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The respective rosters of AEW and WWE are stacked, but there is still world-class talent out in the wider realm of professional wrestling, and one of the industry's biggest stars is getting set to join free agency.
The star in question is former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay. The 30-year-old UK native is finishing up his current contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling and is expected to hit the open market in February 2024. While he might still opt to stay with NJPW, there will almost certainly be a bidding war for his services from the top companies in the wrestling world, including both WWE and AEW.
But there could be a dark horse in this race, as Fightful Select has reported that Ospreay had a positive experience with IMPACT this past weekend. The once-and-future TNA Wrestling has been building momentum and even received a visit from CM Punk after its Bound for Glory pay-per-view on Saturday.
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Ospreay defeated Mike Bailey at the show and had several positive things to say about the promotion at the Bound for Glory Fallout taping:
Ospreay said he wanted to return to the company at least once more before his contract with NJPW was up. Fightful also noted that while his choice of who to sign with will be heavily financially motivated, he keeps his options open. He also hired famed agent Barry Bloom to represent him earlier this year.
Will Ospreay reveals that he is "open to all options" amid interest from WWE and AEW
Many fans hope that Will Ospreay will land in WWE or All Elite Wrestling, but it's clear that the 30-year-old isn't being hasty in making his decision.
Ospreay would command big money from WWE, but he also stated in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated that IMPACT Wrestling is in the running:
"I’m looking to explore every single option and every single avenue. Impact! Wrestling is in the running for my next home. I’m willing to test the waters. So this match against Mike Bailey is a real treat for me, and I’m excited to do it, especially with what could happen next year," he said.
With time running out on his current contract, it's anyone's guess where The Aerial Assassin will end up.
Do you think Will Ospreay will sign with WWE, AEW, IMPACT, or NJPW? Let us know in the comments section below!
