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At Wrestle Kingdom 15, Jay White failed to fulfill his quest to become a double champion. In a thrilling main event against Kota Ibushi, "Switchblade" came agonizingly close to winning both the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships. But he ultimately lost the match.
Many fans were surprised by Jay White's post-match comments. Backstage at the Tokyo Dome, White claimed that NJPW New Year Dash!! would be his last outing. "Maybe my time should be spent somewhere else," said White. "After New Year Dash, that's it." Here, White clearly hinted that his future as a professional wrestler might take him elsewhere.
Given the history of the Bullet Club at New Years Dash!!, many fans even expected a major angle at the show. Instead, the only takeaway regarding the group was that White lost another match. This time, he was pinned in a 10-man tag team match between Bullet Club and CHAOS.
After the contest, "Switchblade" was carried to the back, and his fellow Bullet Club members also left the arena. As it currently stands, NJPW hasn't cleared the air regarding Jay White's future.
If "Switchblade" is indeed done with NJPW after tonight, don't be surprised if WWE comes knocking at his door. White has a compelling character, and he could thrive in Vince McMahon's company. But there are also a few obstacles to a potential connection between the two.
Here's a look at the reasons why Jay White should, and shouldn't, sign with WWE.
#3. Why Jay White should sign with WWE - he would be an instant hit with the western audience
In the past, Jay White has worked in the United States when he was sent on an excursion to Ring of Honor by NJPW. White has also worked in the country during New Japan's previous shows overseas. "Switchblade" has worked with some of the best talents in the world. Given how quickly he has developed his in-ring skills, White would undoubtedly be an instant hit with the western audience.
The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion has absolutely mastered the art of working a crowd, and he could easily do it as a WWE Superstar. White is quite possibly the best heel in the business. At the very least, he's on the same level as MJF and Roman Reigns.
#2. Why Jay White shouldn't sign with WWE - the company's ill-fated history with NJPW talent
If Jay White signs with WWE, he would join stars Finn Balor and AJ Styles, who have thrived with the company since they left NJPW. Though "The Prince" and "The Phenomenal One" have found success, the likes of Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows have failed to shine.
Balor is one of the most notable examples of a star who has jumped from NJPW to WWE. The Bullet Club originator enjoyed a reign as the NXT Champion, and he won the Universal Championship soon after he joined the main roster. But he has struggled with injuries throughout his career. Still, Balor is currently in his second reign as the NXT Champion.
On the other hand, Styles, Anderson, and Gallows, all former Bullet Club members, signed with WWE at the same time. This situation worked out perfectly for Styles, as he has already won the WWE Championship twice. But The Good Brothers left the company last year.
Likewise, former NJPW icon Shinsuke Nakamura has struggled in WWE. The former IWGP and WWE Intercontinental Champion was initially expected to win the world title in his new promotion. Instead, he has been stuck in the mid-card since his initial push ended a few years ago. Some fans might worry that Jay White could end up like Nakamura in WWE.
#3. Why he should - Jay White's history with Finn Balor
Finn Balor was responsible for Jay White's recruitment into the Bullet Club in the first place. The former leader of the faction has known White for years now. Fans would surely like to see the two stars share the same ring. There's so much history between these competitors.
As for Jay White, the Bullet Club leader has claimed that his connections with the reigning NXT Champion got him into the stable. So in WWE, "Switchblade" could reconnect with Balor. A reunion between the two could be an electric storyline. They could even launch another stable. On the other hand, they could go to war.
Balor currently sits atop NXT as its main champion in the men's division. While White might not join the black-and-gold brand, the options for the Bullet Club leader would certainly be endless if he signs with WWE. If Jay White lands with the company, he could compete in several dream matches.
#4. Why he shouldn't - Jay White's edgy character wouldn't work in WWE
There is no doubt Jay White has one of the edgiest characters in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. In all honesty, most of the Bullet Club does. Whether it is Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, or El Phantasmo, members of the group usually have remarkably gritty characters.
"Switchblade" has a gimmick that is unrivalled in its edginess. White, also known as the "Knife Pervert", usually swears a lot during his matches. This tendency was clearly audible during his collision against Kota Ibushi at Wrestle Kingdom 15. White's explicit promos also add a lot to his gimmick, and they have helped him develop the "Switchblade" character to perfection.
But it's fair to wonder whether this gimmick would work in WWE. Jay White wouldn't be allowed to curse during his promos or his matches. He has famously flipped off the crowd, and he wouldn't be able to do that in a WWE ring. The company presents a family-friendly show, so White's character would be quite watered down. As a result, he could struggle to succeed in WWE.
#5. Why he should - Jay White is more than capable of being a top guy in WWE a
While Jay White will be forced to cut down on his on-screen cursing in WWE, the company could still turn him into the legitimate star he is. If WWE uses "Switchblade" to his full potential, White could easily replicate the excellence that he has shown in New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
White is regarded as one of the best in-ring competitors in the world, and his skills were on display in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 15. The Bullet Club star also has the physique to go along with these skills. Of course, White also knows a thing or two about cutting promos. (Yes, even without the swearing).
See it for yourself by watching this promo.
While WWE is the home to some of the biggest Superstars in pro wrestling, none of them are as incredible as Roman Reigns right now. "The Tribal Chief", who finally turned heel last Summer, has been on a tear, and he seems absolutely unstoppable. So the only feud that would make truly sense for Jay White if he signs with WWE is a rivalry against the reigning Universal Champion.
