Will Ospreay has revealed he is “anxious,” “scared,” and “honestly… terrified” about the back surgery that awaits him following this Sunday’s AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door. In a recent interview, Ospreay discussed the mental toll of facing his first-ever surgical procedure, admitting the uncertainty of his future is a greater concern than his upcoming match.
“I’m anxious. I’m scared. Honestly, I’m terrified,” Ospreay stated. “Not about the match, but about what happens afterwards. I don’t know what my life looks like after this, because for the first time ever I’ve been taken away from the thing I love most.”
The operation is required to correct two herniated discs that are pressing against his spinal cord. While Ospreay has been dealing with the injury for approximately ten months, its full severity was only discovered after an MRI following All In: Texas in July 2025. The results confirmed the condition was worse than initially believed, with a potential recovery period of at least a year.
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Despite the diagnosis, Ospreay is confirmed to compete at Forbidden Door, teaming with Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Darby Allin, and Hiroshi Tanahashi against Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Gabe Kidd, and The Young Bucks in a Lights Out Steel Cage match. While a recent promo on AEW Dynamite suggested he was not cleared, this was part of the storyline. Ospreay insists he has been given the green light by his medical team.
“I know what I’m capable of, and what I can’t do,” he said. “The medics and surgeon know as well, and my safety is the top priority. I can guarantee I’ll make it through this.”
While he is cleared for one more match, the road ahead presents a significant mental challenge. Ospreay shared that he received advice from Adam Copeland, who cautioned him about the psychological recovery. “He told me, ‘The hardest part isn’t the surgery, it’s the mental battle afterwards. Just know I’ve been through it, and if you ever want to talk, here’s my number.’”
A major source of his anxiety is the possibility of having to fundamentally alter his signature high-flying style post-surgery. Ospreay acknowledged he may need to adapt but draws inspiration from others who have successfully evolved their in-ring work.
“I might have to kiss part of my offense goodbye, and I’m not ready to let that go,” Ospreay explained. “But if it comes to that, all the greats have adjusted — Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger did it, AJ Styles did it. I call myself the Billy G.O.A.T. for a reason. I believe I can adapt.”
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