On a recent edition of the “Talk Is Jericho” podcast, AEW wrestler Will Ospreay recalled his 2016 match with the late Big Van Vader, which was kindled by social media criticism by Vader of Ospreay’s ‘Best of the Super Juniors’ match with Ricochet.
Ospreay battled Vader in a losing effort at RevPro Uprising in August 2016. Vader sadly passed away less than two years later in 2018 at the age of 63.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On wrestling Vader: “So it was great, but then it just became too much to basically be like, I thought he actually wanted to fight me, so I was like, ‘What is going on?’ And then we got into a group conversation … and basically sorted out the match. For me, it was a horrible experience because he’s not the nicest chap in the world, but I don’t want to speak any ill because he’s passed on now and he’s someone’s dad. All the best to the family, but he wasn’t very nice to me.”
On how Vader wanted three matches: “It was really fun, looking back on it, it’s a good story to tell the boys. [Vader] wanted a three-match clause. He wanted to do like three matches. What more of a story can we do out of this? It’s one match, you’re getting your payday, you’re f****** off.”
In a recent episode of the “Talk Is Jericho” podcast, AEW wrestler Will Ospreay shared his experience of wrestling the late Big Van Vader in 2016. The match between Ospreay and Vader was sparked by social media criticism from Vader towards Ospreay’s ‘Best of the Super Juniors’ match with Ricochet.
The match took place at RevPro Uprising in August 2016, where Ospreay unfortunately lost. Tragically, Vader passed away less than two years later in 2018 at the age of 63.
During the podcast, Ospreay revealed that his initial interaction with Vader was quite intense. He believed that Vader actually wanted to fight him due to the social media criticism. However, they eventually had a group conversation to sort out the match. Ospreay mentioned that it was a difficult experience for him as Vader wasn’t the nicest person, but he didn’t want to speak ill of him since he has passed away and has a family.
One interesting aspect of their interaction was that Vader wanted a three-match clause. He wanted to have three matches with Ospreay instead of just one. Ospreay found this request amusing and considered it a good story to share with other wrestlers. He questioned why they would need three matches when they could have one match, get paid, and move on.
The story of Ospreay’s match with Vader highlights the complexities and challenges that can arise in the world of professional wrestling. It shows how social media can play a significant role in shaping storylines and matches. Despite the difficulties faced during the encounter, Ospreay maintains respect for Vader and wishes the best for his family.
The podcast episode provides fans and wrestling enthusiasts with a behind-the-scenes look into the dynamics between wrestlers and sheds light on the personal experiences and interactions that occur within the industry. It serves as a reminder that professional wrestling is not just about the matches in the ring but also the relationships and interactions between the wrestlers themselves.
Overall, Ospreay’s recollection of his match with Big Van Vader offers an intriguing insight into the world of professional wrestling and the challenges faced by wrestlers both inside and outside the ring. It serves as a testament to the complexities and dynamics that exist within the industry and provides fans with a deeper understanding of the personal experiences of their favorite wrestlers.