The Unexpected Alliance: WWE’s Outreach to Will Ospreay Signals a Shift in Pro Wrestling’s Healthcare Landscape
A staggering 60% of professional wrestlers retire with chronic pain, often exacerbated by delayed or inadequate medical attention. This reality is now sharply in focus as AEW’s Will Ospreay prepares for Sunday’s Forbidden Door pay-per-view while publicly addressing a serious neck injury – and receiving an unexpected wave of support from his rivals at WWE. Ospreay revealed to Metro that he’s been contacted by individuals within WWE offering medical resources, a gesture that highlights a potentially seismic shift in how pro wrestling organizations approach athlete wellbeing and long-term career sustainability.
Ospreay’s Injury and the Looming Surgery
Ospreay is battling herniated discs pressing against his spinal cord, causing nerve issues. He’s scheduled to undergo surgery following the Forbidden Door event, a Lights Out Steel Cage Match alongside Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Darby Allin, and Hiroshi Tanahashi against Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Gabe Kidd, and The Young Bucks. The severity of the injury, openly discussed on AEW Dynamite, has prompted concern within the wrestling community. The fact that WWE personnel proactively reached out, despite the competitive landscape, is what’s truly noteworthy.
Beyond Competition: A Growing Emphasis on Wrestler Safety
For decades, the world of professional wrestling has been characterized by intense competition and a “work hard, play hard” ethos. Medical care, while present, often prioritized immediate performance over long-term health. Ospreay’s situation, and the response from WWE, suggests a growing awareness that prioritizing athlete wellbeing isn’t just ethically sound, it’s strategically vital. The potential for lawsuits, the rising costs of long-term care, and the increasing demand for skilled performers are all driving this change.
The Role of Independent Medical Expertise
Ospreay specifically mentioned being offered access to doctors, emphasizing the importance of independent medical evaluation. This is crucial. Wrestlers often rely on company-affiliated physicians, potentially creating a conflict of interest. Access to unbiased medical opinions, like those offered by specialists in spinal injuries, is paramount for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Research from the National Institutes of Health highlights the long-term neurological consequences of untreated spinal injuries in athletes, underscoring the need for proactive care.
Forbidden Door and the Future of Inter-Promotional Collaboration
Sunday’s AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event, taking place live from the O2 Arena in London (1:00 pm ET/10:00 am PT), isn’t just a showcase of incredible wrestling talent; it’s a microcosm of this evolving industry landscape. The event also features a Four-Way Match for the TBS Championship, with Ospreay’s fiancé, Alex Windsor, competing against Mercedes Mone’, Bozilla, and Persephone. The willingness of promotions like AEW and NJPW to collaborate, and now the unexpected outreach from WWE regarding medical support, points towards a potential future of greater cooperation – particularly when it comes to athlete safety.
The Potential for a Unified Medical Standard
Could we see a future where pro wrestling adopts a unified medical standard, perhaps overseen by an independent governing body? It’s a long shot, given the historical rivalries and competitive pressures. However, the financial and reputational risks associated with ignoring athlete health are becoming increasingly apparent. A standardized approach to injury prevention, diagnosis, and rehabilitation could not only protect wrestlers but also enhance the overall quality and longevity of the sport. This would require a significant cultural shift, moving away from the “no-sell” mentality and embracing a more holistic approach to athlete care.
The gesture from WWE towards Will Ospreay isn’t just a kind act; it’s a potential bellwether. It signals a growing recognition that the health and wellbeing of professional wrestlers are paramount, and that collaboration – even between rivals – is essential for the future of the industry. What are your thoughts on the changing landscape of wrestler healthcare? Share your predictions in the comments below!
