Will Ospreay Comments On Callum Newman’s NJPW New Japan Cup 2026 Tournament Win

By: Lewis Carlan

When Will Ospreay left New Japan Pro-Wrestling and joined AEW back in March 2024, he relinquished his role as leader of the United Empire which is the faction he created with Great-O-Khan in Oct. 2020.

Since Ospreay has been gone, Callum Newman, who joined the faction in Sept. 2023, had stepped up and taken over the role of the leader of United Empire in April 2025 after TJP decided to become a freelancer. Newman has proven to be a formidable leader for the faction and is thriving in his role.

Newman took a huge step forward in becoming a major star for NJPW after he defeated Yuya Uemura on March 21st to win the New Japan Cup 2026 tournament. The victory catapults Newman into a IWGP Heavyweight Title match with champion Yota Tsuji on April 4th at NJPW SAKURA GENESIS.

Ospreay, who won the New Japan Cup Tournament back in 2021 took to X to congratulate Newman on his accomplishment.

From Will Ospreay:

“One more piece to the puzzle. Congratulations to Callum Newman. The youngest ever New Japan Cup Winner.”

Ospreay made his return to NJPW on New Year’s Dash on Jan. 6th and joined Newman plus other United Empire members in the ring. While speaking to Newman, Ospreay said he was proud of him and when he is done with AEW, he will return to NJPW to give his support to United Empire. Ospreay indicated he will do it Newman’s way as he vowed United Empire will take over NJPW.

Photo Credit: NJPW

After hugging Ospreay, Newman teased attacking him but was stopped by Henare and Great-O-Khan. Once Ospreay returns to NJPW, it could get very interesting to see if Ospreay and Newman can co-exist within United Empire.