Will Ospreay fulfilled his “dream match” by defeating Samoa Joe at All Elite Wrestling’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view event on May 24, 2026, in Queens, New York. This matchup marked the first round of the Owen Hart Menβs Tournament, with the winner earning a shot at the AEW World Championship at the prestigious All In event at Wembley Stadium. Ospreay executed a surprise OsCutter at the beginning of the match and later secured his victory with multiple Hidden Blades. In a post-match interview, he expressed confidence in his ability to represent AEW and emphasized his aspirations to elevate the company. Ospreay’s victory sets up a semifinal match against either Mark Davis or Jack Perry, while Swerve Strickland, who defeated Bandido, will face either Claudio Castagnoli or Brody King in the other semifinal.
Why It Matters
This match is significant as it highlights the rising prominence of Will Ospreay in the wrestling world, particularly within AEW, which has been gaining traction as a major competitor to WWE. The Owen Hart Menβs Tournament, named after the late wrestler, underscores AEW’s commitment to honoring wrestling legends while providing a platform for emerging talents. Ospreay’s victory not only advances him in the tournament but also positions him as a potential key figure to draw viewers to AEW’s marquee events, particularly the anticipated All In at Wembley Stadium, which aims to be a landmark occasion in professional wrestling history.
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