PWI Weekly for May 19, 2025
The Innovators Editions
PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING THRIVES on tradition—but it evolves through rebellion!
This week, the PWI Weekly is all about the trailblazers, risk-takers, and the ones who dare to be different. From the pioneers who redefined what could be done in the ring to today’s boundary-pushers, innovation is key to keeping the sport healthy. And thankfully, there are always men and women who continue to color outside the lines, and who, in turn, force the industry to catch up.
WRESTLER OF THE WEEK
Will Ospreay isn’t your average wrestler … he’s a human highlight reel. And as cliched as that may sound, it’s true. It’s also been part of why the Essex, England, native has long been the source of criticism. Indeed, there are many who feel that Ospreay’s in-ring stylings veer too far from what “real wrestling” should be. To that we say, “calm down, bruv!”
Ospreay’s innovative offense blends acrobatics with impactful strikes and a disarming technical prowess. Moves like the Oscutter and the Hidden Blade are some of the most effective in the sport today. Although the man’s detractors will say that he just performs moves for the sake of them, we would argue that most of what Ospreay does is done with precision and purpose. Just ask the who’s who of legendary opponents he has defeated.
It isn’t only in the ring that Ospreay innovates. The man is unashamedly himself in all that he does. Rather than toe the line and try to fit into the mold of what a star wrestler should be, Ospreay has made wrestling stardom fit him. Whether it’s with his attire, his accent, or his ambition, “The Aerial Assassin” has changed the game from the U.K. to Japan to the U.S. Don’t be surprised to see him donning the AEW World championship belt before too long.
TERRITORIAL DISSINGS
Mick Foley was a lot of things in his career (and a lot of people). But one thing he wasn’t was stagnant. Always eager to push the envelope with his characters and matches, Foley’s greatest innovations arguably came on the microphone. In this classic ECW promo from 1995, Foley (as Cactus Jack) gives a powerful soliloquy, inspired by a now-infamous sign he saw at ringside during one of his matches.
In the promo, Foley urges another innovator, “The Innovator of Violence” Tommy Dreamer, to not follow the same career path as him. At the time, it was a heartfelt, vulnerable cry from a wrestler no longer concerned with proving how tough he was, nor in gaining fan approval. This is another innovative moment from the brilliant mind of Mick Foley.
SPOTLIGHT ON …
Man Like DeReiss is not only one of the best and most charismatic grapplers in British wrestling, he’s also helping to reinvent it. With a dynamic in-ring style and unique swagger, DeReiss has been captivating audiences across Europe for several years. Recently, he took home the honour (British spelling intended) of being crowned the winner of PROGRESS Wrestling’s Super Strong Style 16 tournament.
DeReiss’ willingness to embrace modern wrestling trends while staying true to his own distinct character stands as proof of how far BritWres has come in recent years. With a recent TNA tryout under his belt, it might only be a matter of time before Man Like DeReiss is stepping into a whole new spotlight.
FROM THE VAULT
The wrestling world recently lost one of its most innovative talents of all-time, as Terry Brunk (Sabu) passed away at age 60. From his death-defying moonsaults through tables to his signature Arabian facebuster finisher, the “Suicidal, Homicidal, Genocidal Maniac” inspired generations of imitators. But there will only ever be one Sabu. In the days since we learned of his passing, wrestlers, fans, and critics alike have reflected on the man’s remarkable impact on the industry.