Wrestling fans, strap in! Will Ospreay’s first defense of his AEW International Championship is officially in the books, and it was a doozy. Fresh off securing his shot at the AEW World Title at the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, Ospreay went toe-to-toe with the formidable Kyle O’Reilly on the June 1 episode of “AEW Collision.”
A Match for the Ages
This match was not for the faint of heart. Ospreay and O’Reilly delivered a hard-hitting, high-stakes battle that had fans on the edge of their seats. O’Reilly, a former ROH World Champion and NXT Tag Team Champion, showcased his resilience by kicking out of Ospreay’s Hidden Blade not once, but twice. However, the Stormbreaker eventually sealed the deal, allowing Ospreay to retain his title. Post-match, Ospreay was seen heavily selling an arm injury, courtesy of an O’Reilly submission, hinting at potential storyline developments.
Ospreay’s Meteoric Rise in AEW
Ospreay’s victory over O’Reilly marks a significant milestone in his AEW career. He clinched the International title by defeating Roderick Strong in the opening contest of Double or Nothing 2024, securing his first championship since joining AEW. Just three days later, Ospreay emerged victorious in a Casino Gauntlet match on “AEW Dynamite,” becoming the No. 1 contender for the AEW World Championship.
However, whether Ospreay will face the reigning champion Swerve Strickland at Forbidden Door is still up in the air. Strickland is set to defend his title against the actual No. 1 contender, Roderick Strong, on the June 5 episode of “Dynamite.” Strickland closed out the June 1 “Collision” with a pre-recorded promo targeting both Ospreay and Strong, promising an explosive showdown.
What’s Next for Ospreay?
With the International title around his waist and a potential World Championship match on the horizon, Ospreay’s future in AEW looks brighter than ever. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how his arm injury plays into upcoming storylines and whether he can continue his winning streak.
Stay tuned, wrestling enthusiasts—Ospreay’s journey in AEW is just heating up!