Tension is simmering across oceans in the United Empire. Callum Newman leads the faction in NJPW, and he has been sniping snide remarks toward founder Will Ospreay for expanding the crew in AEW.
Earlier in the week, Newman spoke to Henare and Great-O-Khan with a demand to know where their loyalty lies. The Prince of Pace told them to choose between his leadership in NJPW or Ospreay’s group in AEW.
On Saturday, October 10, the AEW world champion dropped in as a surprise at a NJPW house show in Uonuma to clear the ring of Jeff Cobb and the Knock Out Brothers. Here is the full scene of Ospreay cleaning house on his adversaries and cutting a pair of babyface promos. His message was that the United Empire rides on top with championships.
Backstage, Great-O-Khan commented about the United Empire rift (auto translated on X):
O-Khan: “There’s absolutely no way I’d serve under anyone. But siding with either Colossal or Ospreay… the answer to that was decided long ago. Well, to begin with, UNITED EMPIRE or whatever (throws towel onto the floor) doesn’t matter at all… (stomps on the towel)”
Ospreay teams with Henare and Great-O-Khan to defend the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship against that Unbound Co. trio at the NJPW King Of Pro-Wrestling event on Monday, October 12, 2026 in Tokyo.
Share your reaction to Will Ospreay making a surprise appearance at an NJPW house show. How do you think the United Empire story shakes out between Ospreay and Callum Newman? If civil war erupts, who do you think sides under the two leaders?
