Tony Khan has shed new light on the anticipated return of Will Ospreay to All Elite Wrestling, sharing that fans will likely see the former International Champion back in action by 2026, though an exact date remains unconfirmed. This update comes after a challenging period for AEW, which has dealt with the absence of several top stars due to injuries over the past year.
Will Ospreay’s Injury and Road to Recovery
Last year proved difficult for the Jacksonville-based wrestling promotion as multiple key performers suffered injuries, leaving fans hoping for updates and eventual comebacks. Among those sidelined was Will Ospreay, who last competed at the Forbidden Door pay-per-view in a high-stakes Light Out Steel Cage match. Known as the “Aerial Assassin,” Ospreay sustained a serious neck injury but continued wrestling before having surgery. It was widely reported that his return to in-ring competition would not take place for an extended period, fueling much speculation about his recovery timeline.
During an appearance on the Unlikely podcast, AEW President Tony Khan discussed Ospreay’s situation and acknowledged the unique challenges of his injury. Khan expressed optimism that Ospreay was on the mend and highlighted his gratitude for the wrestler’s contributions to the company.
“He’s been out since Forbidden Door, which was a huge success for us in London. And Will Ospreay is recovering from serious neck injuries. And I’m very grateful that Will Ospreay is in AEW. And I’m also very grateful that he’s recovering and he will be back in 2026. I can’t say exactly when, but I can tell you that in 2026, he will be back. And we’re so excited to have Ospreay here,” Khan said. [H/T – Ringside News]
Ospreay’s Interest in Working Beyond AEW
While Ospreay’s main focus remains with AEW, he recently made waves by returning to New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), appearing at Wrestle Kingdom to honor Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement and participating with fellow stars to celebrate the Japanese icon. Ospreay also made an on-screen appearance during the NJPW New Year‘s Dash event, where he interacted with former United Empire factionmates.
The wrestling star voiced his desire to keep ties with NJPW, expressing interest in competing at select events even as he continues making a mark in AEW. His comments offer fans a glimpse of potential crossover moments between promotions in the future.
“First, there are some things I need to take care of in AEW. That’s my main battlefield, the place where I keep fighting every week. But I want to come back. Even if it’s just for two events a year, or three, or five. I definitely want to make it happen. And going forward, I want to support Callum [Newman],” Ospreay said.
What This Means for Fans and AEW’s Road Ahead
Will Ospreay’s eventual AEW return is expected to be highly anticipated by fans, especially after his successful history with both AEW and NJPW. His commitment to advance his career in multiple wrestling promotions, and his plans to mentor rising talents like Callum Newman, signals an active and collaborative future in the wrestling world. While Ospreay’s comeback to AEW may not materialize until 2026, supporters remain eager for updates, knowing his in-ring prowess and crossover aspirations could redefine major wrestling events in the coming years.
