A few days ago I wrote about Will Ospreay and the apparent lack of respect that New Japan Pro Wrestling was giving to the Junior Heavyweight division. Well, it seems that Ospreay has upped the ante after winning the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship from Dragon Lee at Dominion this past Sunday.
In his post-match interview, Will declared that his first defense of the title will be against Robbie Eagles at NJPW Southern Showdown in Australia later this month, but that wasn’t all. He declared that he wanted to take part in this years G1 Climax tournament.
“I said from day one I want to elevate this title, that I want to make this one of the most important championships in the world. So, I have a challenge to NJPW. A dare. I dare you to put the Jr. Heavyweight Champion in the G1 Climax this year. You don’t think I can last with those guys? You don’t think that I’m worthy to be in a heavyweight position? Do you not think I deserve to be on a poster? Do you not think I can carry the company? Think again. The junior heavyweight wants in on the G1. I dare New Japan. Put me in the G1 Climax this year.”
Blake’s Take: Now that’s a statement! I said a few days ago that wrestlers always have that edge when they have a chip on their shoulder. And Ospreay legitimately has a huge chip on his shoulder here. He’s faced Okada in one on one action in March of last year. Along with many other heavyweights in NJPW and around the world, making his argument valid. And as for the promo itself? Will has come on so much since the early days of PROGRESS Wrestling where I first saw him wrestle. The shy retiring boy is a confident man that can and will back up his words in the ring. Go on NJPW, give him a spot and watch him elevate the tournament even more.
