Will Ospreay Slams WWE’s “Recycled” Product, Claims AEW Talent Is Superior In-Ring – Will Ospreay continues to stand firm on his criticisms of WWE’s presentation, acknowledging the company’s mainstream dominance but making clear that it doesn’t appeal to him as a performer or viewer. Speaking candidly during an interview with Daily Star, Ospreay reiterated his belief that while WWE is undeniably successful, its creative style feels uninspired and outdated to him.
“I think deep down, we know that WWE is like, it’s a machine… they’re in giant stadiums, and they’re doing so good,” Ospreay said. “But like, a lot of people look at us [AEW] and just go, like, we’re doing it wrong because WWE are doing this, and it’s just like, No, there’s just different ways of doing it.”
He reflected on how his perception of WWE changed over the years. “Yeah, I got into WWE when I was a kid, but like, when I became like a teenager, I just thought it was LAME… This is so pantomime… it’s the same stuff, it’s recycled.” While he cited talents like Eddie Guerrero, Edge, Randy Orton, and CM Punk’s famous “pipebomb” as exceptions, his overall view of WWE remains negative.
“WWE are on fire now,” he admitted, “But I still… not only just as a viewer, but as a wrestler, I just don’t enjoy it… I don’t like the show, I don’t like the style of wrestling, I don’t like the presentation.”
Ospreay expressed a strong preference for AEW’s style, praising its focus on athleticism and storytelling, including specific angles like Hangman Page’s arc with the Dark Order. He also highlighted AEW’s willingness to experiment, referencing the infamous Exploding Barbed Wire Deathmatch and even volunteering to be “the next guinea pig” for such extreme bouts.
In terms of in-ring ability, Ospreay drew a firm line between the two companies.
“But, of course, I respect WWE, and I admire everyone there. A lot of people think I hate Triple H, and I really don’t. I’ve never met the guy before in my life. But for me, there’s always this little bit of rivalry where I would just think, ‘Yeah, you guys are the biggest. Yeah, you guys are drawing the bigger houses. Yeah, you guys have the bigger deals.’ But the moment the bell rings, I think we’re better than all of them.”
He added, “I think honestly, on my worst day, I’m better than a lot of the guys in-ring. In-ring? [Okay]. Promo-wise? You guys have got a bunch of guys. Punk’s sick. Reigns is sick. There’s still things that I need to catch up on. But in-ring, I generally don’t think there is anyone from that side that matches any of our guys.”
Ospreay’s comments underscore his deep commitment to AEW’s vision of professional wrestling, as well as his belief in its roster’s superiority between the ropes—even as he gives WWE credit for its success and global reach.
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Will Ospreay Slams WWE’s “Recycled” Product, Claims AEW Talent Is Superior In-Ring
