Will Ospreay has made a public Will Ospreay NJPW return promise, announcing plans to rejoin New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) once he receives medical clearance following his recent surgery. The popular wrestler aims to help reposition United Empire as a leading force in NJPW upon his comeback.
Ospreay’s Recovery and Anticipated Timetable
Ospreay has been sidelined since Forbidden Door 2025 after undergoing neck surgery, leaving fans and wrestling organizations closely monitoring his recovery. While All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is reportedly optimistic about his potential appearance at All In 2026 at Wembley Stadium in London, even that schedule is considered ambitious given the seriousness of his medical procedure. Ospreay remains committed to optimal recovery before stepping back into the ring.
Appearances and Key Moments During Hiatus
During his absence from competition, Ospreay made his presence felt at NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 20, where he joined other stars to honor Hiroshi Tanahashi after Tanahashi’s retirement match against Kazuchika Okada. In addition, the wrestler took part in celebrations at New Year’s Dash, where he reunited with the United Empire faction in Japan, rekindling ties with his former group during this turbulent period.
Ospreay’s Mission for United Empire’s Renewal
At New Year’s Dash, United Empire—comprised of Jake Lee, Callum Newman, HENARE, and Great-O-Khan—achieved victory over David Finlay, Drilla Moloney, Shingo Takagi, and Yota Tsuji. Following the win, Ospreay entered the ring to deliver a personal message to Callum Newman, addressing rumors and pledging support to the faction. Ospreay acknowledged that he had not anticipated difficulties within United Empire after his departure and vowed to return to NJPW to help Newman and the group once he finishes his AEW commitments. The group dynamic, however, faced tension when Newman declined to participate in the United Empire gesture, instead attempting to attack Ospreay with a steel chair—a move prevented by O-Khan and HENARE before Newman abruptly exited the ring.
Impact on Wrestling’s Future Competition
Ospreay’s commitment to returning has sparked discussion across wrestling circles, with implications for both AEW and NJPW’s future storylines. His intention to rejoin NJPW after fulfilling duties with AEW hints at cross-promotional opportunities, particularly as wrestling audiences anticipate landmark events at Wembley Stadium in London and additional high-profile matches in Japan. The Will Ospreay NJPW return promise signals a renewed focus on United Empire and the ongoing evolution of faction-based wrestling in Japan, with personalities such as Ospreay, Callum Newman, HENARE, and Great-O-Khan poised to shape upcoming narratives.
As the wrestling community awaits further updates on Will Ospreay’s recovery, all eyes remain on New Japan Pro Wrestling and the future prospects of United Empire under his leadership, especially given the emerging dynamics with AEW and the shifting landscape of international wrestling.
