Will Ospreay provided a significant update on his rehabilitation at the NJPW New Year Dash 2026 in Japan, keeping fans informed about the progress of his injury recovery. The AEW talent, absent from the ring since August 2025 due to a serious neck injury that required surgery, made this appearance to address his journey back to professional wrestling.
Progress Following Serious Neck Injury
After months of rehabilitation, Ospreay’s recovery is moving forward, though he made it clear a return is not just yet on the horizon. The wrestler, often referred to as “The Aerial Assassin,” has been diligent in his efforts to heal and cautiously optimistic when speaking to the crowd about his ongoing progress. He shared,
“I can’t come back right now,”
Ospreay told the crowd at NJPW New Year’s Dash.
“I still need to recover. It’s going to take me a long time, but I’m getting closer and closer. I’m getting better and better, and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
— Will Ospreay, Pro Wrestler
Ospreay’s comments underscored a steady recovery path, noting his determination and the patience being displayed by both himself and his team. Though anticipation for his return is high, he emphasized that he will not rush the process for the sake of a proper comeback.
Future in Both AEW and NJPW After Recovery
Looking ahead, Ospreay was candid about his dual commitment to both All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) after he is cleared for action. He told fans,
“When I’m good to go, I’m going to handle some business in AEW,”
he continued.
“I’m going to come back to New Japan Pro Wrestling.”
— Will Ospreay, Pro Wrestler
This dedication to both promotions comes as Ospreay has cemented himself as a pivotal figure in each. Speaking backstage, he explained that AEW will remain at the forefront of his wrestling efforts, a place where he regularly performs, but he also voiced his eagerness to continue his legacy in NJPW whenever possible:
“That’s my main stage, where I fight every week,”
Ospreay said of AEW.
“But I want to come back,”
he said regarding NJPW.
“Whether it’s two shows a year, three, or five. I’m determined to make it happen.”
— Will Ospreay, Pro Wrestler
Ongoing Support and What Lies Ahead
Ospreay’s update brought hope not just to his fans in Japan, but to the international wrestling community eager for his return. His message affirmed sustained ambition and a measured approach to recovery, prioritizing long-term performance over a quick comeback. The AEW and NJPW communities are now looking forward to the day when Ospreay can safely step into the ring once more, strengthened by his resolve and the support of both organizations.
Updates on the Will Ospreay injury recovery update are expected as more information becomes available, with both AEW and NJPW poised to play major roles in his future career once he is medically cleared to resume competition.
オスプレイ「（復帰した後に）まずAEWで片付けないといけない仕事がいくつかある。それが俺の主戦場で毎週闘い続ける場所だからだ。でも俺は戻りたい。年に2大会でも、3大会でも、5大会でもいい。必ず実現させたい。そして今後カラムをサポートしたい」
全文はhttps://t.co/uFo9GpwqKJ#njdash pic.twitter.com/t3mc536PmW
— 新日本プロレスリング株式会社 (@njpw1972) January 5, 2026
