Tag: Will Ospreay

Jon Moxley vs. Will Ospreay set for AEW Dynasty

Posted on by Josh Nason

Will Ospreay will get his chance at revenge against Jon Moxley at next month’s AEW Dynasty pay-per-view.

Ospreay challenged Moxley to a match during Wednesday’s Dynamite which was accepted by Moxley later on the show, making it official. As of now, Moxley’s Continental title will not be on the line.

In his challenge, Ospreay brought up Moxley taking him out after last August’s Forbidden Door that saw an all-star team take on the Death Riders in the unsanctioned cage match that closed the show. Ospreay was about to leave the ring and was eventually attacked and stretchered out by Moxley and his crew, taking Ospreay out of action in storyline as he was set to undergo neck surgery.

The two have only squared off once in a straight up singles match, that coming at April 2022’s NJPW Windy City Riot where Moxley picked up the victory. They shared the ring in two NJPW multi-man matches afterward but their AEW encounters have always been in tag team bouts.

Ospreay returned to action on last week’s Dynamite, defeating Blake Christian in his first action since that August night in London.

Current AEW Dynasty lineup | Vancouver, Canada | Sunday, April 12

  • AEW World Champion MJF defend against Kenny Omega
  • Jon Moxley vs. Will Ospreay
  • AEW World Tag Team Champions FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) defend against Christian Cage & Adam Copeland

Will Ospreay return match booked for AEW Dynamite

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Will Ospreay is returning to the ring this Wednesday.

Tony Khan announced on social media that Ospreay will be taking on Blake Christian. This will be Ospreay’s first match since Forbidden Door last summer when in storyline he was injured by Jon Moxley and the Death Riders, who isolated and assaulted him while inside a steel cage. In reality, he took time off to undergo neck surgery.

“After captivating the wrestling world returning at #AEWRevolution Sunday night and targeting @JonMoxley, Will Ospreay will return to the ring vs Blake Christian TOMORROW!,” Khan wrote.

“Back at it again this Wednesday!!!,” Ospreay wrote in response to the match on social media.

Ospreay made his return at Revolution after Jon Moxley had successfully retained the Continental title over Konosuke Takeshita. Ospreay and Moxley immediately brawled but the rest of the Death Riders got involved. Despite this, Ospreay laid out everyone and stood tall, sending the faction reeling.

Current AEW Dynamite card | March 18 | Fresno, California

  • Coffin match: Darby Allin vs. Gabe Kidd
  • Will Ospreay vs. Blake Christian
  • Toni Storm vs. Marina Shafir in a no holds barred match

Will Ospreay reveals when he was cleared for AEW return

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Before returning at AEW Revolution, Will Ospreay had already been medically cleared for a couple of weeks.

Ospreay made his surprise return at Sunday night’s pay-per-view in Los Angeles, targeting Jon Moxley after Ospreay had been written off AEW programming last year in a Death Riders attack. Ospreay last wrestled in August 2025 before undergoing surgery for a neck injury. He is now ready to compete again.

In a tweet today, Ospreay shared that doctors gave him the okay to return on February 25. That’s a few weeks after AEW started building the hype for Ospreay’s return with a video on the February 4 edition of Dynamite.

The Revolution card included a Continental Championship match where Moxley choked out Konosuke Takeshita to retain. Following the match, Moxley extended a handshake to Takeshita in a show of respect. Takeshita was initially hesitant but did end up shaking Moxley’s hand.

As Moxley was then leaving, Ospreay emerged for his comeback. He fought off the Death Riders before Moxley escaped.

Ospreay’s return coincides with the ticket pre-sale for All In 2026 beginning today. He figures to play a big part in the show in his home country of the United Kingdom. The PPV is being held at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday, August 30.

During his time away from the ring, Ospreay stayed involved in wrestling through his role as a producer for the U.K. women’s indie promotion Pro Wrestling Eve.

Will Ospreay returns at AEW Revolution, attacks champion

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

After missing months of action, Will Ospreay has finally returned to AEW.

Requiring time off due to a neck injury and surgery, Will Ospreay was last seen wrestling at AEW X NJPW Forbidden Door, where he was attacked and taken out of action by The Death Riders.

However, after a span of over six months of recovery period, Ospreay finally returned on March 15 during AEW Revolution. Coming out to a roaring crowd, Ospreay rushed down to the ring and took out Jon Moxley, PAC, Wheeler Yuta, and Daniel Garcia.

The return happened after Moxley retained his Continental title against Konosuke Takeshita. Shortly after the match, a vignette aired featuring Ospreay’s return. The video concluded with Ospreay’s theme song hitting and him rushing down to the ring.

Despite the number’s advantage, Ospreay stood tall as he fended off The Death Rider members from the ring and posed on the turnbuckle to finish the segment.

Moxley defeated Takeshita with a rear-naked choke at Revolution. Instead of tapping out, the 30-year-old passed out. After the match, both men shook each other’s hands as a sign of mutual respect.

Will Ospreay reportedly making progress toward in-ring return, timeframe update

Posted on by Josh Nason

Will Ospreay’s potential return to the ring is progressing positively according to a new report out Wednesday.

Fightful Select reported that they were told Ospreay has been working out in the ring ahead of AEW events and “things look very promising for him to return to form as it relates to the level he was competing at before.”

The outlet added they heard of a possible spring return for the former AEW International Champion with a hope he’ll be part of this summer’s AEW All In from Wembley Stadium.

On January 21, it was reported that Ospreay was backstage prior to Dynamite to get a medical evaluation and in early-February after a vignette first aired hyping his eventual return, Tony Khan said his recovery was going “very, very well.”

The 32-year-old underwent neck surgery for two herniated discs last September after wrestling at August’s Forbidden Door, taken out in storyline at the end of the pay-per-view.

Will Ospreay hopes former Dakota Kai joins AEW

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The former Dakota Kai is back in the ring — and Will Ospreay would like to see her added to the AEW roster.

Now going by the name “Charlie,” Kai returned to pro wrestling on Sunday with a loss to Kris Statlander for Pro Wrestling Eve in London. Ospreay is heavily involved with Eve as a producer behind the scenes. And he sent out a tweet this morning saying he would like to see Charlie join AEW.

Charlie had been away from the ring for nearly a year before this return match. She was released from her WWE contract in May 2025 and took an extended break after that, working to rebuild her confidence and find her place in the wrestling world again. What’s next for her in wrestling remains to be seen. She streams regularly on Twitch and hosts a podcast with her former WWE co-worker Zelina Vega.

Sunday’s Eve event — titled Wrestle Queendom VIII — was held on International Women’s Day and featured women’s wrestlers from across the globe.

“Wrestle Queendom 8 was one of the greatest nights of my wrestling career,” Ospreay tweeted. “To have influence from so many promotions; British, Irish, European, Australian, Stardom, NJPW, Sendai Girls, Tokyo Joshi Pro & AEW. Thank you to all the front of house staff at the 02, EVE Staff & production team.”

Ospreay himself has been out of action since August 2025 due to a neck injury that required surgery. The hope is that he’ll be back for AEW All In 2026 at Wembley Stadium this summer.

MJF addresses possibility of facing Will Ospreay at AEW All In

Posted on by Vincent Verhei

On August 30, AEW returns to Wembley Stadium for All In. As the current AEW World Champion, Maxwell Jacob Friedman has the inside track for the main event of that show. But if he gets there, who might his opponent be?

MJF discussed the matter with the hosts of the Self Made Sitdown show. “I keep hearing people talk about Will Ospreay,” he said. “And if I’m being completely honest, would I like that rematch? I’ve won one, he’s won one. Do I deserve an opportunity to prove to the world that that one win he had was an absolutely disgusting, gross fluke? I think so. “

“But then! But then! Is Will Ospreay even going to be up to the task?” MJF continued. “This man’s got a neck made of silly putty now. Who’s to say that’s somebody I’m even gonna be dealing with by then?” 

Friedman went on to list other possible opponents. “Who’s to say it’s not going to be Jon Moxley by then?” he asked. “Who’s to say it might not be Darby [Allin]? Andrade [El Idolo] is on a tear right now.” 

MJF even raised the possibility of losing his championship to Hangman Page at Revolution on March 15. “Let’s say Hangman beats me,” he said. “He ain’t gonna. But who’s to say it’s not going to be MJF trying to get that strap back? We don’t know. That’s what makes the product so interesting right now. It could be anybody. 

“But what I do know is, there’s only one guy who deserves to be in the main event at Wembley Stadium, and that’s MJF.” 

Will Ospreay reveals role in booking Kris Statlander vs. the former Dakota Kai

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

The former Dakota Kai will make her in-ring return later next month against AEW’s Kris Statlander, and Will Ospreay had a role to play in it.

On Sunday, March 8th, 2026, Kai, now known as Charlie, will make her in-ring return at Pro Wrestling Eve’s Wrestle Queendom 8 against the AEW Women’s Champion, Kris Statlander. Recently speaking to Grapple Theory, Ospreay revealed how he helped book the match and bring Kai into the mix.

“I wanted to try and find a wrestler that wasn’t attached to any other major company. I just had this moment, ‘Dakota Kai doesn’t work there now. I wonder if she’s free.’ I didn’t see anything because she doesn’t really post that much,” Ospreay said.

“I think she has a Twitch stream. I just dropped her a message and said, ‘What are the chances of making this happen?’ She got back to me right away. Super eager to do it. The back and forth between us was so good. She really wants to come to EVE and celebrate this huge show and really wanting to wrestle Kris Statlander.”

Since her release from WWE in May, 2025, Kai has been on a break from wrestling but regularly streams on Twitch as well as hosts a podcast with WWE’s Zelina Vega.

Pro Wrestling Eve’s Wrestle Queendom 8 is set to take place at The O2 in London, England.

Tony Khan gives update on Will Ospreay AEW injury recovery

Posted on by Joseph Currier

According to Tony Khan, Will Ospreay is doing “very, very well” in his recovery from injury.

Ospreay was forced out of action last summer when he needed to undergo surgery for a neck injury he was dealing with. Speculation regarding when he’ll be able to return ramped up last week when a video package highlighting Ospreay’s recovery aired on AEW Dynamite. The video did not provide a date for when Ospreay will be returning.

Khan addressed Ospreay’s status during an interview with radio station 107.7 The Bone.

“I talk to Will Ospreay a lot, and he’s doing very, very well and on the road to recovery, which is incredible news for AEW,” Khan said. “Because Will Ospreay’s one of our greatest stars we’ve ever had. And AEW’s a better place anytime Will Ospreay is involved in any aspect of All Elite Wrestling.”

Our Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter last week that the goal is for Ospreay to be able to return by the time All In 2026 takes place at Wembley Stadium this August.

“They aired a Will Ospreay video showing him in the hospital when he had surgery and X-rays of his neck after surgery,” Meltzer wrote. “The goal, as stated, is for him to be back at Wembley Stadium. As we’ve noted, that feels fast but all along they’ve talked about a summer return.”

Last month, Ospreay was backstage at the January 21 edition of Dynamite in Orlando, Florida to undergo a medical evaluation. He also made a couple of appearances for NJPW in January and has been staying involved with the industry through his role as a producer for UK-based women’s indie promotion Pro Wrestling Eve.

Will Ospreay reportedly backstage at AEW Dynamite for medical evaluation

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: AEW

Former AEW International Champion Will Ospreay is reportedly set to be medically examined at tonight’s Dynamite in Orlando, Florida, as his path to a return begins.

The news comes courtesy of Fightful Select. He is not expected to be on camera.

There is no update on when the 32-year-old could return to action and what stage he is at in the process now. He underwent neck surgery for two herniated discs last September after wrestling at August’s Forbidden Door, taken out in storyline at the end of the pay-per-view.

Ospreay made two appearances in Japan during Wrestle Kingdom 20 for Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement ceremony and then in an angle with United Empire at New Year Dash.

When asked about Ospreay during an 2025 interview with Ariel Helwani, Khan said he hoped the return would be in “the first half” of 2026. Six weeks after the operation, part of Ospreay’s medical team said he was doing “great” and mentioned January 2026 when sharing an image on social media.


Will Ospreay gives injury update during surprise NJPW appearance

Posted on by Joseph Currier

AEW star Will Ospreay gave an update on his injury status while making a surprise appearance at NJPW New Year Dash 2026.

The 32-year-old Ospreay has been sidelined since August 2025 due to a neck injury. He’s undergone surgery and is working toward a return. Though it will be a while before that can happen, Ospreay is starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel and is looking forward to returning to both AEW and NJPW when he can.

“I can’t come back right now. I still need to recover. It’s going to take me a long time, but I’m getting closer and closer. I’m getting better and better — and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he said at New Year Dash. “When I’m good to go, I’m going to handle some business in AEW. I’m going to come back to New Japan Pro Wrestling.”

Ospreay was part of an angle with his former United Empire stablemates at the New Year Dash event. He offered to help support Callum Newman and help get United Empire on the right track. Newman didn’t seem to have much interest in Ospreay’s offer. He initially hugged Ospreay but then went to hit him with a chair before the rest of United Empire intervened.

Speaking backstage after the angle, Ospreay called AEW his home base but said he would like to occasionally wrestle for NJPW as well.

“That’s my main stage, where I fight every week,” Ospreay said about AEW. “But I want to come back. Whether it’s two shows a year, three, or five. I’m determined to make it happen.”

Along with this New Year Dash appearance, Ospreay was in Japan for Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement ceremony at Wrestle Kingdom 20.

Will Ospreay pays tribute to Hiroshi Tanahashi ahead of last match

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Japanese wrestling legend Hiroshi Tanahashi is now all set to close his career’s last chapter on January 4th, 2026. Tanahashi will take on AEW’s Kazuchika Okada in his retirement match at Wrestle Kingdom 20. Previously announced to attend his retirement ceremony, AEW star Will Ospreay has now penned down an emotional note for the NJPW veteran.

Writing an emotional note on social media, Ospreay expressed his heartfelt feelings for the legend and his gratitude.

“Tanahashi San, I wish I could put into words how much just being around you as a young man meant to me. You showed so many of us how important it is to be kind & respectful to every person you came into contact with.”

Reflecting on his career’s growth with Tanahashi, Ospreay continued,

“Getting to travel Japan with you was one of the most rewarding things I ever experienced as it showed me exactly who I want to be as a wrestler & human being. You set the bar for all of us. So honoured to get to witness your last ride in a sold out Tokyo dome. Thank you for everything and congratulations on an amazing career.”

Tanahashi and Ospreay share a vivid history, with the two last colliding against each other in singles action back at the NJPW STRONG Resurgence 2023.

AEW stars set to attend Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement ceremony at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

In less than a week, Japanese wrestling legend and NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi is set to wrestle his last-ever match. At 49-years-old, the veteran will face off against AEW’s Kazuchika Okada in his retirement bout. With still a few days left for the event, All Elite Wrestling EVP Kenny Omega and former champion Will Ospreay have now been announced to attend Tanahashi’s retirement ceremony at Wrestle Kingdom 20.

On January 4th at the Tokyo Dome, during Tanahashi’s final wrestling match against the seven-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Okada, NJPW will also be hosting a retirement ceremony. Earlier today, via a social media announcement, NJPW shared that Omega and Ospreay are now set to be a part of the ceremony.

Omega last appeared in NJPW when he competed at Wrestle Dynasty and defeated Gabe Kidd in his pro-wrestling return last year. On the other hand, Ospreay is currently recovering from a neck injury. His last match before going under the knife was at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, which also involved Darby Allin, Kota Ibushi, Omega, and Hiroshi Tanahashi.

Both Omega and Ospreay share a vivid history with Tanahashi, which they will now be able to reflect on during the retirement ceremony.

Report: Injured AEW star was backstage at Dynamite & Collision Holiday Bash

Posted on by Bryan Rose

An injured AEW star was backstage at their Holiday Bash television taping.

Fightful is reporting that Will Ospreay was backstage at the three-hour Dynamite and Collision event that took place on Wednesday in Manchester, England. Ospreay is currently recovering from neck surgery that he underwent earlier this fall.

In an interview from last month, Tony Khan said he hoped Ospreay would be able to make his return early next year.

“Will Ospreay’s gonna be back with AEW, I think, hopefully earlier next year,” he said at the time. “I can’t say exactly when but it’ll be next year, and I hope it’ll be in the first half of next year.”

In a more recent interview, fiance Alex Windsor said that Ospreay had been “smashing” his recovery thus far.

“Of course, it has been a struggle for him, but he’s doing so well,” she told Metro. “It’s no surprise, you know, but he’s absolutely smashing it. I personally [think] he’ll be back better than ever. I have no doubt about it in my mind.”

Ospreay was written out at Forbidden Door after the Death Riders attacked him while he was still locked in a steel cage, the show ending with him being stretchered out.

JNPO: September 2025 wrestling year in review | WWE Wrestlepalooza vs. AEW All Out

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: WWE

The best damn pro wrestling year in review series continues with a stop in September 2025 on today’s Josh Nason’s Punch-Out.

Returning guest Davie Portman of Poisonrana & upNXT on Post Wrestling returns for his annual holiday drop in.

Josh and Davie talk about the somewhat head-to-head battle between AEW All Out and WWE Wrestlepalooza and all of the run-up to WWE’s PLE debut on ESPN which saw the in-ring return of Brock Lesnar and AJ Lee.

They also talk about Will Ospreay’s neck surgery, the backlash to the WrestleMania/Saudi Arabia announcement, Dominik Mysterio winning another title, and all the big headlines from WWE, AEW, NXTNAAA, ROH, Japan, Mexico and the indies.

Click here to listen for free OR stream on Spotify or Apple Podcasts (search Wrestling Observer).