Will Ospreay revealed that he hasn’t felt the need to actively pursue five-star matches this year, as he doesn’t build his performances with star ratings in mind. Currently, Ospreay boasts 57 matches that have earned five stars or higher from Dave Meltzer, significantly higher than the 47 he had at the start of last year and 25 during a 2023 interview with Chris Van Vliet. No other wrestler comes close to his tally. When asked on Insight if this creates pressure to meet high expectations every time, he explained that his role has shifted recently.
“This year, I haven’t needed to be the go-to five-star guy all the time. Instead, I’ve focused more on storytelling, and then when it’s time to deliver a five-star performance, I bring it out,” Ospreay said. He emphasized that he doesn’t tailor his matches specifically to earn five-star ratings but knows what his personal version of a five-star match entails.
When asked about that definition, Ospreay explained it varies depending on the context leading up to the match. He cited a Dragon Gate six-man tag match as an example where no story was necessary—the sheer in-ring action alone made it exceptional. “No backstory was needed. The action itself defined what a five-star match means,” he said.
His approach to match planning is instinctive rather than carefully scripted. “I gauge what the story calls for, observe the crowd’s reactions, and then adjust accordingly. It’s hard to put into words without revealing too much, but that’s how I piece my matches together,” Ospreay explained.
He credits his fast-paced style to his personality: “I love action and hate long pauses. It’s just the ADHD in me—I know it well.”
Travel is another major component of his job. The interview took place during a long travel day for Ospreay, where he flew ten hours from England to Texas and immediately returned the same day. After waking up early and prepping, he boarded the plane.
The flight attendants commented on how quickly he fell asleep, to which he joked about the hectic week he’d just had. Despite being in the U.S. for only about ten hours, he soon headed back. When asked if frequent transatlantic travel wears him down, Ospreay admitted it takes a toll but not in the typical way.
“Once you settle into a routine, it becomes manageable. It’s about timing sleep well. Life is always noisy—whether at home with my energetic seven-year-old or on the road trying to perform at my physical peak. The flight is actually the quietest part,” he said.
To pass the time, he listens to music like Oasis and finds the physical strain less severe than expected. “I often have my legs up, laying down, and I’m quite comfortable. I get to spend time with my wife, playing Mario Kart—not the one I joked about on a promo, but actual Mario Kart,” he laughed.
His biggest concern is weather-related delays. Ospreay checks the forecast carefully before traveling and will reschedule if needed. He praised Bryce, who manages his travel logistics and often has to handle last-minute changes.
“He’s under a lot of pressure because I’m always asking him to change flights and reroute me. I owe him a gift soon,” Ospreay said. Though he’s never missed a show, he recalled losing his luggage on his AEW debut, adding humor to an otherwise smooth travel record.
Regarding the common notion that transatlantic flights incapacitate wrestlers for days, Ospreay did not disagree. “Yeah, I’m constantly wrecked—but I actually like it,” he admitted.
Ospreay is the reigning AEW World Champion and is scheduled to defend his title against Jon Moxley at All Out on September 26.
Fan Take: Ospreay’s unique approach to balancing storytelling and high-octane action without explicitly chasing ratings highlights his artistic confidence and adaptability, essential qualities for the evolving wrestling landscape. His ability to perform at an elite level despite grueling travel schedules underscores the relentless dedication behind the scenes, promising exhilarating matches for fans worldwide and setting a new standard for professionalism in the sport.
Source: wrestlingnews.co
