Will Ospreay and Ricochet wrestled in the 2016 Best of Super Juniors tournament, a match that became a sea change in modern professional wrestling. On a recent episode of "Talk Is Jericho," Ospreay reflected on the match.
What happened?
The match was met with resounding praise, but also had plenty of detractors. Ospreay understands the critiques, saying "there are things I would've liked changed" about the match.
Why it matters for Will Ospreay
The match was a breakthrough for Ospreay, exposing him to a much larger audience. He credits it with being "my first break," before which he had only done one PWG and several British Indies matches.
What comes next?
After the match, Ospreay and Ricochet went their separate ways, with Ricochet signing with WWE in 2018 and Ospreay staying with NJPW until joining AEW in 2023. Now, both men are in AEW, with Ricochet a former AEW National Champion and Ospreay the winner of the 2026 Men's Owen Hart Cup.
Ospreay's win in the Owen Hart Cup earned him a shot at the AEW World Championship in Wembley Stadium at All In. He has come a long way since the 2016 match with Ricochet, which he says he wouldn't change despite the criticism.
The match with Ricochet was a defining moment in Ospreay's career, and he is now reaping the benefits of his hard work. With his sights set on the AEW World Championship, Ospreay is ready for his next challenge.
Ospreay's journey to the top has not been easy, but he has persevered and is now one of the top wrestlers in AEW. His match with Ricochet may have been 10 years ago, but it still holds a special place in his career.
Ricochet's release from WWE in 2023 coincided with Ospreay's joining of AEW, and now the two men are once again competing in the same promotion. The future is bright for both Ospreay and Ricochet, and fans are eagerly anticipating their next matches.
The 2016 match between Ospreay and Ricochet may have been a turning point in their careers, but it is also a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling. As Ospreay and Ricochet continue to compete at the highest level, they will always be remembered for their epic match in the Best of Super Juniors tournament.
Ospreay's reflections on the match with Ricochet are a testament to his growth as a wrestler and his ability to learn from criticism. He is now a force to be reckoned with in AEW, and his match with Ricochet will always be remembered as a defining moment in his career.