Will Ospreay secured his Wembley All In opportunity on Sunday night, 14 Jun 2024, by defeating Swerve Strickland in a high‑octane match at AEW Forbidden Door. The win punches his ticket to the AEW World Championship bout slated for Wembley Stadium, the promotion’s biggest stage.
What happened at Forbidden Door?
The SAP Center in San Jose hosted the showdown, and Ospreay entered the ring with the Owen Hart Cup final still fresh in his mind. He and Strickland traded blows for nearly twenty minutes, each showcasing aerial flair and hard‑hitting strikes. In the closing moments, Ospreay hit a breathtaking shooting star press that sent Strickland crashing to the mat, securing the three‑count and the victory. The result not only gave Ospreys the win but also the coveted title‑shot contract for the upcoming Wembley event.
Why the Wembley shot matters for Ospreay
Wembley has long been painted as the ultimate destination for English wrestlers, a place Ospreay has chased since his early days watching the British Bulldog on TV. The stadium, famous for football triumphs and music legends, now looms as the arena where Ospreay hopes to capture the AEW World Championship. He likened the match to a World Cup semifinal, emphasizing the personal weight of stepping onto that stage. After a six‑month neck‑surgery layoff, the win signals his return to peak form and a chance to rewrite his narrative from the injury‑ridden year.
How the win reshapes Ospreay’s road to All In
Earlier in the season, Ospreay’s momentum stalled after a loss to Jon Moxley, which pushed him into a storyline with the Death Riders. Rather than rush back into the title picture, he aligned with the faction, using the slower climb to rebuild his credibility. The Forbidden Door victory cuts through that buildup, thrusting him straight into the main‑event picture. It also puts him ahead of rivals like “Hangman” Adam Page, who beat him in last year’s Owen Hart Cup final.
What’s next for Ospreay?
With the Wembley contract in hand, Ospreay now sets his sights on the AEW World Championship match scheduled for All In on 27 Aug 2024. He will likely face the reigning champion in a bout that could crown the first Englishman to hold the belt. In the weeks leading up to Wembley, Ospreay is expected to appear on Dynamite and Rampage, fine‑tuning his offense and building hype. Fans anticipate another aerial masterpiece, perhaps a new finishing maneuver designed for the massive London crowd.
How the storyline fits into AEW’s broader plans
AEW has positioned the Wembley showdown as the promotion’s marquee event, aiming to draw a record‑breaking live audience. By featuring Ospreay—a top‑flight international talent—against a high‑profile champion, the company hopes to blend UK market appeal with its global brand. The match also serves as a narrative climax for the Owen Hart Cup storyline, giving the tournament’s legacy a tangible payoff.
Will Ospreay’s victory at Forbidden Door marks a turning point. After months of rehab, a loss to Moxley, and a cautious climb with the Death Riders, he now stands on the brink of wrestling history at Wembley. The next few weeks will determine whether his dream of lifting the AEW World Championship in front of a roaring English crowd becomes reality.