Will Ospreay explains reasons for staying away from WWE

Cageside Seats2 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 1:00 AM

Last updated Aug 26, 2026

Will Ospreay explains reasons for staying away from WWE
Summary

Will Ospreay has consistently turned down opportunities to sign with WWE, valuing his current role in AEW over a potential move. In an interview, he recalled a bad offer from WWE back in 2016 and a more recent proposal that would not require relocation to the U.S. However, he stated he likely would have still declined. Ospreay expressed dissatisfaction with WWE's filming style and wrestling approach, preferring AEW's greater physicality and creative freedom. His comments highlight the differences in wrestling philosophies between the two promotions.

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  • Ospreay has been a top star in AEW and overseas.
  • He rejected a WWE offer in 2016 due to low pay.
  • A more recent WWE proposal did not entice him to relocate.
  • Ospreay prefers AEW's wrestling style and format.
  • He has concerns about WWE's approach to in-ring performance.
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  • 1:00 AMCageside SeatsWhy Will Ospreay never signed with WWE
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PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 02: Will Ospreay in the ring during AEW Dynamite on October 2, 2024, at the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images There have been opportunities for the uber talented Will Ospreay to go to WWE and every time he has decided against doing so. It’s worked out just fine for him — he’s been a top star overseas and has now become one of the top guys Stateside for AEW. Ariel Helwani asked him if he ever received an offer from WWE and Ospreay mentioned getting something thrown his way back in 2016 or so but the money was bad. He also said they offered him again more recently but even if he wouldn’t have to move the States — something he doesn’t want to do, and they wanted when they offered him in 2024 — he probably still would have said no. Because: “I do respect it, I really do, I just don’t like the way it’s filmed, I don’t like the wrestling behind it, I think it’s very minimalistic. I’ll never say never, that’s what we kind of do in the industry now is we just kind of want to make sure that we keep all of our options open for sure, but right now in the format and how much fun I’m having in AEW and how much freedom I have to be me… Like, I don’t have anyone putting a script in my hand. I have bullet points and I go out there and I just waffle.” He went on to say he’s watched some matches in WWE recently where he’s witnessed the workers whiffing on their offense and openly wondered if they’re taught that it’s acceptable, whereas in AEW there’s more contact and he likes it that way. I’m sure everyone is going to react normally to his comments here. To each his own, right?

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