The future of Jay White following Wrestle Kingdom 15 has been a topic of widespread speculation after recent reports suggest WWE is making “a strong play” for Bullet Club’s leader!
Following his loss to Kota Ibushi during night 2 of Wrestle Kingdom 15, White announced his intentions to leave New Japan Pro-Wrestling following their New Year Dash event as part of a maniacal tirade on the company, Japanese media and the fans. Many suspected that this was simply a new, more emotional character direction for the ‘Switchblade’ due to his unsuccessful challenge, however, recent reports suggest his exit could, in fact, be real!
According to the Super J-Cast podcast, White’s NJPW contract is set to expire at the end of January and there’s a significant chance he will not resign as WWE are “making a strong play for him”:
“Several sources have indicated there is some doubt whether Jay White will extend his NJPW contract, rumoured to be up at the end of the month. WWE are believed to be making a strong play for him and it’s 50/50 whether he stays or goes.”
Jay White has undoubtedly been NJPW’s most successful non-Japanese star since the departure of Kenny Omega in January 2019, so to lose him would deal a huge blow to the company. Coming up through New Japan’s Young Lion system, White debuted for the promotion in early 2015 before going on an overseas excursion to compete for both Ring of Honor and Revolution Pro Wrestling through 2016 and 2017.
White would return to NJPW at Wrestle Kingdom 12 under the ‘Switchblade’ moniker and has since achieved immense success. Currently serving as Bullet Club’s fifth leader, White has won the IWGP Heavyweight, Intercontinental and United States Championships once each as well as the G1 Right To Challenge contract, which allowed him to challenge Ibushi on Wrestle Kingdom 15 night 2.
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