Fans of professional wrestling continue to await news on the Will Ospreay AEW return update, as AEW President Tony Khan recently addressed when the British star might make his much-anticipated comeback to the ring. Following Ospreay’s neck surgery in September 2025, updates from Khan now indicate that his return will not take place until at least 2026, leaving the wrestling community both concerned and eager for his recovery.
Tony Khan Sheds Light on Ospreay’s Recovery Timeline
During an appearance on the Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez podcast, Tony Khan shared that he had spoken directly with Will Ospreay prior to the interview, offering a glimpse into the wrestler’s healing process. Although he assured fans that Ospreay is on the mend, no exact date for his return has been set, prolonging uncertainty for those hoping to see him in action soon.
“Well, I was just talking to him on my way over here to do this interview, actually. He’s doing better, and I’m very grateful.”
This recent dialogue underscores the positive steps Ospreay is making in his recovery from serious spinal injuries that sidelined him in 2025. Fans have followed every development since the injury occurred after his notable performance at AEW’s Forbidden Door event in London that year.
Recognition Despite His Injury
Even amidst his forced hiatus, Will Ospreay’s excellence did not go unnoticed. Tony Khan highlighted that despite missing the remainder of the wrestling season due to his health, Ospreay had already achieved significant acclaim. At the prestigious Sports Illustrated Awards, journalists named him the best in-ring wrestler of the year, acknowledging the body of work he managed in the months before his surgery.
“I’ll be going to the SI Awards tonight where the journalists picked Will Ospreay as the best in-ring wrestler of the year. And he didn’t get to finish the year healthy. He was injured.”
According to Khan, Ospreay’s journey had been interrupted by a series of neck injuries, which were described in detail prior to his last appearance at Forbidden Door. The British wrestler had undergone surgery to correct herniated discs pressing dangerously against his spinal cord, a condition that had raised widespread concern within the wrestling community.
“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,” Khan noted.
This absence has been deeply felt by both fans and colleagues, given Ospreay’s rising momentum and the emotion surrounding his medical struggles.
AEW President Confirms 2026 Comeback Window
The desire to see Will Ospreay back in an AEW ring remains high, but Tony Khan has emphasized the importance of patience during his recovery. While declining to give a specific date, Khan stated with confidence that Ospreay is expected to return sometime in 2026. This revelation brings both hope and disappointment—the wait continues, but there is at least a target year to anticipate the high-flying performer’s re-entry to competition.
“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.”
Ospreay’s fans remain supportive but anxious as they look ahead to a full year or more without seeing him compete. His early 2025 performances had been remarkable, making the abrupt halt to his career all the more challenging for those who admire his athleticism and storytelling in the ring.
Memorable Matches and AEW’s 2025 Success
Before his injury, Will Ospreay delivered numerous standout matches that helped define AEW’s 2025 calendar. One of the most memorable was his clash with ‘Hangman’ Adam Page in the Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Cup Tournament finals at the Double or Nothing event. This match was credited by Tony Khan as one of the principal reasons Sports Illustrated named Double or Nothing the wrestling show of the year.
“One of the great matches of the year, and I think one of the great reasons why Sports Illustrated picked Double or Nothing as the best show of the year – what a match. Will Ospreay versus Hangman Page,” Khan said. (H/T: Ringside News)
This contest between Ospreay and Page was noted not only for its high-quality in-ring action, but also for the sportsmanship demonstrated by both athletes. In a show of mutual respect, each pledged to support the other regardless of the match’s outcome—a gesture that resonated with both fans and fellow wrestlers and further cemented the significance of the bout within AEW’s history.
Anticipation Builds for Ospreay’s AEW Comeback
Looking ahead, the wrestling world remains invested in tracking each stage of Will Ospreay’s recovery and eventual return to AEW. The combination of his earlier accomplishments, the honors bestowed upon him during his absence, and the continuous updates from Tony Khan keep expectations high for 2026. The AEW community continues to rally behind Ospreay, certain that his eventual comeback will be a significant milestone for both the performer and the promotion.
As fans in London and around the globe await the next Will Ospreay AEW return update, the promise of his future contributions to in-ring competition stands as a source of both anticipation and optimism. Until 2026 arrives, Ospreay’s legacy, highlighted by his 2025 achievements and recognized by figures like Tony Khan and outlets such as Sports Illustrated, remains secure as supporters look forward to the next chapter in his wrestling career.
