Will Ospreay Talks Pressures Of Being IWGP World Champion In NJPW, Goal Of Defeating Kazuchika Okada


Will Ospreay recently spoke with the New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) website for an in-depth interview covering all things pro wrestling.

During the discussion, the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion spoke about the pressures associated with being the top guy in NJPW, his goal of defeating longtime rival Kazuchika Okada, who missed the most recent NJPW tour to allow himself to heal up from some nagging injuries.

Featured below are some of the highlights from the interview.

On the weight of being the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion of New Japan Pro Wrestling: "It’s made me more…obsessed, maybe?. I’ve wanted this for longer than I remember. Maybe some people might not agree that I should be in this position, but it’s the culmination of the journey I’ve taken. Ibushi’s right, it is heavy. Now I’m looked upon as a history maker in the new age. I’m the first British holder of an IWGP Heavyweight Championship, and the first non-Japanese to ever hold the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. So I’m responsible for setting a standard and ushering in this new era. I’m ready for that responsibility."

On Kazuchika Okada taking time to heal his injuries: "There are little rumors on the grapevine that he’s carrying a lot of injuries. I’m probably 70% now, let alone the damage I’ll take against Shingo. But I want that. I want him at 100%, and I want to make it clear that I can beat him at 100%. I need to do that."

Check out the complete interview at NJPW1972.com.

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