Will Ospreay Responds to Online Debate on NJPW Direction & AEW Partnership Following Yota Tsuji Interview

As noted before, current IWGP Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji had stated in a recent interview with Tokyo Sports about him potentially not defending his title at this month’s AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2026 event due to his lingering issues with the Forbidden Door events and NJPW’s partnership with AEW. Will Ospreay responded on social media to Tsuji’s comments and called him out as someone who does not take pride in representing NJPW as its top champion.

This quickly led to a larger debate by fans online over NJPW’s issues with developing new stars and their partnership with AEW.

In a response to a tweet from Josh from We Work Stiff, Ospreay disagreed with the claim that NJPW hasn’t been able to adapt to changing timelines for the main issue with its current partnership with AEW.

Josh from We Work Stiff stated “Though I must say, the focus Ospreay has placed on #NJPW’s perceived inability to create stars is interesting. I would argue that NJPW hasn’t lost its ability but instead hasn’t been able to adapt to changing timelines. It’s nuanced but it’s the actual point of contention imo.“

Ospreay responded stating:

Disagree….

Kenny Omega who was top 4 during the greatest time period in NJPW times comes back from nearly dying (as an AEW contracted talent).

His first match back is against Gabe Kidd.

They legitimately have the craziest match that year. Did they capitalise on the performance of Gabe ??

Answer NO.

You look at Goto who has been a solider has only reach that popularity after god knows how many years.

Callum has completely grown into the role and now he is hurt.

You got some diamonds in the rough like Yuya & Oiwa.

Shota is just finding his feet after so many flops.

Drilla puts in so much work and still isn’t being given the ball

I’m not saying AEW relationship is perfect, there is more we could do as a partner…

But come off the idea of we don’t send our top guys.

We legitimately have given you the top 1% in the wrestling world in Kenny, Okada, Takeshita, Andrade & myself.

And I’m speaking for myself mainly, but for sure the other feel the same. I love coming to NJPW because it was my home for 8years. I’ve legit owe my life to the lion mark

My point remains throughout this battle with opinion of those that have no idea what it is to be a New Japan Wrestler,

Tsuji should represent the company as champion in any event that has New Japans presence. Whether it’s a multi man, open challenge or whatever the fuck it is.

There is a level of pride you should have especially holding that championship.”

Disagree….

Kenny Omega who was top 4 during the greatest time period in NJPW times comes back from nearly dying (as an AEW contracted talent).

His first match back is against Gabe Kidd.

They legitimately have the craziest match that year. Did they capitalise on the… https://t.co/keJRO0nnaz

— Will Ospreay • ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay) June 16, 2026