Will Ospreay had an incredible year in 2022, working several high profile matches including one with Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 17.
Speaking to Tokyo Sports, the New Japan Pro Wrestling star commented on winning his first Tokyo Sports award for Best Match, his goals for 2023, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On the past year: “It’s been a very intense year. I think it was fulfilling because there were some hard times. Although [I] was still isolated due to the influence of the coronavirus and had difficulty moving around, [I] won the IWGP US Heavyweight Championship. I had a goal of getting more attention for New Japan, and I’m happy to have achieved that.”
On winning his first Tokyo Sports award for Best Match: “I watch the announcements every year, and I wanted to attend the awards ceremony, so it’s a pity that I can’t do that yet. I thought that the match with Takagi [Shingo] in 2019 would be selected as the best bout, but unfortunately I didn’t get it. But this time, I think it’s very meaningful that we were able to win the Best Bout award without any support.”
On his goals for 2023: “Japan has finally gotten out of the corona wreck and is starting to cheer at the venue. I want New Japan Pro-Wrestling to return to being the number one organization in the world. I was able to win the best bout, but it was very frustrating that the final match of G1 Climax was not sold out. I want to fill all the venues this year. And of course Tokyo Dome.”
On his IWGP US Championship loss to Kenny Omega: “Over the past two years, I lost the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship to an injury, and last year I almost died from a kidney disease. And finally, I got to the match that the world was paying attention to at the Tokyo Dome, but I was completely defeated. It was a very frustrating defeat. So I had to set myself some tough goals. “Do or die.” During this year, not only will I return to the top, but I will also return New Japan to the top of the world. I think that I can do it in the sense that I will go through this year with that thought.”
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