Will Ospreay was snubbed in end-of-year wrestling awards

Since officially joining AEW in February, Will Ospreay has rapidly become a leading star for AEW. The English-born high-flyer has put on some stellar matches and made rapid improvements to his ability to cut promo segments in front of a live audience. 

Ospreay's current feud with Kyle Fletcher has helped create a true heel in AEW, which will likely serve the company well throughout 2025. Yet, despite his consistent success, elite matches and rapid growth, Ospreay was overlooked in ESPN's wrestling awards for 2024. 

WWE's Gunther was named the "Men's Wrestler of the Year" despite rarely appearing in high-level matches, either on television or via a Premium Live Event. 

"Gunther has spent over half of his WWE career holding a championship," ESPN's Arda Ocal wrote. "Recently, though, some fans have asked for a more enticing wrinkle in his persona or an interesting storyline to dive into. (Will Ludwig Kaiser be the one to challenge him at WrestleMania 41?) The Austrian sensation is a fan favorite, and many fans believe he's the one active wrestler who could succeed in any era. If Gunther keeps the world heavyweight title throughout the year, he could win this award again in 2025."

Gunther has been a fun wrestler to follow this year. However, he hasn't had nearly the same amount of success, growth and quality matches as Ospreay. Furthermore, Ospreay has quickly established himself as a leading star for an entire company, whereas Gunther is still fighting to be seen as a top star on RAW, let alone within WWE.

In fact, Swerve Strickland, Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes have all enjoyed better years than Gunther. However, Ospreay's year, based on his rise in popularity and overall improvements, put him at the top of the list.

As such, Ospreay has every right to feel aggrieved by ESPN's decision. Gunther is an undoubted talent who can easily fill a main-event spot. However, he is not the best wrestler of 2024 — not by a long shot.