Will Ospreay Not Returning to AEW in January After All

AEW fans hoping to see Will Ospreay make his in-ring return in January 2026 might need to pump the brakes. Despite a recent optimistic update from his rehab team, a new report has revealed the comeback isnâ€t happening anytime soon.

Dave Meltzer addressed the speculation in the Figure Four Daily Update, shutting down rumors that Ospreay would be ready to wrestle in early 2026. According to Meltzer, fans misinterpreted a recovery post made by Ospreayâ€s therapist.

“Regarding Will Ospreay, some people brought up to me from a social media post thinking he would be back in January. That is not the case. He is hopeful of being able to start light weight workouts in January. He is a long way away from returning.â€

The post in question came from Saminder Singh of the Body Alignment Clinic in Rainham, Essex, who shared a November 1, 2025 update saying Ospreay was progressing well at six weeks post-op and hinted at a possible January comeback.

“@aew Allstar @willospreay 6 weeks post op and doing great! Still some way to go but weâ€re on the right road. Jan 2026.â€

That sparked widespread belief that Ospreay was targeting a January return to the ring. But Meltzer made it clear—January only marks the potential start of gym work, not a full-scale in-ring return.

Ospreay has been out of action since August, after a brutal Lights Out Steel Cage Match at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door ended with a violent beatdown from The Death Riders. He was stretchered out of the arena after having a chair stomped around his neck.

In September, Ospreay confirmed he had undergone successful neck surgery and reassured fans that he was determined to recover:

“The road will be long, but itâ€ll be worth it to see you all again. Surgery was a success.â€

The former AEW International Champion has hinted he may scale back his high-flying offense once he returns, potentially marking a shift in his style as he adapts for longevity.

While January wonâ€t mark his official in-ring comeback, the update still gives fans a window into his recovery pace—and a reminder that heâ€s committed to healing the right way.

Will Ospreayâ€s return might not be as close as fans had hoped, but the fact that heâ€s focused on long-term health signals that when he does return, itâ€ll be on his terms—and better than ever.

Do you think Will Ospreay will reinvent his style when he returns to AEW? Or should he keep pushing the same high-impact pace heâ€s known for? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

November 2, 2025 10:12 pm

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