Will Ospreay and Callum Newman trade public barbs over United Empire status

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Beef, it’s what’s for dinner. Beef is also what makes the wrestling world go round. This serving comes courtesy of Will Ospreay and Callum Newman. For those only somewhat familiar with Newman, he plies his craft in NJPW as leader of the United Empire faction in Japan. The Prince of Pace listed career accolades himself. Today marks my third year in Japan 🇯🇵 Youngest ever entrant in the G1. Youngest ever IWGP Tag Champion. Youngest ever IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Youngest ever New Japan Cup winner. History maker… and I’m only 24. Make way 😘👑 — Callum newman カラム・ニューマン (@PrinceofpaceCN) September 7, 2026 Ospreay is the founder of United Empire. His leadership has taken a backseat since signing with AEW, but the bruvs still rally behind him when needed, as seen on AEW television. The latest example is Ospreay battling the Death Riders and the Dogs. He has his eye on developing his own United Empire crew in AEW. There are no moves yet in that regard, so that’s why Francesco Akira is joining Ospreay and Andrade for trios action against Jon Moxley, PAC, and Gabe Kidd on the next episode of Dynamite. Apparently, this move by Akira rubbed Newman raw, and he commented with sarcasm about Akira joining Ospreay’s new group. Thanks for the heads up Akira Guess your in UE America 👍 https://t.co/MUVBmbpawY — Callum newman カラム・ニューマン (@PrinceofpaceCN) September 10, 2026 Back in NJPW, Newman had harsh words for Ospreay, and Akira responded (both translated on X from Japanese): Newman: “A bit off-topic, but Akira, you went off to AEW without saying a word to me. This tour would’ve been better if you’d been there. I got a real good sense of where your loyalty lies. So who’s next to jump ship to that bastard Billy (Ospreay) and the old crew?” Akira: “It ain’t about taking sides. No matter where we are in the world, we’realways there to support each other.” Newman’s anger kicked off a spat with Ospreay on social media. Ospreay: “How is this a thing? Your guys are my guys. My guys are your guys. You’re making it sound like it’s a turf war, when really we are spreading a faction that I started across multiple promotions. Don’t hold back progress little bro. You won’t like the outcome.” Newman: “Stop calling me little bro.” Ospreay: “How about little cunt? Better?” Newman: “Cheers bruv I’ll remember that.” Ospreay: “You’d hear it a lot less if you stopped acting like one.” Oooh! Spicy. For what it’s worth, Andrade chimed in after Newman’s first comment about Akira but before the sass session with Ospreay. Henare shared his thoughts too. Andrade: “AMIGO! (Newman) You were the one who invited me to UE. But I know that one day I’ll have to face Will. I understand your problems with him! but I’m still waiting for my invitation so we can meet up again in NJPW.“ Newman: “You’re always welcome here. No invitation needed. (crown emoji)” Henare: “Two generals on each front. (two crowns) We good. Where do you stand on this beef? Do you want to see everyone get along? Or do you prefer United Empire civil war?

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Will Ospreay will be teaming with a couple of United Empire members in AEW next week while some members in NJPW are frustrated by this situation.