Great news for AEW fans—Will Ospreay, also known as The Aerial Assassin, is getting closer to making his in-ring return. After undergoing neck surgery in September 2025 to repair two herniated discs, Ospreay is finally starting the medical clearance process with All Elite Wrestling. While there’s no confirmed return date yet, sources say a comeback this spring is very possible.
Ospreay Spotted Backstage at AEW
According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, Ospreay was backstage at the recent Dynamite and Collision tapings in Orlando, although he wasn’t used on either show. His presence wasn’t for a surprise appearance, but rather to begin the AEW medical evaluation that could clear him for in-ring action.
“He’s due to start getting checked out by AEW medical for a potential return. It’s very early in the process, but it’s good news for many that expected him to be out for a full year,” – Sean Ross Sapp
The early signs are encouraging. While neck injuries typically come with lengthy recovery periods, those close to Ospreay have said his situation has gone better than expected. There’s real optimism that he’ll be back in time to make an impact before summer 2026.
Ospreay’s 2025: A Year of Greatness Cut Short
Even with the injury, Ospreay managed to have one of the best years of his career in 2025. His matches against:
- Konosuke Takeshita
- Hangman Adam Page
- Swerve Strickland
- Kyle Fletcher
earned him recognition as The Takedown on SI’s Best In-Ring Performer of 2025. He delivered classics across AEW and NJPW before being sidelined in the final four months of the year.
His last official match came at AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door, where he joined forces with Darby Allin, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, and Hiroshi Tanahashi in a chaotic Lights Out Steel Cage Match. Though his team won, Ospreay was written off TV in a storyline injury angle, which was later revealed to reflect a real-life issue with his neck.
AEW’s Landscape Has Shifted
Since Ospreay’s absence, the AEW scene has changed dramatically:
- MJF is now AEW World Champion.
- Former foes like Hangman Page and Swerve Strickland are now chasing the top title.
- Kenny Omega, once a rival, is in the mix again.
- Ospreay’s close ally Kyle Fletcher continues to rise.
This creates a perfect storm for Ospreay’s return storyline. Whether he reenters as a babyface or heel, AEW has no shortage of exciting directions for him—from world title feuds to reviving past rivalries or even forming new alliances.
What’s Next for The Aerial Assassin?
If Ospreay is cleared in time, Double or Nothing 2026 could be a perfect comeback stage. A feud with MJF, a showdown with Swerve, or even a trilogy continuation with Hangman Page are all on the table. Given his popularity and work rate, Ospreay could instantly step into a top-tier program.
Plus, with AEW continuing its international expansion, Ospreay’s UK fanbase could play a major role in high-profile matches later this year.
