Ospreay Could Return in Early 2026 After Neck Surgery

Will Ospreay is progressing through recovery after neck surgery and could be on track to return to the ring in early 2026, according to an update from a U.K. clinic posted six weeks after the procedure. The Body Alignment Clinic in Rainham, Essex said on Saturday that Ospreay is "doing great" six weeks postoperation and included the caption "Jan 2026," suggesting a possible return window for the 32 year old former AEW International Champion.

Ospreay underwent surgery in mid September to address two herniated discs that, doctors said, had been pressing on his spinal cord and producing nerve symptoms. The injury emerged after his last match at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door on August 24, when a postmatch angle left him stretchered from the O2 Arena in London. That segment was used to write him off television while he pursued treatment.

The wrestler announced the surgery in September and posted afterward that the operation was successful. "The road will be long, but it'll be worth it to see you all again," Ospreay wrote on social media. In an interview before the procedure he described his state of mind, saying, "I'm anxious. I'm scared. Generally, I'm terrified," and adding that for...