Will Ospreay will return to AEW in 2026, according to company CEO Tony Khan, though an exact timeline remains uncertain as the British star continues recovering from serious neck injuries.
Speaking on the 100th episode of Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez, Khan provided the most definitive update yet on Ospreay's status since his injury at Forbidden Door London.
Will Osprey is recovering from serious neck injuries. And I'm very grateful that Will Osprey is in AEW. And I'm also very grateful that he's recovering and he will be back in 2026. I can't say exactly when, but I can tell you that in 2026, he will be back," Khan stated.
The confirmation comes despite Ospreay missing the second half of 2025 due to neck surgery. Even so, Sports Illustrated honored him as Best In-Ring Wrestler of the Year, a testament to the impact he made before his injury. His matches against Hangman Adam Page at Double or Nothing and Kyle Fletcher at Revolution were singled out as highlights.
Khan spoke glowingly about Ospreay's value to the company.
He's doing better, and I'm very grateful," Khan said, emphasizing the priority placed on proper recovery over a rushed return.
Ospreay recently made a non-wrestling appearance at NJPW New Year Dash, where he announced plans to return to New Japan once cleared. The appearance saw former protégé Callum Newman attempt an attack, teasing future storylines upon Ospreay's eventual return.
The Revolution cage match against Kyle Fletcher, which featured a memorable Spanish fly spot, remains one of the most talked-about matches of 2025. AEW fans eagerly await what promises to be one of the biggest returns of the year when Ospreay is finally cleared to compete.