Rumour Killer On Will Ospreay Returning From Injury In January 2026

Will Ospreay has been away from All Elite Wrestling since AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door in late August, and fans shouldn't expect the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion to return anytime soon.

Ospreay took time off from AEW to undergo neck surgery, with the 32-year-old noting in the summer that he was suffering from two herniated discs in his neck.

Ospreay underwent successful neck surgery around six weeks ago, and an update on his recovery emerged over the weekend as Saminder Singh of the Body Alignment Clinic in Rainham, Essex noted on Instagram that Ospreay "still had some way to go" but was "on the right road." Singh also mentioned "Jan 2026" in the post, which appeared to suggest a return timetable for Ospreay.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer has since reported, however, that the post doesn't mean Ospreay will be back in the ring for January 2026. Instead, the former AEW International Champion is hopeful of being able to do light weight exercises in January, and he is still a long way off from returning to the squared circle.