AEW star expected to make in-ring comeback early next year
Summary
– Will Ospreay is six weeks post-surgery and recovering well
– His physiotherapist hinted at a January 2026 return
– Ospreay plans to adjust his style following a serious neck injury
AEW’s Will Ospreay is on the comeback trail following major neck surgery, and a new update has revealed when fans might see him back in action.
On November 1, 2025, Saminder Singh of the Body Alignment Clinic in Rainham, Essex, shared an encouraging progress report, noting that Ospreay is “six weeks post-op and doing great,” while hinting at a January 2026 return window. The update is the first clear sign that Ospreay’s recovery is moving faster than many anticipated.
The former AEW International Champion last competed at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door in August, where he endured a brutal Lights Out Steel Cage match before suffering a storyline neck attack from Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, The Young Bucks, and Gabe Kidd. The incident catalyzed his real-life surgery, which Ospreay confirmed in September was a success.
Since then, Ospreay has kept fans updated on social media, promising to return stronger but acknowledging that he may need to evolve his high-impact style to preserve his longevity.
If his recovery continues at its current pace, Ospreay could make his in-ring return early next year, just in time for AEW’s annual winter-to-spring run of marquee events. His comeback would not only signal a major milestone in his career but also restore one of AEW’s most dynamic performers to active competition.
