Will Ospreay reveals why he chose AEW over WWE ahead of All In

The British star joined AEW full-time in 2024 after establishing himself as one of the world's leading wrestlers during his time with New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

But AEW was not his only option.

Speaking to Ariel Helwani ahead of Sunday's huge showdown with Kenny Omega, Ospreay confirmed that WWE was interested in signing him and made an offer before he ultimately chose AEW.

Why did Will Ospreay choose AEW over WWE?

AEW

Ospreay revealed that representatives handled negotiations with WWE on his behalf and that the company made what he described as a "really lovely offer".

However, the deal would have required Ospreay to relocate to the United States – something the Essex-born star had no desire to do.

When asked whether he might have been more receptive to WWE without the need to relocate, Ospreay suggested there were other reasons why AEW was a better fit.

The 33-year-old explained that he respects WWE but prefers a different style of professional wrestling, describing WWE's approach as "very minimalistic".

Ospreay also highlighted the freedom he currently enjoys in AEW. Rather than working from a full script, he said he is given key points before being allowed to express himself in his own way.

That preference stretches back long before Ospreay became one of AEW's biggest names.

While WWE has traditionally been viewed as the ultimate destination for aspiring wrestlers, Ospreay said he was instead inspired by promotions including TNA, Pro Wrestling NOAH, Dragon Gate and New Japan.

"I've just never been a WWE guy," he told Helwani. 

How to watch AEW All In 2026 on DAZN

Will Ospreay will challenge Kenny Omega for the AEW World Championship at All In on Sunday, August 30 at Wembley Stadium in London.

The event begins at 4:30pm BST and will be available to watch live on DAZN Pay-Per-View.

Fans can purchase AEW All In directly through DAZN, while the event is also included at no additional cost with an eligible DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.

To watch, open DAZN and search "AEW All In", select the event and follow the on-screen instructions to purchase the PPV or access it through DAZN Ultimate.

The event will also be available to watch back on demand after it has finished.

Watch Will Ospreay vs. Kenny Omega at AEW All In live on DAZN.

*AEW is unavailable on DAZN in India, Hungary, British Indian Ocean Territory, North Korea, Russia, United States Minor Outlying Islands, Nigeria, South Africa, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Iran, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.