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Will Ospreay has revealed that he turned down a WWE offer because accepting it would have required a major change to his lifestyle. Ospreay discussed his previous interest from WWE during a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. The AEW star revealed that WWE first approached him in 2016 following his debut with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, offering him a place in the Cruiserweight Classic and a potential contract. “I received an offer in 2016 to be part of the Cruiserweight Classic, and then they offered me, like, a deal to sign there for them. But the money was terrible. Like, it was bad. I was making more money in New Japan,” Ospreay said. The former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion said he did not enter New Japan expecting to receive a contract. Instead, he simply wanted to compete in the Best of the Super Juniors and pursue the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, both of which held special significance for him. “I didn’t know I was going to get an offer from New Japan. I just wanted to go do it because the Super Juniors and the IWGP Junior title was, like, one of the coolest things for me.” After signing with NJPW, Ospreay said it became particularly striking to compare his earnings there with what WWE had initially offered. He acknowledged that he potentially could have earned more money in WWE over time, but said the company was never a place that particularly interested him. Will Ospreay Reveals Why He Rejected WWE’s Offer In 2024 Ospreay also confirmed that WWE showed interest in him before he officially signed with AEW in 2024. Representatives from the company spoke with him, and Ospreay revealed that WWE made what he described as a “really lovely offer.” However, the offer would have required Ospreay to relocate to the United States, something he had no desire to do. “It just involved me moving to the States, and I just have no ambition to move over there.” When asked whether he might have been more open to joining WWE if he could remain in England, Ospreay said he still was not sure the company would have been the right fit for him. Will Ospreay Calls WWE’s Wrestling Style ‘Minimalistic’ The former AEW International Champion emphasized that he respects WWE but prefers the creative freedom and style of professional wrestling that he has experienced in AEW. “I don’t like the way it’s filmed. Don’t like the wrestling behind it. I think it’s very minimalistic.” Ospreay went on to explain what he meant by describing WWE’s wrestling style as “minimalistic.” He compared the pacing and presentation of matches between the two companies and said he personally prefers a style that places greater emphasis on sustained action and physical contact. “The comparison in our matches and our main event matches is very, very different. Like, one spear for them will be, like, super satisfying. And I honestly respect it. Man, I wish I could get a spear over like that. I wish I could, but it’s just not in me.” Ospreay noted that he would never say never about a potential WWE run, as circumstances in professional wrestling can always change. However, he made it clear that he is currently enjoying his experience in AEW and the freedom it gives him to perform in a style that suits him. For now, Ospreay has a major challenge ahead of him in his home country. He is set to challenge Kenny Omega for the AEW World Championship in the main event of All In: London this Sunday, where Ospreay will look to add another chapter to his already remarkable career. WrestleZone will provide live coverage of AEW All In as it airs on August 30. READ MORE: Will Ospreay Reveals AEW Had Other Plans Before Setting Kenny Omega Match at All In If you use any of these quotes, please credit the original source with a link back to this article for the transcription.