NJPW Issues Statement On Will Ospreay's AEW Signing

Will Ospreay officially became All Elite on November 18 as he was revealed to be AEW's "blockbuster signing" during the Full Gear pay-per-view in Los Angeles, California. Ospreay declared he was "All Elite, bruv" but he won't be full-time with the promotion until he finishes up with New Japan Pro-Wrestling in early 2024. He will be with AEW full-time for the road to Revolution.

Ospreay is still the reigning IWGP United Kingdom/United States Heavyweight Champion, although that title will be replaced by a new championship at Wrestle Kingdom 18 when Ospreay faces David Finlay and Jon Moxley in a Three-Way on January 4.

Ospreay's deal with AEW allows him to remain a part of New Japan in some capacity after he begins his AEW run, something that would not have been possible if the Aerial Assassin had signed with WWE.

New Japan are seemingly happy about the ability to continue booking Ospreay as they have issued the following statement: "New Japan Pro-Wrestling has high expectations and anticipation for Will Ospreay's continued activities in both NJPW and All Elite Wrestling."

The Full Gear announcement was somewhat unusual due to Ospreay still being under contract with NJPW. The Japanese promotion gave Ospreay their blessing for him to move over to AEW after he informed NJPW he wouldn't be re-signing with them.