Will Ospreay WWE future is once again a hot topic, as WWE Hall of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL) has voiced his conviction that Ospreay will eventually become a WWE superstar. The prediction comes at a time when Ospreay is still under contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and recovering from major neck surgery, but his career trajectory has stirred ongoing speculation about his next move in professional wrestling.
Will Ospreay officially joined AEW in November 2023, transitioning from New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) after fulfilling his obligations there. Quickly establishing himself in AEW, Ospreay has garnered attention as a two-time International Champion, earning critical acclaim for his skill and performance in high-profile matches. His time in AEW has seen him headline key events and compete against many of the company’s biggest stars, marking him as a central figure in the current wrestling landscape.
Despite these achievements, Ospreay’s career faced a setback in September when he underwent significant neck surgery. AEW’s owner, Tony Khan, has publicly stated his hope that Ospreay could make a return to the ring in the first half of 2026, but for now, Ospreay remains sidelined as he recovers and prepares for a potential comeback.
JBL’s Insights on Ospreay’s WWE Prospects
John Bradshaw Layfield, himself a former WWE superstar and Hall of Famer, shared his perspective in a candid discussion with Videogamer.com. He suggested that the global reach, scale, and professional opportunities offered by WWE could ultimately prove irresistible for a talent of Ospreay’s caliber. JBL specifically highlighted the unique advantages of WWE, including massive stadium events, visibility across multiple platforms, and lucrative financial incentives — distinctions that set WWE apart from competing promotions like AEW.
“Probably yeah. The temptation is just too great for these guys to go do big stadium shows and the money I guess probably a little bit better. But the temptation is just too big to have that platform. I mean, WWE is on every freaking platform in the world right now. In a huge way.You know, AEW’s got a good presence, but I mean, there’s, there’s no comparison. I mean, they’re way up here and, you know, AEW’s not close yet. Maybe they will be one day, but that temptation to be on all those platforms is pretty cool. I saw Seth Rollins at one of the weekend football games. A huge game. You don’t get that unless you’re with WWE and you have a deal with ESPN.And the opportunities from WWE are so much more vast than anywhere else in the world that yeah, I think he probably ends up going there.”
– John Bradshaw Layfield, WWE Hall of Famer
JBL’s comments reflect a broader industry sentiment that WWE’s scale — from hosting headline-grabbing events to partnerships with major outlets like ESPN — makes it the premiere destination for global wrestling icons. He acknowledged AEW’s growing influence, but emphasized that its reach and resources currently fall short compared to WWE’s established empire.
Ospreay, for now, continues to recover under AEW’s banner, and with his rehabilitation timeline extending through at least part of 2026, immediate career moves remain uncertain. However, JBL’s remarks have reignited debate over whether Ospreay, as one of the world’s most prominent wrestlers, might eventually choose WWE’s larger stage.
Ospreay’s Own Take on WWE and His Wrestling Journey
The conversation around Will Ospreay WWE future is complicated by Ospreay’s outspoken views on WWE as a product and wrestling style. In May 2025, Ospreay spoke publicly about his lack of affinity for WWE, sharing thoughts that reflected both respect and critique for the promotion. He cited fundamental differences in presentation, storytelling, and personal taste, indicating that his journey through wrestling led him away from being a WWE fan as he matured in the sport.
“I think deep down, we know WWE is a machine and an animal. They’re in giant stadiums and doing so good. A lot of people look at us and think we’re doing it wrong because WWE is doing this. No, there are different ways of doing it. I got into WWE when I was a kid, but when I became a teenager, I thought it was lame.There were certain guys I enjoyed like Eddie Guerrero, Edge, Randy Orton is sick. After a while, I was like, ‘This is so pantomiming.’ People would go, especially coming up in wrestling, ‘less is more.’ Is it? I’m bored. It’s the same stuff recycled over and over again. Every now and again, you’d get something cool like the CM Punk pipebomb promo.WWE are on fire now, but not even as a viewer, as a wrestler, I just don’t enjoy it. I haven’t watched WrestleMania. From what I’ve heard, it wasn’t the best Mania. Maybe IYO, Rhea, and Bianca was the only sick match. The three of them are sick. They are three of the best wrestlers, period.For me, I was just never a WWE guy. I respect it, and I respect the guys doing it. That schedule is crazy, and they are commendable for doing it.”
– Will Ospreay, AEW Wrestler
Ospreay acknowledged WWE’s commercial strength and global influence, referencing the massive audiences it draws and the mainstream recognition it offers. Nevertheless, he remains critical of what he perceives as repetitive storytelling and performance styles within WWE, emphasizing his respect for individual wrestlers but reiterating that he has not enjoyed the product either as a viewer or an in-ring performer. He praised wrestlers like Eddie Guerrero, Edge, Randy Orton, IYO, Rhea, and Bianca Belair, recognizing their abilities but maintaining his personal distance from WWE’s overall creative direction.
What Could Influence Ospreay’s Next Steps
At 32 years old, Will Ospreay is considered to have many competitive years left, provided his health remains intact following recent surgery. His ongoing success in AEW, coupled with his international legacy from NJPW, positions him as one of professional wrestling’s most influential modern talents. The wrestling world continues to debate whether loyalty to AEW and its approach might keep him from ever accepting a WWE contract — indeed, several high-profile wrestlers have chosen similar paths, sticking with companies and styles that align more closely with their values and preferences.
On the other hand, the allure of WWE’s international exposure, commercial opportunities, participation in historic events like WrestleMania, and large-scale stadium shows might still sway Ospreay’s decision in the coming years. With his deep respect for fellow wrestlers and the professional demands of WWE, the option to cross over remains alive, especially given the unpredictable nature of wrestling careers and industry dynamics.
Wider Implications for Wrestling’s Competitive Landscape
The speculation about Will Ospreay WWE future reflects ongoing shifts in the professional wrestling industry, where star performers routinely weigh brand loyalty against the draw of broader platforms and new challenges. Recent storylines in both AEW and WWE, as well as crossover appearances by established names like Seth Rollins, further fuel comparisons and debates about which organization offers the most fulfilling paths for talent.
Entities like Tony Khan, as CEO of AEW, play a pivotal role in shaping the mid- and long-term destinies of wrestlers recovering from injury and making career decisions, while WWE’s enduring dominance in stadium entertainment and televised events continues to offer a powerful incentive to athletes at all stages in their careers.
The Road Ahead for Will Ospreay and Wrestling Fans
As Will Ospreay continues his recovery and looks to his eventual in-ring return, questions about whether he will pursue his wrestling dreams within WWE or remain loyal to AEW will persist. Both promotions stand to gain from signing or retaining a figure of Ospreay’s stature, and his next move will likely impact not just his own legacy but the broader wrestling landscape — especially as fans, insiders, and legends like JBL weigh in on what the future might hold.
Until Ospreay makes his decision, his journey remains closely watched by fans, analysts, and fellow wrestlers alike, with many seeing his next steps as a reflection of the evolving priorities, opportunities, and tensions that define the world of top-tier professional wrestling.
