Will Ospreay Opens Up on Match Philosophy Ahead of Owen Hart Cup Final Against Swerve Strickland at Forbidden Door

With a high-stakes match on the horizon, Will Ospreay has been candid about the creative freedom that defines his in-ring work — and how much he values keeping it that way.

In a recent appearance on Baby Huey’s show on 107.7, Ospreay was asked about how he approaches putting his matches together. The answer was straightforward: he wants to drive the car himself. “I hate the idea of people telling me what to do in my matches,” Ospreay said, summing up a philosophy that has underpinned his rise to the top of professional wrestling.

It’s that kind of autonomy-first mentality that fans and peers have long pointed to as central to Ospreay’s ability to consistently deliver at the highest level. Whether working in AEW, NJPW, or on the independent circuit, Ospreay has built a reputation as one of the most complete performers in the world — a wrestler who can tailor a match to the moment rather than follow a script handed down from above.

The timing of the comments is notable. Ospreay is set to meet Swerve Strickland in the finals of the Owen Hart Cup at AEW Forbidden Door, one of the most anticipated bouts on the card. Both men have been on remarkable runs, and the tournament final gives Ospreay yet another major stage to prove why he operates best when left to his own instincts.

If history is any guide, giving Will Ospreay creative latitude tends to work out just fine for everyone watching.