12 Ups & 6 Downs From NJPW Best Of The Super Juniors 2019

7. Captain Selfless

Will Ospreay Red Shoes
NJPW

Let's talk about Will Ospreay's selflessness, which might be his biggest pro-wrestling strength in 2019.

Few wrestlers are so committed to putting their opponents over. Even in victory, 'The Aerial Assassin' goes out of his way to ensure his foes emerge smelling like roses. He holds nothing back with his bumping and selling, and crafts complimentary bout layouts designed not only to propel himself forward, but bring out the best on whoever he's facing, ensuring they finish one step further up the kayfabe ladder by the time the final bell rings.

This was a constant theme throughout BOSJ 26, but particularly in the Rocky Romero match (16 May). While 'Azucar' is a skilled performer and underrated tactician, Ospreay elevated the crafty-but-unfancied veteran with one of the tournament's most giving performances. Will is a former NEVER Openweight Champion, and a rising star with eyes on heavyweight gold, yet he let a guy who primarily operates as a manager, commentator, and trainer push him to the edge of defeat.

Romero was magnificent himself, but such performances are why Will Ospreay is one of the best in the world right now.

Advertisement
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.