10 Wrestling Moments You Didn’t Realise Inspired People To Become Wrestlers
2. Will Ospreay - TNA Unbreakable: Samoa Joe Vs. Christopher Daniels Vs. AJ Styles
British wrestling showstopper Will Ospreay rose to stardom thanks to his often inhuman ability to soar through the air and incredibly unique offensive arsenal.
With a style as hard-hitting and equally stunning as his, you may be left wondering exactly who or what inspired the 'Aerial Assassin' to become the wrestler we know and appreciate today.
Well, when channel surfing one day back in 2005, a young wrestling-obsessed Ospreay landed on an interesting little show called TNA and saw three charismatic out-of-this-world wrestlers putting on the match of their lives. AJ Styles, Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels were all vying for the X-Division title at TNA Unbreakable and this five star classic planted one life-changing idea into the Londoner's head.
Answering fans' questions in the NJPW Fans Bring the Questions Match column, Ospreay said:
'I’ve always watched wrestling, ever since I was a baby. But I was channel surfing once and found TNA, the three way between Chris Daniels, Samoa Joe and AJ Styles. AJ grabbed the top rope and hit a springboard Shooting Star Press. I was 14, 15 years old and I instantly thought "I want to be a pro-wrestler." AJ Styles is the reason I wanted to be a pro wrestler.'
Styles' influence on the former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion is obvious in his insane style and Ospreay would even take on his idol later down the line. Who would've guessed a decade after unexpectedly switching on a jaw-dropping triple-threat, that very same channel hopper would be putting it all on the line against the star who inspired him to be a pro wrestler in the first place?