The following was sent to us:
Will Ospreay recently sat down with Kenny McIntosh from Inside The Ropes and discussed his dream match with Bryan Danielson and adapting to the promo style in American wrestling promotions.
Exclusive: Will Ospreay Reflects On AEW Dream Match & If It Lived Up To Expectations
At AEW Dynasty, Will Ospreay faced Bryan Danielson in a first-time-ever encounter and a dream match for many, including the International Champion. In the interview, Ospreay discussed the match with his hero and if he felt that it lived up to the praise it received from critics and fans:
“I was kind of like, “Wow, we’re going this quick?” I thought this might be something down the line. But I guess because it is his last year as a full-time competitor, it was more or less along the lines of no, we’ve got it, so let’s give it to the fans that have been craving for this dream match to happen.
I could sit here and tell you how it came about, why it came about, but I’ll be honest with you. It was just a case of we did Revolution, I did my match against Kyle [Fletcher] and then all of a sudden it was just, boom, Bryan Danielson. I’ve got so many wonderful stories about watching Bryan Danielson and the respect that I have for him. People are saying that [it’s] one of the greatest matches in wrestling. I’m honoured to have that label and I’m honoured that I got to wrestle someone that I consider a hero.”
Exclusive: Will Ospreay Explains Why He Likens Himself To “Your Weird Mate Down The Pub”
Will Ospreay discussed his promo style on AEW TV and the challenges he has faced moving to an American promotion where there is much more emphasis on talking segments on top of the in-ring action. Noting that he has a unique style for American fans, Ospreay also elaborated on the challenges he has faced and why it is important to be honest:
“I’m always nervous about promos, and that goes back to years ago, when I found out that I had ADHD. I’ve always really struggled with eye contact, and I’ve struggled with stringing sentences together. So then when you sign up for American TV, that’s 60% of the job.
You’ve got to be able to talk people into the building and you’ve got to have that type of unique charisma. I guess it goes in my favour because I don’t sound like everybody. I don’t sound like the Yanks. I think the main thing is I’m just happy to be here and I just treat all the audience like they’re my mate. I’m your weird mate down the pub.
“So I feel like because I have that aura, I get away with a little bit more. I slipped up on one of my lines that I said in the week before my match with Max and I kicked myself about it. But I’d rather be honest with people and say, you know what, no, I slipped up on a line but I worked twice as hard next time because, once again, I’m not used to this and I’ve always struggled with this. I’m not perfect when it comes to promos. In fact, I wouldn’t even put me in the top 10 when it comes to promos.
But I’m learning a whole new thing, this is still six months into me being here. I’m still getting used to this. If people want to throw shade my way because of that, they’ve never been in my shoes, they don’t understand what’s in my brain. For me, it’s all about being vulnerable, honest and open, and I think that’s what connects people with me a little bit more, the fact that I do show my mistakes.”
