Earlier this year, in May, Ospreay mentioned during an interview that he would relish an encounter with IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Hirooki Goto. This sentiment has now been echoed by Goto himself, making a potential showdown feel more likely than ever for fans on both sides of the Pacific.
Goto’s Challenge and Forbidden Door Aspirations
Looking ahead to New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Dominion event on June 15, Hirooki Goto prepares to defend his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Shingo Takagi. However, Goto’s sights are already set on an even bigger challenge: facing Will Ospreay at NJPW x AEW Forbidden Door this August, provided he maintains his status as champion.
In a recent conversation with New Japan Pro Wrestling, Goto shared his ambitions for the future, highlighting his desire to meet Ospreay in a singles match—a contest that has not yet occurred despite both superstars’ lengthy tenure in the wrestling world. Alongside Ospreay, Goto also mentioned Kazuchika Okada and Katsuyori Shibata as dream opponents should the circumstances align for Forbidden Door.
“Of course I want to win the G1 as the champion, but I want more than anything to be IWGP Champion by the time Forbidden Door comes around. I’ve said before that I want to face Kazuchika Okada and Katsuyori Shibata, and Forbidden Door is my only chance for that.That would be fantastic (to face Will Ospreay). Wrestling Callum Newman in Fukuoka really made me think of Ospreay, and we’ve never had a singles match. At Forbidden Door, I’d love it to be Ospreay, Okada or Shibata.”
—Hirooki Goto, IWGP World Heavyweight Champion
Goto’s thoughts surfaced after wrestling Callum Newman in Fukuoka, which evidently reminded him of Ospreay’s skill and presence. The mutual desire between both wrestlers for a high-stakes meeting brings new energy to the notion of a pivotal encounter at Forbidden Door, a landmark event uniting AEW and NJPW’s top talent.
Ospreay’s Current AEW Storylines and Future Prospects
Meanwhile, Ospreay remains active in AEW, where he will compete against Swerve Strickland at the Summer Blockbuster show on June 11. Ospreay’s involvement in ongoing AEW narratives has included attempts to bridge tensions between Swerve Strickland and Adam Page, with the latter set to pursue Jon Moxley for the AEW World Championship at All In Texas.
These cross-promotional connections highlight the ever-evolving relationships between key figures such as Jon Moxley, Adam Page, and Ospreay. With the collaborative spirit of Forbidden Door and champions like Goto eager for crossover battles, both organizations demonstrate sustained commitment to delivering dream matches for fans around the world.
What This Means for Wrestling Fans
The buzz surrounding Will Ospreay targeted for major NJPW match at Forbidden Door signifies the potential for another iconic moment in wrestling history. With Hirooki Goto, Kazuchika Okada, and Katsuyori Shibata all in the conversation, the prospect of new rivalries and historic single matches draws excitement from fans of both AEW and NJPW. Whether Goto retains the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Dominion or not, his public declaration and Ospreay’s legacy ensure that anticipation for Forbidden Door and future cross-promotional battles remains sky-high across the wrestling world.
