Will Ospreay is perhaps nearer to an AEW comeback than anybody anticipated.
In line with a January 21, 2026 report from Fightful Choose, Ospreay is scheduled to be backstage at tonight’s AEW Dynamite in Orlando—not for an on-screen look, however for a key medical analysis that would mark the beginning of his in-ring return course of.
The replace notes that is nonetheless “very early within the course of,” but it surely’s a powerful signal that Ospreay could return ahead of initially anticipated. The previous IWGP World Heavyweight Champion has been sidelined since September 2025 after present process severe neck surgical procedure following AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door: London.
On the time, many assumed Ospreay might miss as much as a 12 months. Nonetheless, Fightful reviews that AEW officers are actually hopeful he might be built-in into inventive plans by spring 2026, relying on how his restoration progresses.
The brand new report traces up with Ospreay’s latest appearances at NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 20 and New Yr Sprint earlier this month, the place he teased a future return to motion with out getting bodily.
Across the time of Ospreay’s latest look at Wrestle Kingdom 20 in Tokyo, the assumption was that he wouldn’t be sidelined so long as many extreme neck accidents usually require.
AEW President Tony Khan had additionally not too long ago given an replace throughout an interview with Adrian Hernandez, stating:
“He’s doing higher, and I’m very grateful… I can’t say precisely when, however I can let you know that in 2026, he will likely be again.”
Ospreay has remained comparatively low-profile since surgical procedure, specializing in rehab. Tonight’s backstage analysis might be step one towards clearing him for an official return—and followers desirous to see “The Aerial Murderer” fly once more could not have to attend so long as feared.
With Ospreay present process medical checks at AEW Dynamite, the comeback wheels are formally in movement. Whereas there’s no set return date simply but, the timing of his analysis, mixed with optimism from AEW management, suggests his return might be nearer than anticipated.
Do you suppose Will Ospreay ought to wait till he’s 100% cleared, or leap again in if he will get the inexperienced mild this spring? Tell us within the feedback.