One of AEW’s biggest challenges in recent years has been the lack of clearly defined roles for its top stars. Establishing who the fans should root for (babyfaces) and who they should hate (heels) is crucial for long-term storytelling. Will Ospreay offers AEW the perfect opportunity to remedy this. His rise must be framed as the ultimate underdog story—a man with unparalleled skill and grit who is willing to take on the world to prove he belongs at the top of AEW.
On the other side of the equation is Jon Moxley, a man who has embodied AEW’s rugged, no-nonsense identity since its inception. As the leader of the Death Riders, Moxley is the perfect foil to Ospreay’s rise. The Death Riders—violent, relentless, and operating under a win-at-all-costs mentality—should be portrayed as the ultimate immovable force in AEW. They believe that AEW belongs to them, with Moxley as their undisputed leader and the World Championship as their symbol of dominance.
Moxley’s reign as AEW’s top villain (heel) would stand in stark contrast to Ospreay’s journey. While Moxley represents chaos, destruction, and entitlement, Ospreay must embody resilience, ambition, and the hope for a better AEW. By making these roles clear, AEW will not only give fans someone to cheer for but also someone to despise—a dynamic that has been missing in recent years.
The Death Riders should serve as the constant roadblock in Ospreay’s path, challenging him at every turn and forcing him to prove why he belongs in the main event. Whether through brutal assaults, mind games, or overwhelming odds, Moxley and his faction can amplify Ospreay’s eventual triumph by making the climb to the top seem nearly impossible. This dynamic creates a natural story arc that fans can invest in, building anticipation for their inevitable clash.
The Journey: Earning the Shot
The journey to Jon Moxley and the AEW World Championship must begin with a definitive moment for Ospreay—one that sets the tone for his rise. At Revolution, Ospreay should defeat Kyle Fletcher, his former United Empire ally, in a grueling match that cements his status as a worthy contender. Fletcher, who knows Ospreay better than most, would provide the perfect stepping stone for Ospreay to prove that he’s not just a star in AEW—he’s a future world champion.
This victory would earn Ospreay the right to challenge Jon Moxley for the AEW World Championship at All In: Texas. However, between Revolution and All In, Moxley and the Death Riders must throw every possible obstacle in Ospreay’s way. Whether it’s ambushes, handicap matches, or surprise attacks from new allies, Moxley must make it clear that he’s willing to do anything to protect his title and his vision for AEW.
The Payoff: Ospreay’s Crowning Moment
At All In: Texas, Ospreay and Moxley’s collision must feel like the culmination of months of tension, struggle, and sacrifice. The match should be brutal, emotional, and unforgettable, with Ospreay enduring the punishment of Moxley and the Death Riders to finally claim the AEW World Championship.
This isn’t just about putting a title on Ospreay—it’s about creating a defining moment for AEW. Ospreay’s victory would represent the triumph of skill, heart, and determination over chaos and dominance. It would signal a new era for
The Perfect Storm: Ospreay’s Rise and Moxley’s Reign
Before setting foot in AEW, Ospreay built his legend overseas, captivating fans with his show-stealing performances in NJPW. Matches against the likes of Kazuchika Okada and Shingo Takagi showcased his athleticism and grit, earning him accolades as one of the best in the world. While hardcore wrestling fans already knew Ospreay, AEW now gives him the platform to reach an even broader audience, much like Kenny Omega did when AEW debuted in 2019.
Opposite Ospreay stands Jon Moxley, one of AEW’s foundational stars and a man synonymous with the company’s identity. As the leader of the Death Riders, Moxley has become a force of chaos and destruction. His violent, no-holds-barred approach to wrestling perfectly contrasts Ospreay’s determination and technical brilliance, making their collision an inevitable and tantalizing prospect.
For AEW, this rivalry offers an opportunity to clearly define its top hero and villain. Moxley, representing anarchy and dominance, is the perfect foil for Ospreay, a resilient fighter chasing his dream. This dynamic can not only create an unforgettable story but also establish the kind of emotional investment that has been missing from AEW’s title picture in recent years.
The Journey: Building the Story from Revolution to All In
The road to All In: Texas must begin with Ospreay earning his way to the top. At Revolution, Ospreay should face Kyle Fletcher, his former United Empire ally. Fletcher, knowing Ospreay’s weaknesses better than anyone, would be a formidable opponent. This match wouldn’t just showcase Ospreay’s resilience—it would signal his intentions loud and clear: he is coming for the AEW World Championship.
With a victory at Revolution, Ospreay would earn the right to challenge Jon Moxley at All In. However, the months leading up to the showdown cannot be smooth sailing. Moxley and the Death Riders must go out of their way to make Ospreay’s life miserable. Whether through backstage ambushes, grueling handicap matches, or even recruiting new allies to take Ospreay down, Moxley must be relentless in proving why AEW is his domain.
This stretch is where Ospreay’s story will truly come to life. Fans need to see him overcome adversity, fight through setbacks, and show that he is willing to sacrifice everything for a shot at the title. The more obstacles he conquers, the more invested fans will become in his eventual triumph.
The Payoff: Ospreay’s Crowning Moment
The stage is set for All In: Texas, where Ospreay and Moxley must collide in one of the most anticipated matches in AEW history. This can’t just be another title match—it needs to feel like the culmination of months of struggle and sacrifice. Ospreay should endure everything Moxley and the Death Riders throw at him, from their underhanded tactics to Moxley’s brutal, unrelenting style. In the end, Ospreay’s victory would be more than just a championship win—it would be a defining moment for AEW.
By defeating Moxley, Ospreay wouldn’t just capture the AEW World Championship; he would solidify himself as the company’s top star. His journey would resonate with fans as a story of perseverance and heart, the kind of narrative that builds lasting loyalty and creates generational stars. For Moxley, the loss wouldn’t diminish his role—it would cement him as the top villain, setting up endless possibilities for future rivalries.
Why Ospreay? Why Now?
AEW is at a crossroads. With CM Punk gone and the competition heating up, the company needs to make bold moves to solidify its identity. Ospreay is that bold move. His international appeal, in-ring brilliance, and underdog charisma make him the ideal candidate to lead AEW into the next era.
But the story must be right. Fans need to see Ospreay’s hunger and determination. They need to know his goal is the AEW World Championship and believe he’s earning every step of the journey. This isn’t about rushing to put a title on Ospreay—it’s about building him into the kind of star AEW can rally around for years to come.
With Revolution and All In: Texas, AEW has a golden opportunity to create one of the most compelling stories in wrestling. By crowning Will Ospreay, the company can show that the best in the world doesn’t just wrestle in AEW—he leads it.
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