More on Will Ospreay Signing with AEW

As noted before, Saturday’s Full Gear 2023 event in Los Angeles, California featured the announcement of New Japan Pro Wrestling talent Will Ospreay signing an official contract with AEW.

Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that Ospreay’s contract with AEW is for multiple years in length.

In regards to the process that led to Ospreay signing with AEW, it was reported that Ospreay had informed NJPW officials some time ago that he was not going to sign a new deal to stay with the company once his current deal expires after January of 2024. NJPW officials reportedly gave their blessing for Ospreay to sign with AEW with their working partnership with AEW playing a role in their decision.

It was reported that the terms of Ospreay’s deal with AEW does allow him to work select dates for NJPW.

In regards to the talks between Ospreay and AEW, it was reported that contract negotiations between the two sides became more active in the early part of this Fall. AEW officials reportedly had a positive outlook on securing his services while Ospreay originally desired to continue residing in the United Kingdom as part of the terms for any deal but later was open to moving to the United States if needed. AEW reportedly allowed Ospreay to maintain his home residence in the U.K. as part of the terms for his deal.

In regards to Ospreay’s surprise reveal at Full Gear 2023, it was reported that Ospreay had been in Los Angeles since at least this past Friday. Ospreay reportedly was kept hidden from others in order for his contract signing reveal to be kept a surprise despite it being leaked online ahead of time. Ospreay reportedly arrived at the venue for the show shortly prior to the start of the main card and his contract with AEW had not been officially signed as of Saturday morning.

In regards to interest from WWE, it was reported that those spoken to stated that WWE had been in contact with Ospreay’s representation in recent weeks in an effort to gauge his interest in working for the company. This reportedly was not kept much of a secret within WWE due to them having to look into seeing what kind of work schedule and possible relocation would be needed for him if he were to sign with them. WWE officials reportedly were under the belief that Ospreay was heading to AEW as of this past week. This reportedly was a topic of open conversation backstage by several AEW talents at this past Friday’s AEW Collision and Rampage shows.

In regards to interest from other promotions, it was reported that Impact/TNA Wrestling officials were interested in Ospreay but it is currently not known how far the talks got between the two sides. Ospreay reportedly did indicate to Impact/TNA officials of his interest in potentially working more for the company.