A new report has clarified Will Ospreay’s status for AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, revealing he has been cleared to compete in the upcoming Lights Out Steel Cage Match. The clearance comes despite Ospreay’s own on-air statement on AEW Dynamite that he was not medically cleared. According to sources within AEW, including several roster members, the situation was described as “touch and go” in recent weeks, with some hoping he would not have to wrestle at all due to the severity of the issue.
In a Friday interview with Sports Illustrated, Ospreay stated that his surgeon advised him the injury requires attention, though it is not currently worsening. Previous reports have identified the condition as herniated discs pushing against his spinal cord. While several wrestlers reportedly do not expect Ospreay to be around after Forbidden Door, none could confirm if he is definitively scheduled for surgery. Ospreay has publicly confirmed the procedure will happen after the event, but noted, “we have no idea what waits on the other side [of the injury], there’s no timeline.”
Ospreay’s determination to compete at Forbidden Door was reportedly a driving factor in his decision-making. Sources confirmed that Ospreay made it clear working the show was a top priority for him. This commitment was also evident following All In: Texas, as he entered that event knowing he would need time off but delayed the start of his rehab until afterward. This delay led to significant changes in AEW’s creative plans, as the company was unsure how long he would be sidelined.
The on-air acknowledgment of his injury during the Dynamite following All In was also not originally planned. The report noted that Ospreay’s promo was a last-minute change. He was initially not going to mention the injury, but was encouraged to do so given the number of other wrestlers who were also not cleared for the show at the time.
Looking beyond his impending surgery and recovery, Ospreay has set a clear goal for his return. He has expressed a desire to main event AEW’s return to Wembley Stadium for All In on August 30, 2026. When asked about a preferred opponent, Ospreay stated, “If I have my magic potion, it’s me versus Kenny Omega in the main event.”
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