Will Ospreay is currently battling a severe neck injury, raising concerns about the timeline for his recovery despite his claim of a swift return. The AEW star disclosed on the July 23rd edition of Dynamite that two herniated discs are pressing on his spinal cord, worsened by an attack from the Death Riders at the All In Texas event.
Although Ospreay expressed optimism that doctors consider his injury treatable and expected him back by the August 24th Forbidden Door event, medical experts and insiders suggest a much longer recovery period may be necessary.
Experts Express Skepticism About Ospreay’s Rapid Comeback
Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio voiced surprise at Ospreay’s optimistic prognosis, emphasizing the seriousness of his condition. According to Meltzer, two herniated discs compressing the spinal cord require extended rehabilitation, much longer than the few weeks Ospreay has projected.
“The injury’s real, he has that. It’s shocking that he said he’d be back in a month with two herniated discs.[…] I know that he got bad news when he finally got checked, and it sure didn’t sound like something that should be a month off. It sounded like something that should be a year off. When you have guys like this, it’s very worrisome because it just gets worse and worse. We’ve seen some guys get real damage.[…] I know he doesn’t want surgery. It’s a 14 month surgery which is probably what Kevin Owens is gonna go through.”
—Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio
Meltzer highlighted the risks involved when a wrestler tries to return prematurely from such an injury, noting that prolonged damage is common if not treated properly. He also referenced the lengthy surgical procedure that fellow wrestler Kevin Owens might undergo, which could sideline Owens for more than a year.
Details Surrounding the Injury and Previous Assault
Ospreay’s neck condition reportedly worsened following an assault by the Death Riders during All In Texas, contributing to two herniated discs pressing against his spinal cord. Though Ospreay maintains that doctors believe the injury can be treated without surgery, the severity indicates the possibility of a long-term setback.
Discussions surrounding his injury underscore concerns about the cumulative toll such trauma takes on professional wrestlers, with some cases resulting in career-threatening damage when rushed back into action.
Wider Wrestling World Reacts to Injury Concerns
Beyond Ospreay’s situation, the wrestling community continues to watch closely as other notable figures face their own challenges. For instance, Kevin Owens’ pending surgery is expected to keep him out of competition for an extended period.
Meanwhile, former AEW and WWE stars are navigating shifts in their careers, with organizations like WWE eyeing talent for new roles, reflecting ongoing changes across the wrestling landscape. Ric Flair shared positive news about his health, revealing he is cancer-free, while other wrestlers like Andrade addressed personal struggles in the public eye.
Implications for Ospreay’s Future and the Wrestling Industry
The uncertainty surrounding Will Ospreay neck injury recovery casts a shadow on his near-term wrestling future, prompting anxiety among fans and medical experts alike. If Ospreay attempts to return prematurely, he risks exacerbating his condition and facing long-term consequences that have sidelined other wrestlers indefinitely.
His case highlights the delicate balance wrestlers must maintain between career ambitions and health, as well as the importance of heeding expert medical advice. While Ospreay remains hopeful about appearing at Forbidden Door, all signs point to a cautious approach being necessary, potentially delaying his comeback by many months or even over a year.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How many 5 star matches Will Ospreay?
A. Ospreay has the record for the most matches rated 5 stars or higher by wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, with a total of 53. He’s also among five wrestlers who have had two five-star matches in a single night, which he accomplished at AEW’s Worlds End in 2024.
