Will Ospreay’s First AEW Title Defense Set Against Jon Moxley

Will Ospreay, the newly crowned AEW World Champion, quickly learned who his first title defense opponent would be. Kicking off AEW’s ‘Dynamite’ on Wednesday, Ospreay delivered a passionate speech about Kenny Omega, his All In opponent, labeling him the best wrestler over the past decade.

Reflecting on his victory at All In on August 30, 2026, Ospreay expressed awe at joining the ranks of past champions like Chris Jericho, ‘Hangman’ Page, Jon Moxley, Kenny Omega, Bryan Danielson, and Swerve Strickland. He shared, “These guys were once my heroes, appearing on my TV screen. Now, they’re my rivals. I worked hard for this moment. All my idols are now my peers.”

In a moment of self-realization, Ospreay admitted his struggle with confidence but proclaimed, “Looking at this belt, I am the standard now, the Billy goat, the best in the world. I am your AEW world champion. To take this from me, you’ll need to pass through the fires I’ve endured.”

Later, Ospreay participated in a 10-man tag team match alongside Andrade El Idolo, Callum Newman, Francesco Akira, and Henare against Gabe Kidd, Bishop Kaun, Ricochet, Toa Liona, and Clark Connors. Ospreay’s team emerged victorious, but the post-match chaos saw Kidd nearly strike him with a chair before Jon Moxley intervened. Although Kidd is part of Moxley’s faction, The Death Riders, Moxley’s support for Ospreay was evident, having aided him during recovery from a neck injury.

As Moxley faced Ospreay, he returned the champion’s belt, escalating the excitement in the crowd. The video display revealed the upcoming showdown between Ospreay and Moxley for the AEW World Championship at All Out on September 26.

Andrade El Idolo also has a guaranteed title shot, earned by winning the Casino Gauntlet match, although the date remains uncertain.

Ryan Gaydos, a senior editor for Fox News Digital, provides complete pro wrestling coverage.