Callum Newman Discusses the Current State of the United Empire, the Group’s Struggles After Will Ospreay Left NJPW

During a recent interview with NJPW1972.com, Callum Newman discussed his career, the United Empire, and more. According to Newman, the United Empire had a bad 2025, and noted that ever since Will Ospreay left the faction, the rest of the group “were fighting for scraps.” Below are some highlights:

Callum Newman on How the United Empire Did in 2025

“****. The worst year ever. In the last couple of years, Aussie Open left, Will (Ospreay) left, Gideon (Grey) hasn’t been seen in God knows how long, Jeff Cobb and TJP left. (Francesco) Akira went to England and hurt himself and its just been me, (Great) O-Khan and Jakob (Austin Young). It’s not even a group, it’s the Three Musketeers, if the musketeers weren’t even on the same page.”

On the State of the Group When He Joined in 2023

“I was brought in as the group’s first Young Lion, basically. They thought they could pretty much bully me, and treat me like shit. I was carrying Akira’s bags, doing Ospreay’s laundry. As soon as I started moving up, they couldn’t unite in bullying me, so there was even less direction. It’s only now, I’ve started making things happen for me, and now it’s started to turn around for the group.”

On How the Group Was Dead in the Water After Dogpound Steel Cage Match in 2024

“We were dead in the water after that. As soon as that Cage match ended, (Will) Ospreay left and then the rest of us were fighting for scraps. We weren’t on any of the tours; there was no need for us, and you know what I’ve realized? There’s no need — not really — no need for United Empire now, and that’s been a good thing, since it means I can do whatever the f**k I want, and if the company or the fans don’t like it, well, ‘Sod you.’”

On If Will Ospreay Said Anything To Him After His Final NJPW Match

“No. The match ended, and he talked on the mic about, ‘Oh, please look after Callum like you did to me. He’s going to make mistakes.’ He gave me a hug and he said, ‘Behave.’ That’s it, and he got in a taxi and left. Didn’t get a phone call, didn’t get a text message even.”

Callum Newman is set to compete with the United Empire in one week at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20. He teams with Great-O-Khan, HENARE, and two mystery partners against the team of David Finlay, Shingo Takagi, Gabe Kidd, Drilla Moloney & Hiromu Takahashi.

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 takes place on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The event will be held at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. It will stream live on NJPW World.