Update On "SwitchBlade" Jay White's Future With NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING

Is Jay White on his way out of New Japan Pro-Wrestling?

Following his failure to capture the IWGP Heavyweight Champion from Kota Ibushi at Wrestle Kingdom 15; The Bullet Club leader cut an emotional promo over his loss against the double champion and stated that he felt underappreciated during his time with New Japan.

Following NJPW’s New Year’s Dash, White said that he’s done with the promotion. This appeared to be an angle for the 28-year-old; however, there’s been some contradiction in regards to White’s contract status. It was first reported that the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion’s deal was over at the end of the month.

However, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported over the weekend that “Switchblade” told AEW officials in 2018 that he signed a seven-year deal with NJPW. Also, White is being advertised for an event this March:

While there’s no word on the status of Jay White, it’s been noted that WWE is “making a strong play” for the Bullet Club leader. White may not be interested in joining WWE on the other hand as he made that notion clear that during an interview in early 2019 (Transcript courtesy of Wrestling Inc.):

"Before New Japan, I think for anyone that starts that's kind of what you look to because that's what you watched," White claimed. "But then, once you realize there's so much more out there, it's not even like a thought on my radar. I'm happy where I am and it's also what they do, the product and stuff. I enjoy pro wrestling as opposed to the entertainment TV stuff over there as well. And you have a lot of guys that have left and gone over and you hear that there it's very different. And yeah, who knows? You never say 'never' with anything. You never know what's going to happen in the future. When I was training and wanted to go to WWE, I never thought would have come here [to Japan]."

We’ll keep you updated on the news regarding Jay White and New Japan Pro Wrestling.