Backstage News On Negotiations Between Will Ospreay & WWE Prior To AEW Signing

Will Ospreay officially became All Elite at the Full Gear pay-per-view on Saturday, November 18 following the reveal that he was AEW's "blockbuster signing." The Aerial Assassin won't be full-time in AEW just yet as he remains under contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling until early 2024. He will start with AEW during the build to Revolution 2024. 

Ospreay found himself as the belle of the wrestling ball in recent months after it became increasingly clear he would become a free agent at the end of January 2024. The IWGP United Kingdom Heavyweight Champion attracted interest from WWE and TNA Wrestling, as well as All Elite Wrestling.

Ospreay was represented by Barry Bloom during contract talks and WWE had been in contact with Ospreay's representatives in recent weeks as they tried to gauge his interest, according to Fightful Select. WWE were looking to work out what kind of schedule Ospreay would work and if him relocating to the United States was possible. 

WWE did not receive any official word of Ospreay signing with AEW but they figured by this week the 30-year-old was heading to AEW. 

Ospreay has signed a multi-year deal with AEW for at least three years. He will be able to continue residing in the United Kingdom as part of his AEW deal, similar to PAC.