Will Ospreay is expected to be sidelined for a lengthy period due to a serious neck injury disclosed earlier this year. Despite the injury, he pushed through to compete at the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event held in London, England, but has since been taken off television to focus on recovery. His upcoming surgery and recovery period mark a significant pause in his wrestling career.
Details Emerge on Ospreay’s Impending Surgery and Recovery Duration
It was revealed in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter by Dave Meltzer that Will Ospreay’s surgery is imminent, with medical procedures scheduled within the next few weeks. Sources from Fightful Select confirm this timing, indicating his absence from wrestling will extend for several months following the surgery. Ospreay’s condition includes several herniated discs pressing against his spinal cord, causing nerve complications that necessitate this intervention.
This development aligns closely with other AEW injury news, notably Jay White’s extended recovery period. White, known as Switchblade, is confirmed to be out for the rest of 2025, initially sidelined by a hand injury but now also dealing with a shoulder problem that has delayed his return. White’s hand injury first caused him to miss the Owen Hart Cup, with Kevin Knight stepping in as his substitute during AEW Dynamite in April.
Positive Updates on Other AEW Wrestlers’ Recoveries
Amid Ospreay’s concerning news, AEW fans received encouraging updates about other performers. Swerve Strickland has successfully undergone surgery to repair a torn meniscus and has been documented returning to gym training. Additionally, Orange Cassidy is anticipated to make a return to in-ring action soon, signaling progress within the roster’s recovery efforts.
Injury Impacts and Broader AEW Context
Will Ospreay’s surgery timeline underscores the ongoing challenges AEW wrestlers face this year regarding health and injuries. His absence will leave a noticeable gap in upcoming events, given his role as a top performer and international star. Recovery from neck injuries, especially those involving the spinal cord, usually requires careful rehabilitation, which explains the prolonged downtime expected for Ospreay.
These developments highlight AEW’s current focus on managing athlete health, balancing event schedules with necessary time off for injured wrestlers. The organization is simultaneously preparing for other key returns while coping with long-term absences from prominent figures like Ospreay and White, shaping the promotion’s plans for the coming months.
