Will Ospreay's struggles while becoming the most acclaimed wrestler
In June 2023, Will Ospreay became the wrestler with the most five-star matches ever, with 26, earning it in his match against Kenny Omega at Forbidden Door. Ospreay has accomplished this despite dealing with dyslexia, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and maybe even autism. Will was never diagnosed with autism, but he felt he might be on the spectrum. He had a tough time in school, fittingly for his eventual wrestling career, only passing physical education and drama classes.
Will started wrestling in the UK indie scene at 19 before signing with New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 2016. He earned his first one-on-one five-star rating in 2017 and would continue to stand out. Ospreay was diagnosed with ADHD in 2019 at around age twenty-six. He would still deal with mental struggles even after becoming a major wrestling star, sometimes getting anxious before his big matches, as recent as the record-breaking Forbidden Door match. He would get insults and death wishes from wrestling fans, too.
Ospreay has gotten better at dealing with the struggles by tuning the haters out and having his family as a support system. Hopefully, he will continue his acclaimed wrestling without mental struggles in the future.
Social Media
Quotes
The most important thing for me is my family, and as long as that’s all good, my demons don’t really creep in anymore,...I've found a real big balance.
Will Ospreay
You gotta keep moving forward. If you don’t, you’re just gonna sit in that pit of sadness, and that’s when it creeps in,...Go out, keep walking, keep doing what you’re doing. The moment you sit still, that’s when you’re done.
Will Ospreay
Even if I did have it [autism], I don't see it as a detriment. I see it as a superpower. All of us autistic kids, we're so much better than regular, normal people. We can lock into shit and do it. To all my autism kids out there, we're top,"
Will Ospreay
References
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Wikipedia
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NJPW star Will Ospreay ‘numb to death wishes’ before he turned major mental health corner
He suggested no one is really prepared for having access to people’s opinions on such forums, but part of his own mental health journey has been some level of acceptance.
Metro
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Will Ospreay Breaks Five-Star Matches Record With Kenny Omega Match
Will Ospreay has broken Mistahura Misawa’s record for the most 5+ star matches in wrestling history.
Atletifo
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Will Ospreay Discusses Being Diagnosed With ADHD, Being On Autism Spectrum, And Regretting Tweets
Ospreay continued, opening up about his ADHD diagnosis and being on the spectrum for autism.
Fightful
