Will Ospreay achieved a significant milestone on Sunday night at All Elite Wrestling (AEW)’s Double or Nothing event held in New York. The wrestling star faced off against Samoa Joe in the opening round of the Owen Hart Men’s Tournament. This tournament offers competitors the chance to earn a shot at the AEW World Championship at All In, AEW’s flagship event, which will take place at Wembley Stadium in England.
Ospreay began the match with his signature OsCutter move, catching Samoa Joe off guard. Their bout was intense, with both fighters displaying their skills. Ultimately, Ospreay secured victory by delivering multiple Hidden Blades to Joe. After the match, Ospreay spoke about his aspirations in AEW, expressing his confidence in becoming the company’s leading figure if he continues his winning streak in the tournament.
“It’s because I have that confidence and that belief I can carry those three letters,” he said at the post-show scrum. “The middle letter, ‘E,’ that’s the standard, mate – elite. When everybody talks about elite pro wrestling, there is no one better on this planet. I believe that with my heart. I believe that with my soul.”
Ospreay shared his childhood dream of wrestling at Wembley Stadium, contrasting it with his schoolmates’ dreams of soccer stardom. His journey to AEW has not been easy, having overcome a neck injury and training rigorously to regain his peak form. His determination is clear, and he aims to elevate AEW to greater heights.
Ospreay is set to compete against either Mark Davis or Jack Perry in the tournament semifinals. On the other side of the bracket, Swerve Strickland emerged victorious against Bandido, setting up a potential match with either Claudio Castagnoli or Brody King in the semifinals. The tournament finals will occur at the Forbidden Door event on June 28.
Ryan Gaydos, a senior editor for Fox News Digital, contributed to this report.