Will Ospreay discusses Kenny Omega's lack of title defenses.
At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4, Kenny Omega defeated Will Ospreay to win the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship. Since then, Omega has only defended the title once; he beat Jeff Cobb to retain the gold on the March 29 episode of AEW Dynamite. Ospreay will challenge Omega for the title at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door on June 25.
Speaking with NJPW's official website, Ospreay was asked to share his thoughts on the fact that Omega has only defended the title once in AEW. He made it clear that it's his job to make sure the title stays with NJPW. He noted that it's not AEW's obligation to host title defenses, and they're focused on The Elite and trying to stop people from fighting each other backstage.
"Well I mean, it’s not their property, so I don’t really blame them. I take full responsibility for that, it’s my job and my obligation to make sure it stays with our wonderful Lion Mark and on that blue canvas. But it is what it is. When you put the title on the line against all comers and all challengers… I don’t represent the flag that’s on that belt, but I represent the work ethic behind it. The work ethic behind that title I guess has gone since it’s gone to Kenny, but once again, it’s not their obligation. AEW aren’t part of the IWGP committee, it’s not their obligation to host title defenses. I’m sure it’s a hassle to get even Jeff Cobb to come over for a title match. It must be a pain in the arse, and their focusing on the Elite and trying to stop people from fighting each other backstage, do you know what I mean? So once again, I take full responsibility, that’s my fault. All that rehab I did, all the incredible matches I had with Finlay, and Naito and Shota, I’ve got to get it back. I will, it’s my red leather and gold, and I’ll get it back," Ospreay said.
Ospreay recently provided an update on his shoulder. Click here to see what he had to say.
Omega has said that if Ospreay doesn't beat him, he doesn't have a real obligation to return to Japan. Check out his comments here.
Click here to check out the card for the June 21 episode of AEW Dynamite. Fightful will have coverage of the show as it airs.
Check out the card for AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door here.
