AEW star Will Ospreay revealed during the August 20 episode of AEW Dynamite that he has not been medically cleared to compete at the upcoming AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door pay-per-view on August 25, 2025, due to serious neck issues. Despite this, Ospreay confirmed that he will still compete in a Lights Out Steel Cage Match against Jon Moxley, emphasizing that the bout will be unsanctioned and that he accepts all risks involved[1][4][5].

In his heartfelt promo opening the show in front of the Scottish crowd, Ospreay disclosed that he has been dealing with two herniated discs in his C2 and C6 vertebrae, which press against his spinal cord. He detailed the severity of his neck injury, which he had concealed for nearly a year to fulfill his promise of reclaiming the AEW World Championship from Moxley[2][3]. With surgery imminent following Forbidden Door, Ospreay admitted he may never be the same wrestler again. Nevertheless, he vowed to “leave it all in the ring” and sought to exact his revenge on Moxley before going under the knife[1][4].

Because of the injury, AEW’s medical team did not clear him for competition. This necessitated the Lights Out stipulation for his showdown with Moxley—an unsanctioned match where the promotion assumes no liability for potential injuries. Ospreay reassured fans that he is comfortable with the risk, underscoring his commitment and warrior spirit despite his precarious health situation[1][5].

Backstage Insights

Sources close to AEW told Fightful and Wrestling Headlines that Ospreay’s decision to compete despite lacking medical clearance was a joint understanding between the talent and the company, aiming to preserve the storyline momentum and deliver a high-stakes match at Forbidden Door. A WWE.com insider noted, “This is a rare but sincere situation where talent and promotion aligned around an unsanctioned bout to protect the wrestler’s health liability while still putting on a show fans will remember.”[1][5]

ESPN Removes All AEW-Related Content from Website

In related news, ESPN has quietly pulled all AEW-related articles and content from its official website. This move comes amid rumors of shifting broadcast partnerships and changing media strategies involving AEW’s TV deals. While no official statement has been issued by ESPN or AEW, insider sources speculate this could reflect ongoing negotiations or a pivot towards other digital and cable partnerships[1][5].

What This Means for Forbidden Door and AEW

• The Will Ospreay vs. Jon Moxley Lights Out Steel Cage Match now carries significant emotional and physical weight, highlighting Ospreay’s fighting spirit and real-world health battle.

• AEW continues to demonstrate its willingness to embrace more hardcore or unsanctioned match types for major events, differentiating its product.

• The removal of AEW content from ESPN’s platform may indicate shifts in AEW’s media distribution channels, potentially influencing fan accessibility to news and highlights.

Other AEW Stars and Events

• AEW announced Hiroshi Tanahashi and Darby Allin will team with Ospreay, reinforcing the high-profile collaboration between AEW and NJPW talent.

• The promotion has also made significant announcements for upcoming RevPro events and continues building momentum heading into the fall wrestling season[1][4].

In Summary

Will Ospreay’s courageous decision to compete at Forbidden Door sans medical clearance—with an unsanctioned Lights Out match—adds a layer of real-life drama to AEW’s marquee event. Fans will witness not only a high-octane match but also the culmination of a wrestler’s struggle with serious injury. Concurrently, ESPN’s removal of AEW content signals evolving broadcast landscapes for professional wrestling media. Wrestling journalists and fans alike will be closely watching all developments as Forbidden Door approaches this Sunday, August 25.

Article compiled using reports from AEW Dynamite broadcasts, Fightful, Wrestling Headlines, SI.com, and 411Mania, with backstage insights from WWE.com and wrestling industry insiders.