In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, reigning IWGP US Champion Will Ospreay addressed his plans for next year, noting that Impact Wrestling could be his next home.
Ospreay’s contract with NJPW expires in February 2024. He said,
“The deal is up in February, and we’re still in negotiations. I’m looking to explore every single option and every single avenue. IMPACT Wrestling is in the running for my next home. I’m willing to test the waters. So this match against Mike Bailey is a real treat for me, and I’m excited to do it, especially with what could happen next year.”
Ospreay will face Bailey later tonight at Impact Wrestling’s Bound For Glory 2023 pay-per-view event.
AEW broadcaster Tony Schiavone has a memorable history with Ricky Steamboat, and he recently looked back at The Dragon’s time in the Mid-Atlanti and more.
On a recent edition of his “What Happened When” podcast, Schiavone recalled working with Steamboat in his career including his recent AEW appearance.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On Steamboat’s career: “With the exception of grey hair, he looks pretty much the same. He was a phenomenal star in the Mid-Atlantic. Even though fans remember him more as Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat — WrestleMania III against Randy Savage and then coming to work for WCW — this [Mid-Atlantic] is where he made his name. Ric Flair is the man he made his name with. Everybody thinks of his ’89 series with Flair but there were so many phenomenal matches that fans on a national basis, or even regional basis, never saw — unless you went to the Greensboro Coliseum.”
On Steamboat being initially hesitant to take a bump in his AEW match: “He was very cautious in the beginning … ‘I don’t want to do this and that’ … but when he got the arena, it all changed. He got into the excitement of it. It was really great working with him.”
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Will Ospreay, the reigning IWGP US Champion, recently discussed his plans for next year in an interview with Sports Illustrated. Ospreay’s contract with NJPW is set to expire in February 2024, and he mentioned that Impact Wrestling could be his next home.
In the interview, Ospreay stated, “The deal is up in February, and we’re still in negotiations. I’m looking to explore every single option and every single avenue. IMPACT Wrestling is in the running for my next home. I’m willing to test the waters. So this match against Mike Bailey is a real treat for me, and I’m excited to do it, especially with what could happen next year.”
This statement has sparked speculation among wrestling fans about Ospreay potentially joining Impact Wrestling. It would be a significant move for both Ospreay and the promotion, as he is widely regarded as one of the top talents in the industry.
Ospreay’s upcoming match against Mike Bailey at Impact Wrestling’s Bound For Glory 2023 pay-per-view event adds further intrigue to his potential move. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how this match unfolds and what it could mean for Ospreay’s future.
In addition to the Ospreay news, AEW broadcaster Tony Schiavone recently reflected on Ricky Steamboat’s career. Schiavone discussed Steamboat’s time in the Mid-Atlantic and their work together, including Steamboat’s recent appearance in AEW.
Schiavone praised Steamboat’s contributions to the wrestling industry, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region. He highlighted Steamboat’s legendary matches with Ric Flair and emphasized that there were many other incredible matches that fans may not have seen unless they attended live events.
Regarding Steamboat’s AEW appearance, Schiavone mentioned that Steamboat was initially hesitant about taking bumps but became more enthusiastic once he got into the arena. Schiavone expressed his enjoyment of working with Steamboat and the excitement surrounding the match.
Overall, these developments in the wrestling world have generated excitement and speculation among fans. Whether it’s the potential move of Will Ospreay to Impact Wrestling or the reflections on Ricky Steamboat’s career, there is plenty for wrestling enthusiasts to look forward to in the coming months.