At AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door 2024, Will Ospreay honored Japanese legend Hayabusa by wearing his mask on his way to the ring.
Ospreay later discussed the significance of receiving his daughter’s blessing in a digital exclusive. He said,
“Back in 2022, I took out the daughter of Hayabusa and I asked for her blessing to adorn a very famous Hayabusa mask. I don’t know what their relationship was, I don’t know if she was a bit sad about the wrestling community, maybe? But I just wanted to make sure that I got the blessing for it. I took her out, and she gave me the blessing. The family all wrote in, they said that they’re so happy for me to adorn the mask. So I did it in Japan. It’s only right that I do it at Forbidden Door, with the crossover event. This is about celebrating wrestling culture, right? Well, this is the culture that got me into professional wrestling. So I can’t be happier. I hope I do ‘em proud.”
Ospreay also wrote on Twitter, “I cannot tell you enough how grateful I am to you & your families kindness for allowing me to share the love I have for your father’s contributions towards wrestling to an audience that would show their love and respect back. Thank you so much for such a special moment.”
AEW Japan released a statement from Hayabusa’s brother, Takanori Ezaki, who appreciated the tribute.
Ezaki wrote, “Hello, This is Takanori Ezaki, a younger brother of Hayabusa. I heard that Will Osprey would like to use Hayabusa’s costume and entrance theme for Forbidden Door. We, the family of Hayabusa, felt very proud. It’s been more than 20 years since he was injured in 2001. Many people still sent him their respects over seas. We greatly appreciate it. I wish the AEW wrestlers safety. Please keep showing us good fights, and be careful not to get injured. I also wish that both Forbidden Door and AEW will be successful.”
Thank you🥹♡
I am soo grateful. https://t.co/PHnDT1ifbo— えざき あやね (@Aynnnnn1910) July 3, 2024
I cannot tell you enough how grateful I am to you & your families kindness for allowing me to share the love I have for your father’s contributions towards wrestling to an audience that would show their love and respect back.
Thank you so much for such a special moment https://t.co/HDGgk1ZE3Y
— Will Ospreay • ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay) July 3, 2024
Before the #ForbiddenDoor , we received a letter from Hayabusa's brother, which we would like to share with you.
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Hello,This is Takanori Ezaki, a younger brother of Hayabusa.
I heard that Will Osprey would like to use Hayabusa's costume and entrance theme for Forbidden… https://t.co/NOPxX1aCv1— AEW ジャパン (@AEW_jp) July 3, 2024
