Radican: AEW should model Will Ospreay’s push on Jon Moxley’s presentation to make him a centerpiece
PWTorch columnist Sean Radican argues AEW can develop Will Ospreay into a top, money-drawing champion by tightening his presentation, giving him cohesive support, and treating his segments with the same importance given to Jon Moxley.
PWTorch columnist Sean Radican wrote that All Elite Wrestling has the pieces to elevate Will Ospreay into a true centerpiece but needs to refine how it presents him on television.
Radican noted AEW appeared positioned to build Ospreay after he won the AEW World Heavyweight Championship at All In London in August, pointing to in-ring and ceremonial endorsements from top names such as Kenny Omega at that show. He wrote that Ospreay followed that win with a notable match against Jon Moxley at All Out and a successful title defense against Kazuchika Okada on Oct. 6 at Grand Slam Paris.
Radican criticized aspects of Ospreay’s TV presentation, saying his version of the United Empire has at times come across as disjointed in backstage segments and in ring attire, and that the stable has not always read like a unified top-tier group. He added that some segments have undercut the perception of Ospreay as a special, centerpiece champion.
Radican placed Ospreay’s run in the context of a difficult period for AEW, noting the unexpected deaths of Butcher Andy Williams and Pac and the company’s series of tribute programs for Rebel, Williams and Pac. He credited AEW management for not using tribute programming to promote future storylines and called the Okada defense on Dynamite an important title defense despite limited build.
Radican argued Jon Moxley continues to draw the most consistent attention in AEW, citing recent promos, Continental Classic Championship matches and a semi-main match with Mark Davis at WrestleDream as examples of presentations that have felt particularly consequential. He recommended AEW apply that same standard to Ospreay by giving him passionate promos, credible opponents, and a more cohesive stable presentation so he can be treated as a true centerpiece act.
Radican concluded that with targeted booking adjustments from AEW booker Tony Khan, Ospreay can be developed into a genuine money-drawing champion for the company.
