{"id":124106,"date":"2024-04-22T07:00:16","date_gmt":"2024-04-22T11:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/?p=124106"},"modified":"2024-04-22T02:08:52","modified_gmt":"2024-04-22T06:08:52","slug":"elevating-the-risks-and-rewards-of-aew-pushing-will-ospreay-to-the-sky","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/04\/22\/elevating-the-risks-and-rewards-of-aew-pushing-will-ospreay-to-the-sky\/","title":{"rendered":"Elevating: The Risks and Rewards of AEW Pushing Will Ospreay to the Sky"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Right now,\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Will Ospreay<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0could be more than \u201cthe feeling\u201d AEW needs to regain stability. If AEW continues to elevate one of the best wrestlers in the world, without addressing wider, foreboding issues, there is a serious risk of AEW doing more harm than good. But if they turn one of the best wrestlers into one of the best characters in wrestling today, could the sky be the limit?<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><u><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A Confession to Make<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-QtTfBiYCtM?si=weh0aaHeLjOK_Xix\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">For years I purposefully avoided watching Will Ospreay matches. I know. What a terrible sin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">But\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">New Japan Pro Wrestling,<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0even then at its peak, with its epic main events and varied action across divisions was not fully for me. Mechanically excellent and emotional when the bell rang. Afterwards, I usually left exhausted and astonished. Yet emotionally I moved on quickly. Characters and storylines were there, but the balance felt so focused on the in-ring action, that the in-ring work overshadowed storyline and character development.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This is one reason for so long I avoided Will Ospreay matches in the 2010s. Will was and still is innovative, but I didn\u2019t think he was as unique as he is now. Ospreay was doing amazing moves and manoeuvres in the ring, but so were lots of other names in the US Indies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">I was wowed when I saw Ospreay vs.\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ricochet<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0fight in an innovative classic match for\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Defiant Wrestling<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0in 2018. There was a story at play. A battle between two of the best aerial wrestlers of the time, trying to prove who was the best in a World Cup-style tournament. A battle to prove who\u2019s the best.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The issue I had then and still have was besides amazing aerial moves that grab my eyes, what\u2019s grabbing my heart? On the mental and emotional level, besides excellent wrestlers who are they as individuals? Why should I care beyond this great display of wrestling that was becoming the norm beyond\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">WWE<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">?<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><u><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Spaces Between Moves\u00a0<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">By the mid to late 2010s, I had seen other wrestlers in the indies, who were similarly move-oriented, develop into more. I love defined characters. Not plumbers, repo men or other rejected occupational gimmicks the Village People rejected. Not stock characters like tough guys, arrogant heels, or white meat babyfaces. Individuals with personalities, reasonings and motivations that feel distinct from other wrestlers. Characters that embody aspects of real life or qualities I can identify with or stand opposed to on a human level.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Don\u2019t get me wrong. Match quality is significant to all our enjoyment of wrestling. Stories exist beyond WWE and their mono-mythical narrative that they are the only promotion capable of doing them well is spin. Although even Ospreay and\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Kenny Omega<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0have made it clear they both feel like the divisive five-star\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Dave Meltzer<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0rating system, which both have broken, is subjective. Both put over their admirable for\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Kurt Angle<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0as a better wrestler than them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">I would go as far as to argue, that Angle\u2019s success and legacy are not just because of his athletic abilities. His aptitude to merge personality and character work into his presentation, his character and the spaces between moves made him the best.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Kurt Angle across his career changed significantly as a character despite at his core being a great technical wrestler. From obnoxious and insincere \u201cAmerican Hero\u201d, Kurt could be dorky and funny. At other times could be a \u201cwrestling machine\u201d, lethal and sociopathic. His performance in interviews and backstage segments was as consistent as his work in the ring.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">There was character growth and the ability to be flexible that some but not all high-performing indy darlings have been able to achieve.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><u><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Evolving\u00a0<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">I love watching when wrestlers evolve and become characters. I cheered for\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pac<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0on the old UK\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Wrestling Channel<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. However, when the renamed\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Neville<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0became stuck in WWE\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">205 Live<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0and became a prototype of \u201cthe Bastard\u201d he is today, I loved the wrestler even more. When\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Young Bucks<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0grew into being both arrogant and meta, leaning into their killing the business reputation, I invested my money and time into watching them. I wanted to know what the character would do next both in the ring and how it would further their story.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">I\u2019d watch Ricochet under the mask of\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Prince Puma<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0was more watchable, not just because\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Lucha Underground<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0was episodic. Now Richochet had a clearer character and backstory creating a clearer narrative compared to just watching an entertaining match that has become the norm.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Wrongly, because of continual hype and praise for Ospreay\u2019s in-ring ability and work in\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">NJPW<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, I kept my distance. Partially, I was victim to the distrust and bias I discussed when analysing how\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/04\/16\/jon-moxley-more-than-the-greatest-transitional-champion-of-modern-wrestling\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">some fans\u2019 could resent NJPW<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0due to Meltzer\u2019s \u201cfive stars in the Tokyo Dome\u201d preferences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Even when\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Paul Heyman<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, my favourite flawed wrestling genius, offered Ospreay an\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Evolve\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">contract during his speaking tour in 2016, I was cautious. Partly because it seemed like\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">WWE<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0speaks. First, we see you as a developmental prospect. Secondly, we want to break and remake you in our image. Either way, I interpreted the pattern to my bias and held off.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Then I saw Will Ospreay vs.\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Orange Cassidy<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0at\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Forbidden Door<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. I realised I was wrong. I had perhaps been missing out.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><u><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Lad on Tour\u00a0<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Cassidy vs. Ospreay was a revelation. The story of the slacker almost Orange punching one of the best in the world from his pedestal proved to me more than Cassidy being both a credible wrestler as well as a wrestler. Ospreay\u2019s persona hit me like the Hidden Blade. The arrogant and mannerisms; this bantering and wide-faced young man from Essex could have been any of the male athletes I had been to university with.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Being a Brit, I could see how Will had taken the male British idea of being a \u201clad\u201d into wrestling. I thought it was genius and surprised no one else had done this before. Also, I need to acknowledge being a countryman of Will\u2019s, it makes it more damning that it took me to invest time in him!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Being a lad was a British sub-culture in the 1990s and 2000s where groups of men stereotypically took part in boyish male activities. Drinking lots of alcohol and obsessed with banter, sports, sex and having a good time. Usually taking everything to the point of excess. A British version perhaps of American Frat culture that stretched onto the streets where there were pubs and clubs and everyday life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">What I saw Ospreay doing was taking a more modern strain of lad culture, and with finesse, exaggerating its most frustrating aspects. Banter, frustratingly over-the-top excitement and exceptionalism.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">What I saw with Ospreay, I\u2019d seen at university and on nights out drinking where some young men talked, walked, and acted as if they were invincible. God\u2019s gift to conversation. As if anything they said was harmless fun despite it being at someone else\u2019s expense. Consequences are for others. Ospreay had taken this on tour. Being such an incredible wrestler, the character fits. It\u2019s made Ospreay exceptional.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><u><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Beyond Five Stars\u00a0<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Something critics of AEW and wrestling beyond the WWE bubble focus on is Meltzer\u2019s five-star ratings and what this means realistically to a promotion. Often stating it doesn\u2019t reflect business or profit. While they may forget this system is one man\u2019s opinion, it does highlight an inherent issue in modern wrestling. Particularly because there is a disconnect between character work and storylines and match quality itself. For some critics, this has perhaps allowed them to take lazy shots at\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Elite<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0and Will Ospreay.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Looking back at\u00a0<\/span><strong><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">All In 2023<\/span><\/em><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, an event I attended that inspired me to start writing about wrestling, the star ratings don\u2019t reflect the PPV\u2019s build. They also don\u2019t reflect how I, or other fans, felt that night. The highest-rated matches were The Young Bucks vs.\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">FTR\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">III, joined by Ospreay vs.\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Chris Jericho<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0with 4.75 stars.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The former was technically excellent, but like many matches during\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2023\/12\/18\/2023-aew-the-elite\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Elite\u2019s \u201cputrid\u201d 2023<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, they were excellent displays of action, when extracted from a lack of satisfying or consistent creative.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ospreay and Jericho overdelivered. I lost myself in a way I could not have imagined with Will Ospreay\u2019s presentation, energy, and performance.\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Like the Always Sunny<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0meme with\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Danny DeVito<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, I had an \u201cI get it now\u201d moment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Before this Ospreay had overcome two obstacles to deliver a literal paradigm shift to my perception of his abilities. First, making an increasingly wanning Jericho a credible threat. This is an issue that\u2019s worsened since I wrote about how\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2023\/11\/01\/re-goat-chris-jericho\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Chris Jericho could be re-GOATed<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0in November. Second, Ospreay cut through the mental gymnastics of the storyline of Jericho vs.\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Don Callis Family<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. Ospreay\u2019s contract signing promo was intense and fiery and it redirected the story to being about Ospreay\u2019s homecoming and proving himself. Star ratings can\u2019t reflect this.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><u><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Week to Week\u00a0<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yOaijQExO6k?si=KtnEV11m2zJQYG2H\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Signing with AEW at\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Full Gear<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, was bittersweet. The announcement that Ospreay was All Elite was both expected and affirming. Yet also frustrating because fans would have to wait. It was promotional and headline-grabbing. Something AEW\u2019s critics suggest they do not do. Announcing Ospreay\u2019s signing built excitement for next year. It was also likely a ploy to help sell tickets for\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2023\/11\/30\/aew-all-in-2024-tickets-go-on-sale\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">All In 2024<\/span><\/em><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">There was also a bigger question to be answered. Again ties into criticism often levelled at NJPW stars and those who hit the 5-star ceiling. Ospreay could perform and make innovative\/new classic matches under the NJPW style of wrestling on tours. How would that translate to becoming a week-to-week wrestling character?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Exceptionally has been the answer for both.\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Kazuchika Okada<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2019s return to the heel version of The Rainmaker\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/03\/22\/kazuchika-okada-winning-the-aew-continental-championship\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">proves Japanese stars can become weekly TV characters<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. In the ring, Ospreay has been phenomenal. But when you are an elite wrestler, that\u2019s the constant expectation. Yet somehow, already it feels like Ospreay\u2019s style is such an elevating that the high ceiling of AEW is being raised. Long-term this could be both help and hindrance to the company\u2019s growth. On the microphone, Ospreay is comfortable and growing by the week. There is a top babyface that may be emerging.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A cheeky, down-to-earth happy chappy whose love for wrestling is wielded onto his extremely expressive face. At times, his promo work can be strange, with tones of WWE old-dated humour or references (Kermit the Frog on leg day), but it hits. It connects and feels genuine. Ospreay is not just happy to be All Elite, he is trying to embody All Elite. And this, long-term could be an issue.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><u><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">So Elevated- Who Else Can Reach?\u00a0<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ospreay has been such a fresh breeze in AEW in 2024 that he may be the one to bring back the fabled \u201cfeeling\u201d. The risk is that Ospreay is so good, so on another level, that there is the risk that if other wrestlers can\u2019t push themselves to his height, the rest of the All Elite roster by comparison look and become less than Elite.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The issue of revolutionising and changing the style, changing the zeitgeist is that what worked before becomes old and pastiche, if care is not taken. AEW has set such a high standard in the ring that when a match fails to deliver, arguably the criticism and disappointment hit harder than in WWE where entertainment is an equal partner to sports presentation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Already, Ospreay seems foreshadowed to be the next world champion. There is a real danger that\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Swerve Strickland\u2019s<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/03\/06\/imminent-aew-world-championship-reign-swerve-strickland\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">imminent championship victory<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0becomes overshadowed and transitional. Swerve has gained weight, continues to change up his in-ring work and adapts himself on the microphone from a heel to a tweener in preparation for his ascendency. Yet Ospreay\u2019s progression and highlight reel nature are already stealing attention from the world championship scene.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Matches against\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Powerhouse Hobbs<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, and\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Claudio Cesaro<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0have been standout. However, in victory and storyline, Ospreay is shown to be above these elite wrestlers. Long-term, opponents need to be built up to be threats rather than bodies to vanquish. Long-term, if opponents cannot compete at Ospreay\u2019s level, or smoke and mirrors cannot hide Ospreay\u2019s ability to carry those opponents, AEW risks booking itself into a hurricane. The promotion could risk becoming a one-man show and into a position where like NJPW, the standard of in-ring work becomes unrealistic and unsustainable.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><u><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Best Wrestler in the World Isn\u2019t Enough\u00a0<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Controversial, but AEW marketing itself as the company&#8217;s \u201cbest wrestle\u201d runs a risk of over-relying on one aspect of a great wrestling product. When I broke down AEW\u2019s 2023 in various articles, I stated that\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2023\/12\/18\/2023-aew-the-elite\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">wrestling was nirvana<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. The road there in the storyline could be hellish. I\u2019ve already pointed this out with the Jericho\/Ospreay All In build. It was an issue that plagued The Elite last year proving good graps always deliver. Especially on PPV, AEW is stellar.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">As fans, we know AEW is more than a PPV company. It is more than a dream-match factory. If it remains that many would be happy, but we know the company is capable of being more than that. What is required is a simplification of the characters&#8217; storylines and dynamics to do so.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Contrast the confusion and muddled Elite saga of 2023 to the new grounding-breaking rise of\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Hangman Adam Page<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0to the world championship. It was a testament to not only excellent storytelling but transcended to showcase\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/04\/09\/aew-gets-modern-masculinity\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">modern masculinity<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. It\u2019s night and day despite the wrestling being superb.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Will Ospreay is the goat amongst goats. Seriously, AEW arguably has three others in Kenny Omega,\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Bryan Danielson<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0and Chris Jericho (at one point). WWE has\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">CM Punk<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0again who says he is the best also. Like each of those men, Ospreay has his unique personality and character separate from those in-ring skills. As great as Kenny Omega was as a world champion, his almost meta-pseudo imitation of what a \u201creal\u201d old-school world champion looked like made his reign even funnier and memorable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">There is a great character there developing. Not just with Ospreay but with many wrestlers on the AEW roster who could over time be future main eventers, like stablemate Konosuke Takeshita.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><u><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Grey Area<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ospreay has arrived as an organic babyface, and yet some would say he appears like a more stereotypical mid-2010s WWE dumb babyface because he is aligned with a group of heels. The storyline that seems to be emerging is that Ospreay will eventually see that he doesn\u2019t need The Don Callis Family.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If this is the case, rather than my head cannon, it\u2019s only become slightly clearer at this past week\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Dynamite<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. Ospreay at present, like many of the top wrestlers in AEW exists in a tweener shades of grey role, as\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">WhatCulture\u2019s Michael Sedgwick<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0pointed out on\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">X<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. I disagree that wrestling always needs clear good guys and bad guys. \u201c<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Stone Cold\u201d Steve Austin<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0became a babyface because he attacked his boss, something folks want to do but morally and legally is hardly right.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">What\u2019s needed is distinctive characters who feel unique.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ospreay is a member of a heel faction and is likely the next world champion. Swerve has been transforming sadistic heel to a tweener to<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/03\/06\/imminent-aew-world-championship-reign-swerve-strickland\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0avoid the mistakes of<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0Hangman\u2019s championship reign where once he had the belt his anxiety evaporated.\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Samoa Joe<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0as world champion is too slick and too much of a badass to be a heel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Differently, at the time of writing about Swerve\u2019s imminent reign, his conversion to a tweener was its early transition. Currently, as I write this, the day before\u00a0<\/span><strong><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Dynasty<\/span><\/em><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, Swerve\u2019s had moments of character brilliant. The contract signing in blood (\u201crun the fade on that, b#tch\u201d). Flattening security guards and landing on his feet like a superhero. Conversely, at points his verbiage has been decorated with generic clich\u00e9s about destiny, deserving, grinding to be the champion. It all sounds normalised and WWE-lite.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><u><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Will Ospreay Could Be More Than the Feeling\u00a0<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The more I learn about Will Ospreay, the more I wonder if he could be AEW\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Cody Rhodes<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. A new breed of 21st-century company-carrying babyface. If with time aspects of Ospreay the man and character developed to make him a three-dimensional character beyond the Brit lad persona and Billy GOAT.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Before my impression of Ospreay was that he was immature and verbally reckless. The accusation during the Speaking Out Movement of allegedly influencing the blacklisting of a female wrestler furthered my disinterest and distrust. Yet in recent years, I\u2019ve listened to his promos, and interviews and learned more about how the man. Osprey seems to be trying to grow as a person. Learning to be a better person and admitting mistakes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ospreay went for low-hanging fruit with Triple H\u2019s \u201cgrind\u201d comment. Instead, Ospreay put over how AEW\u2019s accommodation of his desire to stay in the UK and put his family\u2019s needs and happiness first, added further babyface shine to Ospreay and AEW. This kind of modern supporting attitude towards talent is something WWE\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/03\/30\/wwe-learn-aew-bidding-war-2024\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">could learn from<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The revelation on\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Hey! (EW)<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0that Ospreay has succeeded despite having three distinct learning difficulties (dyslexia, ADHD and autism) makes him a role model for others. Similarly, a video\/images shared on X of Ospreay at London Pride have brought up discussion of Ospreay\u2019s bisexuality.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">AEW does not and should not use Will\u2019s sexuality and neurodivergence in place of a character or a gimmick. Yet, if Ospreay\u2019s comfortable with bringing elements of these into his presentation, it helps make Ospreay more of a positive role model and figure for fans who can identify with Ospreay\u2019s experiences. Or highlight other aspects of the man.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ospreay could be more than the return of the feeling. They could elevate him higher.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><u><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Subverting Expectations\u00a0<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Following\u00a0<\/span><strong><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Dynasty,<\/span><\/em><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0Swerve is now the AEW World Champion and Ospreay seems like he&#8217;s beginning to split away from The Don Callis Family, the expectation is Swerve will take the championship at\u00a0<\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">All In<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, but he did it much earlier. AEW has rightly been praised for foreshadowing and building champions and reigns. But there are issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">First, Swerve becomes a transitional champion. Two, are opponents going to be perceived at Ospreay\u2019s level as a threat? Wrestling over character and storyline isn\u2019t going to restore the feeling. To address this, they could subvert expectations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">AEW likes traditions. Including giving the hometown wrestler their win in front of their crowd. At Wembley Stadium,\u00a0<\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">All In<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a02024, I\u2019m going to controversially state that in losing, my fellow Brit, Will Ospreay has more to gain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">At some point, AEW needs to break the pattern. In the past, when they have done so it has led to huge moments. Think\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Brodie Lee<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0squashing Cody Rhodes for the TNT Championship. Even as recent as\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sting<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0going on in victory at\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Revolution<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. With the right planning, execution and most importantly follow-up, everyone could be elevated. So elevated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If Ospreay had his own, longer pursuit of the championship (maybe a real \u201cgrind\u201d to get the world title), AEW could achieve several goals at once. The money is in the chase, right? Allow Swerve\u2019s reign to become more than transitional. Give time to elevate the roster. Elevate Ospreay as a character as part of the course of achieving AEW\u2019s high standard of storytelling. Elevate the company.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>More From LWOS Pro Wrestling<\/h3>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-50\">\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-50\">\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-50\">\n<p><em>Header photo \u2013 AEW \u2013 Stay tun<\/em><em>ed to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"1\" target=\"_self\">Last Word on Pro Wrestling<\/a>\u00a0for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world. As well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world.\u00a0 You can catch AEW Dynamite on Wednesday nights at 8 PM ET on TBS. AEW Rampage airs on TNT at 10 PM EST every Friday night. AEW Collision airs Saturday at 8pm Eastern on TNT. More AEW content available on their\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@AEW\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">YouTube<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Right now,\u00a0Will Ospreay\u00a0could be more than \u201cthe feeling\u201d AEW needs to regain stability. If AEW continues to elevate one of the best wrestlers in the world, without addressing wider, foreboding issues, there is a serious risk of AEW doing more harm than good. But if they turn one of the best wrestlers into one of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4960,"featured_media":124115,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4677,2192],"tags":[8864,107,98,1358,501,386,4909,2423,8520,423,101],"class_list":["post-124106","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-aew","category-wrestling","tag-aew-dynasty","tag-chris-jericho","tag-cody-rhodes","tag-don-callis","tag-kazuchika-okada","tag-kenny-omega","tag-konosuke-takeshita","tag-orange-cassidy","tag-swerve-strickland","tag-the-elite","tag-will-ospreay"],"modified_by":"Michael Joseph Sugue, Manager","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/124106","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4960"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=124106"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/124106\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/124115"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=124106"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=124106"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=124106"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}