While most assume former WWE stars like Braun Strowman and Dakota Kai could be strong candidates to sign with AEW after their recent release, Will Ospreay actually wants them to go prove themselves elsewhere before joining his locker room.
One of the biggest stories in professional wrestling last month was the latest round of WWE roster cuts. Well over a dozen wrestlers were among those either released or would see their contracts expire. Quite a familiar names were among those let go, including former Universal Champion Braun Strowman, women’s tag champ Dakota Kai, and NXT legend Shayna Baszler.
Many of them would seem like good additions to the AEW roster. However, one person who isn’t keen on that idea is one of the promotion’s top stars, Will Ospreay. According to the Englishman, there are others in the industry more deserving of a spot in All Elite Wrestling.
“One of the guys who [just came in] is ‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey. He was like the Indie King at one point. He was going everywhere and putting on some of the greatest matches ever,” Ospreay said on the “Johnjay & Rich: After Words” podcast. “I think that’s what we’re looking at more now, instead of guys that just got let go from WWE. And my heart goes out to them all, but we’re looking for guys who are appreciative of this position. Who are grafting and improving the markets elsewhere instead of they just got let go from WWE and instantly assume they can come here.”
“… Go out and prove to other people you’re wanted and desired. It should never be assumed that ‘Oh, I got let go here, I can just walk into AEW.’ Nah, bruv. The bar is too high now,” he added [h/t 411 Mania]. “I want to see all of these guys cut their teeth elsewhere and improve the houses elsewhere. Go to New Japan, go to NOAH, go to STARDOM. Go elsewhere and improve their houses before you can think ‘Oh, I’ll just come here.’”
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