On a recent edition of “The Kurt Angle Show” podcast, former TNA World Heavyweight Champion Josh Alexander discussed returning from a torn triceps injury, facing Will Ospreay and Alex Shelley, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On returning from torn triceps and facing Will Ospreay: “It was all, it was about eight or nine months from that point to returning and getting in the ring for this match specifically. And it was all just a buildup. You know, when you hurt yourself, you question yourself, you question if you are still as good as you used to be, if you can still produce and all that stuff. And I went through all those mental hurdles the entire way back I returned. I wrestled Steve Maclin, I had a bunch of matches, I wrestled Alec Shelly the evening before this match. And the entire time I questioned myself. I never quite felt like myself, but I knew this was a huge opportunity for me. Will Osprey has a lot of eyes on him across the world. He’s been like the go-to guy for all of New Japan Wrestling and across everywhere, the hottest free agent in the business at the time at this match.
“And I just knew it was a great opportunity for both myself and the company, you know, to get eyes on it. And one more little thing, you know, you talked about me returning from a tricep tear and stuff. The evening before this match, I tore my teres major, which is a muscle in my shoulder when I wrestled Alex Shelley, midway through the match. And I woke up the next morning, and you know I did what I do. I stretched out, moved around, and saw how I felt. And I knew I could do this match. There was no way it was gonna get taken away from me. So I went through the medicals and passed all that to make sure I’d get the ring that day. But you know, everything I did here hurt my entire left arm was just scorching and pain this whole match.”
On wrestling Alex Shelley at Bound For Glory 2023: “The main event with Alex Shelley, we main evented Bound For Glory. It was my third straight Bound for Glory main event, and it was just kind of a return to form for me. Getting in the ring, getting — you know, feeling that pressure of that situation being the ones that have to go headline the show and stuff like that. It’s the first time I had to do that since I came back from the injury. So being in there somebody like Alex Shelley, who is as good as he is, he really helped me along and just got me way more comfortable for what I could parley into the next evening, which is this match here with Will Ospreay.”
In a recent episode of “The Kurt Angle Show” podcast, former TNA World Heavyweight Champion Josh Alexander opened up about his return from a torn triceps injury, his experience facing Will Ospreay, and his match against Alex Shelley at Bound For Glory 2023.
Returning from a significant injury is never an easy task for any athlete, and Josh Alexander’s journey was no exception. It took him approximately eight to nine months to recover and get back in the ring for his match against Will Ospreay. Throughout this period, Alexander faced numerous mental hurdles and questioned his abilities. He wondered if he could still perform at the same level as before and produce the same quality of matches. Despite these doubts, he saw this match as a tremendous opportunity for both himself and the company.
Will Ospreay, known as the go-to guy for New Japan Wrestling and a highly sought-after talent in the industry, presented a challenge that would undoubtedly attract attention from fans worldwide. Alexander recognized the significance of this opportunity and was determined to make the most of it. However, just before this match, he encountered another setback. While wrestling Alex Shelley the previous evening, he tore his teres major muscle in his shoulder. Despite the pain and discomfort, Alexander was unwavering in his determination to compete. He underwent medical evaluations to ensure he was fit to wrestle and proceeded with the match. Throughout the entire encounter, he experienced excruciating pain in his left arm.
Reflecting on his match against Alex Shelley at Bound For Glory 2023, Alexander described it as a return to form for him. It was his third consecutive Bound For Glory main event, and it allowed him to regain his confidence in high-pressure situations. The experience of sharing the ring with someone as talented as Shelley helped him feel more comfortable and prepared for his subsequent match against Will Ospreay.
The podcast episode also includes a link to a video of the match between Josh Alexander and Will Ospreay, providing fans with an opportunity to witness the intensity and determination displayed by both competitors.
Josh Alexander’s story serves as a testament to the resilience and determination required to overcome injuries and succeed in the world of professional wrestling. Despite facing physical and mental challenges, he persevered and seized the opportunities presented to him. His return from a torn triceps injury and his subsequent matches against Alex Shelley and Will Ospreay demonstrate his commitment to his craft and his ability to deliver captivating performances.
As fans, we can appreciate the dedication and sacrifices that athletes like Josh Alexander make to entertain us and inspire us with their incredible displays of athleticism.