10 Biggest Stories From NJPW's Destruction Events (And What They Mean Going Forward)

6. Will Ospreay Wants Match With Kota Ibushi

In Hiroshima, during a six-man tag match, fans were treated to a few impressive minutes of high-octane competition between Will Ospreay and Kota Ibushi -- arguably two of the best wrestlers in the world at the moment. With countless strikes, slams, and high-impact aerial maneuvers, Ibushi and Ospreay showed why they are two of the most exciting and revered athletes in New Japan.

Yet it was just a small taste of what they are both capable of and as per Ospreay’s post-match comments, he is pining for the chance to battle Ibushi one-on-one. The former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion was direct and succinct on the subject of Kota during the brief press meeting as he stated, “Give me Ibushi.” Meanwhile, the Golden Star stated that the desire was less than mutual as he was plainly dismissive of Ospreay's challenge.

While the want for a singles match may currently be one-sided, the bout will likely come to fruition at some point -- perhaps before the year’s end or even by the time Wrestle Kingdom comes around at the start of 2019.

Contributor

Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.