Report: Will Ospreay’s AEW Return Timeline Revealed Following Neck Surgery
AEW’s Aerial Assassin is healing up and looking ahead to 2026.
Will Ospreay’s recovery from major neck surgery is progressing better than expected, according to a new update from the Body Alignment Clinic in the UK — the facility overseeing his post-surgery rehabilitation.
On Saturday, the clinic shared that Ospreay is “doing great” six weeks after undergoing neck surgery in mid-September. The post also included a simple but telling tag: “Jan 2026” — suggesting that the international star could make his AEW return as early as January 2026.
“AEW All-Star Will Ospreay six weeks post-op and doing great! Still some way to go, but we’re on the right road,” the clinic wrote. “Jan 2026. Don’t Try This At Home!”
⚕️ Ospreay’s Long Road Back
Ospreay reportedly had been working through two herniated discs in his neck for months before finally being written off AEW television. The injury storyline came after his AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door match on August 24, when The Death Riders launched a brutal post-match assault that served as an on-screen explanation for his absence.
The surgery marked the first major operation of Ospreay’s career, and understandably, it’s been as much a mental challenge as a physical one.
Speaking with CBS Sports prior to the operation, Ospreay was candid about his fears:
“I’m anxious. I’m scared. Generally, I’m terrified,” Ospreay admitted. “Not about the match, but just about afterwards. I don’t know what it looks like afterwards, because for the first time in my life, I’ve been disqualified from doing the thing that I love doing.”
Despite those fears, Ospreay’s post-surgery outlook has been overwhelmingly positive. Just days after the operation, he reassured fans via Instagram:
“The road will be long, but it’ll be worth it to see you all again. Surgery was a success.”
⏳ What’s Next for The Aerial Assassin
If Ospreay’s projected recovery timeline holds, fans could see him back in an AEW ring within the first quarter of 2026 — likely just in time for AEW Revolution or an international tour stop.
Given how heavily AEW has invested in Ospreay since his signing, his comeback is expected to be a major moment. Whether that means picking up his feud with the Death Riders, revisiting his rivalry with Bryan Danielson, or chasing championship gold once again, Ospreay’s next chapter could be one of the most anticipated comebacks in company history.
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Will Ospreay’s absence has left a noticeable void in AEW’s main-event scene — his mix of technical precision and explosive storytelling is unmatched. The encouraging update from his medical team should be a huge relief for fans and management alike.
If “Jan 2026” does prove to be his return window, that timeline gives AEW creative plenty of room to build toward a massive comeback angle, potentially framing Ospreay’s return as the emotional centerpiece of early 2026 programming.
After a year filled with injuries to top stars, AEW fans can finally breathe a little easier knowing that the Aerial Assassin is well on his way back to flight.
