Brace yourselves wrestling fans! The absence of Will Ospreay in AEW has left a noticeable void, and you're probably wondering when this top-tier athlete will grace the ring again. Well, Tony Khan himself just dropped some major news that's sure to get you hyped! But here's where it gets controversial... some believe Ospreay's absence is a bigger blow than others perceive. What's your take?
In a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, AEW President Tony Khan addressed a multitude of topics, including an eagerly awaited update on Will Ospreay's return. Ospreay has been out of action, recovering from neck surgery to alleviate pain stemming from herniated discs – a serious condition that requires careful attention. This injury sidelined one of AEW's most electrifying performers.
"Boy, I love Will Ospreay," Khan emphatically stated. "So Will Ospreay's such an amazing part of AEW. Again, talk about somebody who has contributed to why I think this has been a great year for us. He was a huge part of last year, and this year, before his injury, he was just wrestling at, my opinion, at the very, very highest level."
Khan specifically highlighted Ospreay's incredible performance against "Hangman" Adam Page at AEW Double or Nothing back in May. That match was a pivotal moment, as Page's victory secured his spot at AEW All In: Texas, where he ultimately triumphed over Jon Moxley to become the AEW Men's World Champion. Think about it: Ospreay's participation directly paved the way for a championship victory! And this is the part most people miss... Ospreay's influence often extends beyond his own wins and losses.
Following that exhilarating Double or Nothing showing, Ospreay's appearances on AEW television became infrequent. His last match occurred in a brutal Lights Out Steel Cage match at the AEW/NJPW Forbidden Door event. A memorable exit, to say the least!
While reports from Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp indicated that Ospreay's participation in the 2026 Owen Hart Cup isn't currently under discussion, Tony Khan offered a more optimistic perspective. Khan emphasized that Ospreay's primary focus remains on his recovery.
"He's recovering from the injuries. I talk to him regularly. He's doing better. It's a neck. And I think he's been pretty open about it, so I don't want to talk out of turn about some of these injuries. But Will's been pretty open that he's on the recovery, he's on the mend. He really appreciates the support from all of the fans around the world," Khan explained.
But the best news? Khan delivered a hopeful message, suggesting that the 32-year-old Ospreay might return to the ring sooner than many anticipate. "And Will Ospreay's gonna be back in AEW, I think, hopefully, earlier next year. I can't say exactly when. But it will be next year. And I hope that it will be in the first half of next year. He's one of our great stars, so I think it is great news, because certainly when Will Ospreay is on the shows every week, it's great for us." So, mark your calendars for a potential Ospreay return in the first half of next year!
What do you think? Is Ospreay's return as crucial as Khan suggests, or is AEW doing fine without him for now? Sound off in the comments below! Let's get the discussion going!
