Will Ospreay did receive an offer to compete in a 2016 WWE tournament, but ultimately turned them down.
Prior to signing full-time with AEW, the British wrestler was best known for his time in New Japan and the UK independent scenes. Back in 2016, he was approached by the biggest company in the world to take part in the Cruiserweight Classic.
The WWE tournament saw some of the best cruiserweights from around the world take part, such as Kota Ibushi, Zack Sabre Jr. and Johnny Gargano. However, despite being offered the opportunity, Ospreay chose to explore other options.
Will Ospreay Says Offer From WWE “Was Terrible”
Speaking with Ariel Helwani, Ospreay confirmed there was an offer, but the pay was less than what New Japan offered:
“I received an offer in 2016 to be part of the Cruiserweight Classic. I think they saw that there was a video that went into Korakuen Hall of me debuting with New Japan, and then they offered me a deal to sign there for them. But the money was terrible. It was bad. I was making more money in New Japan.”
“That was the thing that blew my mind. I didn’t know I was going to get an offer from New Japan. I just wanted to go do it because the Super Juniors and the IWGP Junior title was one of the coolest things for me.”
Ospreay also added that he was shocked that he made more money in New Japan:
“So then after I signed my deal, it was funny comparing the two and just being like, how am I making more money at this place?’ I’m sure I could have made more money in WWE if I’d have signed there and done a good job, then 205 [Live] happened. But it just wasn’t for me. It’s never been something that has taken my interest at all,”
Also in the interview, Ospreay said that WWE made him another offer after leaving New Japan, but having to move to the United States was not something he wanted to do. The AEW star also admitted that he is not a fan of the WWE style, stating that it is “minimalistic” compared to what AEW puts out.
Ospreay is set for the biggest match of his career on August 30 as he will challenge Kenny Omega for the World Championship at All In: Wembley. In another interview, Will Ospreay said that the AEW All In main event could be very different.
Featured image: AEW
