All Elite Wrestling superstar Will Ospreay is set to face his long-time idol Samoa Joe in a first-time singles match at the upcoming Double or Nothing pay-per-view event on Sunday.
The matchup is part of the Owen Hart Invitational tournament and marks a major milestone in Ospreay's career.
The 33-year-old was inspired to become a wrestler 21 years ago after watching Joe compete.
Training with The Death Riders
Ospreay has aligned himself with Jon Moxley and The Death Riders for training.
This decision has helped him adapt his high-flying style to protect his neck and back following major surgeries.
"The results speak for themselves. I can't argue with them," Ospreay said.
"We've been working on my neck, slowing things down, transforming me into something else."
The shift toward a slower, more deliberate style comes as Ospreay acknowledges the physical toll that years of high-flying maneuvers have taken on his body.
"I need to move a bit slower now," Ospreay said. "But I think it could be a good thing."
Samoa Joe, whose finishing move targets the neck, presents a dangerous challenge given his significant size and reach advantages.
"It's a scary drop, yeah. Trying not to really visualize being in that position.
Obviously, Joe has the weight advantage, think he has the reach advantage too — so this is going to be a stick and move for me," Ospreay said.
Looking Ahead to Wembley
While focused on the immediate bout, Ospreay expressed excitement for his scheduled return to the United Kingdom for AEW All In at Wembley Stadium on August 30.
"That feeling never goes away," Ospreay said.
"As a kid we all dreamed of competing in Wembley, imagining you're a footballer like David Beckham, Paul Scholes, or Michael Owen, so to go out there now."
Ospreay noted that his previous appearance at the venue in 2024 remains a deeply personal highlight. "It was just so special when I went out there in 2024.
Everyone in the crowd is chanting me mum's maiden name," he said.
Despite achieving historic success at an early age, including winning the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship at 25, Ospreay admits to feeling the physical wear of his career.
"Sometimes it feels like I'm past my prime, mate.
I wake up and my back hurts, I've had neck surgery — but honestly, that is one of the greatest honors you can give me," Ospreay said regarding his legacy.
Ospreay also keeps a close eye on his former United Empire stablemates, Kyle Fletcher and Mark Davis of Aussie Open, who have found success under Don Callis.
"Kyle and Mark actually lived with me for a year in Japan. We formed a really close bond.
Kyle, and I say this through gritted teeth, because I don't like how he does things — but he's become one of the best wrestlers in the world.
As for Mark, the amount of hard work he's put in.
When Aussie Open broke up, I didn't know what was going to happen, and he's just worked so hard to have success with Don Callis," Ospreay said.
