Will Ospreay has had himself an incredible 2023, defeating names like Kenny Omega, Chris Jericho, Nakajima, and now IMPACT Wrestling star Mike Bailey can be added to that list.

Ospreay and Bailey beat the crap out of each other for about 18 minutes at Bound For Glory on October 21st, in what some would consider the best match of both of their careers to date. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer gave it 5.25 stars, which is one of only a very few matches throughout IMPACT that has gotten a high star rating.

Ospreay hung around the next day at IMPACT’s Bound For Glory Fallour TV tapings where he wrestled Josh Alexander in what’s been deemed an amazing match. That had yet to be aired and does not have a specific air date as of this moment.

Will Ospreay is now opening up about his mental health in an interview with Alistair McGeorge of Metro and reveals that ahead of big matches like the one he had with Kenny Omega at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom, he does feel a great deal of anxiety. 

“I used to be such in such a horrible, dark place where me and my head just didn’t get along. Sometimes it creeps in, especially big matches. The Tokyo match with Kenny [Omega], I can’t tell you enough how much doubt creeped into my mind with that. I get mad anxiety when I wrestle guys like Kenny,” he said. 

Will Ospreay also spoke about becoming a father and how that changed his view of the world and helped with his mental health struggles. 

“It’s difficult at first, but I guess half of it is whether you care that much about people’s opinion on you anymore,”he said. “I got numb to it all, ‘I can’t make everyone like me!’ That’s absolutely fine – if you don’t like me, that’s cool, I don’t like you either! 

“I’m a parent now, my kid goes to school, I’m with a wonderful girl. They motivate me so much and it is literally the most rewarding thing that I’ve ever done in my entire life,” he adds. “My mental health, my depression, my anxiety are huge factors into my performance – especially when you’re away from your family, and you’re left in the hotel rooms. 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.”

H/T Robert DeFelice for Fightful.

Will Ospreay praised the IMPACT Wrestling locker room, and even said that he wants to step foot in a “TNA ring” before February (which is when he officially becomes a free agent). Will mentioned before Bound For Glory that IMPACT Wrestling is in the running to be his next home. Regarding his free agency, Scott D’Amore commented that he’s “had conversations with Anthem Sports, and they’re very aware of who Will Ospreay is.”

Will Ospreay also faced Eddie Edwards as part of the UK Invasion Tour this past Saturday, October 28th, and that match will air this Friday, November 3rd, as part of the company Turning Point event.

Make sure you watch all the stars of IMPACT WRESTLING EVERY Thursday!

-IMPACT Plus App
-AXSTV in USA
-Fight Network in CANADA

-DAZN for international fans sign up here (includes BTI pre-show, weekly IMPACTonAXSTV episode, LIVE monthly specials, 4 flagship PPVs, + footage from the library)

-Become a YouTube Insider HERE and subscribe.

• Insider is $1.49/month. (includes weekly show)
• Ultimate Insider is $6.99/month. (includes weekly show w/ live chat, exclusive series, live monthly specials, and old content)

#IMPACTonAXSTV

Follow Gerard at @BearDown316 on Twitter

If you enjoy Bodyslam’s content, you can help donate to the site here. You can also visit our PWTees store and buy Bodyslam official merchandise here.

You can listen to all of Bodyslam’s podcasts by following us on Spotify and subscribing to our YouTube Channel,  or any of your favorite podcast platforms.

Be sure to check out Bodyslam.Net for all of your pro wrestling and MMA news!