AEW star Will Ospreay is preparing to undergo neck surgery in the coming weeks to address two herniated discs pressing against his spinal cord, an injury that has been troubling him for nearly a year. This significant procedure is expected to sideline the British wrestler for an extended period, raising questions about if and how his wrestling style might evolve following his recovery.
Ospreay first publicly revealed the severity of his neck injury in July after the All In: Texas pay-per-view event, where an MRI scan exposed damage at the C2 and C6 vertebrae levels. Despite the seriousness, medical professionals assured him that while the injury would not worsen imminently, it required surgery to correct to avoid long-term complications. Before undergoing the procedure, Ospreay honored his commitment to perform at AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door on August 24 in London, his hometown, delivering a memorable victory in a grueling ten-man Lights Out Steel Cage match[1][2][3].
Following the match, a scripted on-screen assault by Jon Moxley and Claudio Castagnoli—who viciously attacked Ospreay with a steel chair to the neck—served as a compelling storyline exit that coincided with his legitimate injury recovery. This blurred the lines between fiction and reality, providing an in-universe explanation for his absence while highlighting the seriousness of his condition offscreen.
Ospreay has openly shared his fears and anxieties about the upcoming surgery and the uncertainty that accompanies such a major medical intervention. In interviews, he described feeling “terrified” and anxious not due to the wrestling itself but what the future holds in terms of his physical capabilities and career trajectory. Given his high-flying, physically demanding wrestling style—often characterized by aerial maneuvers and risk-taking—the challenge of adapting post-surgery is considerable[4].
When asked about potential changes to his in-ring approach after recovery, Ospreay hinted at a possible evolution to protect his long-term health without losing what makes him unique. Sources close to Ospreay suggest that while he is unlikely to abandon his signature aerial proficiency entirely, he is already consulting with medical experts and peers—such as veterans who have undergone similar surgeries, including Adam Copeland (Edge) and Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan)—to devise a sustainable style that balances performance with safety[1].
Fightful Wrestling and other noted wrestling news outlets report that the surgery is scheduled for a few weeks after Forbidden Door, with the AEW star expected to be out of action for potentially a year or longer, depending on his recovery progress[2][5]. There has been no official word from AEW regarding his return or potential storylines involving Ospreay post-surgery, but insiders confirm that the company fully supports his health-first approach.
WWE.com and related wrestling media have historically underscored the importance of wrestlers adapting their styles post-injury to prolong careers, citing examples of performers who reinvented their characters and in-ring techniques following surgeries. Ospreay’s situation fits into this narrative, as his recovery journey and return could set a bar for how high-caliber wrestlers manage serious injuries in modern professional wrestling.
Fans worldwide eagerly await updates on Ospreay’s condition and eventual comeback. For now, the utmost focus remains on his successful surgery and rehabilitation, ensuring that when “The Aerial Assassin” returns to AEW, it may be with a refined approach that safeguards his health while still thrilling audiences with his athleticism and charisma.
According to a WWE insider familiar with AEW locker room sentiment, “Everyone respects Will for his resilience and creativity. His ability to come back strong, perhaps with a smarter approach, will inspire the next generation. AEW is behind him 100 percent.”
As of September 2025, all eyes remain on Will Ospreay’s surgery date and recovery updates, with respected wrestling journalists and podcasts committed to providing continuous coverage on this pivotal chapter in his career. The wrestling world hopes for a full recovery that allows Ospreay to continue his meteoric rise while prioritizing his well-being above all else.