Will Ospreay releases statement on NJPW departure

  • Ian Carey
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Will Ospreay posted several statements on social media following his final match as a full-time member of the NJPW roster. 

Ospreay teamed with fellow members of the United Empire in a steel cage match against the Bullet Club War Dogs on Sunday in Osaka. 

He is expected to start on AEW programming shortly. 

Ospreay posted: 

Thank you New Japan Pro Wrestling. I’m really going to miss you guys. I love you all so much. 

Ospreay then posted a series of statements regarding his stablemates in the United Empire. 

Ospreay wrote: 

Thank you to all the lads of UE. When the fans didn’t have a voice we were the shot in the arse that NJPW needed. You all are like my brothers and if you ever needed me, my door will always be open to you all. Thank you for getting in that cage with me & making history

Big shout out to (Henare). I was the first guy that saw him when he was hit. No word of a lie his head was split so bad it’s like someone left a tap on in his brain. He lost so much blood and taped a towel to his head and finished the match. Define a warrior. That’s Henare.

My co founder (Great-O-Khan). You have shown so many of us the human you are when you saved a little girl from being attacked by a dude. I’ve known exactly who you are the first month we teamed up. You’re one of a kind, proud I got to have the time I did with you.

Everyone needs someone to turn to for advice. That’s (TJP). Endless knowledge from years of experience. Can’t tell you enough how much I hold you to the highest regards I’m thankful I can call you up whenever & talk about life. Thank you for everything you’ve done

Big Jefferson Cobb. First guy me & O’khan brought into the group. For his size, strength & endurance. But the (Jeff Cobb) I know enjoys doing Bane impressions and like to avoid pain as much as possible You’re the coolest guy I’ve ever had in the locker room. Thank you

Italy ruined the euros for us & I’ll truly never forgive (Francesco Akira) for Italy. But I met Akira in Japan while he was in AJPW. We just naturally bonded and in these last few months you have shown a lot more maturity. I truly love this little dickhead so much.

Last is my little brother (that’s now bigger than me) (Callum Newman). The world can be yours. Don’t get distracted, don’t become arrogant, don’t lose sight of what you dreamed of. Japan will mould you to become the best you. I know you can do it kid I love you so much dude

It was announced at Full Gear 2023 that Ospreay has signed with AEW. Ospreay told the live crowd that night that he would start with the company in time for “Revolution season.” 

Our own Dave Meltzer wrote in the January 22, 2024, Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Ospreay is expected to become a regular on AEW programming in the lead-up to the March 3 pay-per-view. 

“Ospreay is scheduled for Revolution in Greensboro and will be starting as a regular on TV in February,” Meltzer wrote.