Summary

Will Ospreay believes the working relationship between AEW and NJPW has already produced major moments, but he also thinks it can become more balanced.

Ospreay said he understands why some fans view the partnership as one-sided after so many prominent New Japan names eventually landed in AEW. At the same time, he argued that NJPW has continued to create new stars and pointed to recent crossover appearances as proof that the relationship is still delivering value on both sides.

Quote from Will Ospreay

"It is a difficult one. I can understand there can be a certain perception because a lot of guys did go from New Japan into AEW, myself included. But NJPW has always been exceptional at creating new stars; it just took time for New Japan to really identify who was going to be the top guy carrying things forward, and if you just looked at Wrestle Kingdom this year, Kazuchika Okada, Konosuke Takeshita, Andrade as well on that card were all major moments that could only really happen with the AEW relationship."

Ospreay later went on to say:

"At the same time I do think there could be more guys sent from AEW into NJPW, and not just big names to pop a house but for a tour, or longer than that. Especially with the sheer size and the number of people AEW has under contract, I think it would be a great chance for AEW talent to grow and come back even better, and vice versa as well."

What Ospreay's idea could mean for AEW and NJPW

AEW sending wrestlers to NJPW for longer runs, rather than one-off appearances, could give the partnership more visible two-way movement and answer some of the criticism Ospreay referenced.

It also fits with another recent set of comments where Ospreay questioned how MJF would hold up in NJPW, showing that he is thinking beyond Forbidden Door cameos and toward how AEW talent might develop in that environment over time.

Sources

Will Ospreay while speaking with NJPW