The “Aerial Assassin” Will Ospreay is one step closer to making his highly anticipated return to the ring.
Ospreay, who underwent successful surgery in September 2025 to repair two herniated discs in his neck, was spotted backstage at the January 21, 2026, AEW Dynamite and Collision tapings in Orlando, Florida.
While he was not used on-camera, a Fightful Select report indicates he is set to begin the formal medical evaluation process with AEW’s doctors to determine a timeline for his comeback. Ospreay’s recovery has reportedly progressed faster than the one-year timeline many initially feared. During a surprise appearance at NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 5, Ospreay shared an optimistic health update.
“I can’t come back right now. I still need to recover. It’s going to take me a long time, but I’m getting closer and closer. I’m getting better and better. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
AEW officials are reportedly hopeful that the top star could be factored into creative plans as early as this spring. The landscape Ospreay returns to is dominated by MJF, who began the year by vowing that 2026 would be the “Year of the Devil”.
On the January 21 episode of Dynamite, MJF brushed off a challenge from Brody King, labeling him “all bark and no bite” after King demanded a title match. Brody King said after what MJF did to Bandido last week, he’s only thinking of all the ways he wants to hurt MJF. He wants a match with MJF so he can choke the life out of him and take his World Title.
While MJF watched from his skybox, other top contenders solidified their positions. Kenny Omega successfully took a major step toward reclaiming the World Title by defeating Josh Alexander of the Don Callis Family.
In the main event, Swerve Strickland survived a grueling battle against new AEW World Trios Champion Kevin Knight, a victory that keeps Strickland in the championship conversation alongside his former rivals-turned-allies.
