Will Ospreay made his highly anticipated return to New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) during the New Year Dash event, immediately igniting speculation by confronting United Empire leader Callum Newman. The Will Ospreay United Empire return comes after a lengthy absence, creating an intense atmosphere around the stable’s leadership dynamics.
Ospreay’s Absence and Surprise Appearances
Ospreay was absent from competition since August, following a brutal Lights Out Steel Cage match at Forbidden Door. After triumphing with Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Darby Allin, and Hiroshi Tanahashi over Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, the Young Bucks, and Gabe Kidd, Ospreay was attacked by the Death Riders, leading to his temporary removal from All Elite Wrestling (AEW) television to undergo surgery for herniated discs.
While recovering, Ospreay was honored as a guest at Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement match during WrestleKingdom 20, creating his first in-ring appearance in over four months. Ospreay, together with Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Jay White, and Keiji Muto, paid tribute to Tanahashi, signifying his ongoing ties to NJPW.
Just one night later, he made another surprise appearance, reuniting with the United Empire stable, signaling potential changes in the faction he once led.
Confrontation Between Ospreay and Newman at NJPW New Year Dash
Ospreay returned at NJPW’s New Year Dash, targeting Callum Newman, who currently heads the United Empire. During the segment, Ospreay indicated disappointment at the stable’s recent trajectory and signaled his intention to support Newman upon his return from ongoing AEW obligations. Their conversation revealed a deep personal connection, with Ospreay noting he had known Newman since he was fifteen years old.
The moment grew tense when, after an embrace, Newman attempted to strike Ospreay with a steel chair but was intercepted by Henare. This brief confrontation highlighted underlying friction between the former and current leaders.
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#njdashpic.twitter.com/t3mc536PmW— 新日本プロレスリング株式会社 (@njpw1972) January 5, 2026
Uncertainty Ahead for United Empire
The Will Ospreay United Empire return sets the stage for possible discord and shifting alliances within the stable. AEW’s influence on Ospreay’s schedule and his ties to both companies add complexity to the story, especially after his previous injury and forced absence.
With Ospreay’s vow to support Newman after handling his current commitments, wrestling fans are left to anticipate whether reconciliation or rivalry will define the next evolution of United Empire. The actions of Jon Moxley, Gabe Kidd, and other wrestling standouts continue to impact these storylines, ensuring further developments in the coming weeks that could reshape the landscape in both AEW and NJPW.
⚡️NEW YEAR DASH!!⚡️
入場ゲートからなんとオスプレイ登場‼️
視聴＆登録⏩「NJPW WORLD」で検索📱#NJPW #njpwworld #njdash pic.twitter.com/3TY09YmPdM
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 5, 2026
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
