Will Ospreay announced on 5 May 2026 that he still wants a fresh bout with Ricochet, marking the 10th anniversary of their legendary Best of the Super Juniors clash at Korakuen Hall. The British star told *Talk Is Jericho* he hopes to square off again before they both hit 50, keeping the high‑flying rivalry alive in AEW.
What sparked the renewed call?
The conversation began during a joint interview on *Talk Is Jericho* when Ospreay reflected on the May 2026 celebration of their 2016 showdown. He recalled how the match reshaped modern wrestling style, then added, “The idea of him being in the shape that he's in now and me being in the shape that I'm in now, I want to do it one more time.” The comment came after both athletes signed with AEW, where they’ve only met twice in singles competition.
Why does the 2016 match still matter?
Ospreay and Ricochet’s 2016 bout is still cited as a turning point for high‑risk, fast‑paced action. Fans and analysts credit the match with pushing mainstream promotions to feature more aerial work. Ricochet echoed that sentiment on the same show, calling the encounter a “conversation piece forever” and noting how it cemented both wrestlers as innovators.
How have their careers intersected since?
Since joining AEW, Ospreay and Ricochet have appeared together in tag matches and multi‑man bouts, but only two singles contests have taken place. Their limited one‑on‑one history has only heightened demand for a proper rematch. Both men have spoken about the personal bond forged in the ring, with Ricochet saying their friendship grew stronger over the past decade.
What could a new match look like?
Ospreay hinted that a future encounter might happen when they’re older, even joking about meeting at age 50. Yet the tone suggests he’s open to a sooner date if AEW’s schedule allows. Fans are already speculating about a possible pay‑per‑view showdown, perhaps at a major summer event, where both athletes could showcase evolved movesets while honoring their shared legacy.
What does this mean for AEW’s roster?
A renewed Ospreay‑Ricochet clash would add a marquee attraction to AEW’s calendar, drawing viewers who remember the 2016 classic. It also reinforces AEW’s commitment to high‑flyer storytelling, a niche that both wrestlers dominate. Management may leverage the nostalgia factor to boost ticket sales and streaming numbers.
What’s next for the rivalry?
For now, Ospreay’s statement stands as a promise to fans: the rivalry isn’t over. As both athletes continue to compete in AEW’s heavyweight division, the possibility of a fresh encounter looms. Until a date is set, the wrestling world will keep watching for any hint that the “Aerial Assassin” and Ricochet will finally meet again in the ring.