NJPW Spotlight is a series by Walter Yeates that highlights past and present members of the New Japan Pro Wrestling roster. This article highlights Jay White. The previous article in the series on Hiromu Takahashi is available here.
The Bullet Club has been an important vehicle in New Japan Pro Wrestling‘s (NJPW) international expansion. The ‘Elite Era’ of the Bullet Club saw the group lose the Pure Heel edge the unit was known for when Prince Devitt (AKA Fin Balor) and AJ Styles were the aces of the stable.
When “Switchblade” Jay White was at the center of he, Gedo, and Jado turning on CHAOS the ‘Switchblade Era’ began within Bullet Club and saw the faction return their dastardly, Mafioso-esq way of doing business.
Despite only returning from an excursion in December 2017, Jay White has already accomplished a great deal in his post Young Lion career. He is a former IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion, IWGP Intercontinental Champion, and IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
What makes Jay White unique is how natural is he at inducing heat from an audience. Switchblade is easy to dislike, and there isn’t anything redeemable to his character, his words, or the company he keeps. NJPW saw something in Jay White and did not hesitate in allowing him to quickly grow into the role he has today.
Jay White was the only participant in the Double Gold Dash Tournament at Wrestle Kingdom 14 that was drawing on the nerves of the fans. His expertise at playing a heel made him the perfect foil for Tetsuya Naito in the opening round, as the fans wanted to see Naito win more than anything else on night one.
Some western fans don’t feel Jay White is talented, but his track record speaks for itself. He’s only going to get better with time, and he’s situated in a spot where he will have endless opportunities to succeed. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Jay White capture the IWGP Heavyweight Championship two or three more times during his career, especially if he remains the top Pure Heel within NJPW.
Jay White is yet to reach his peak, has a unique approach to his character, and has already captured the attention of the NJPW audience around the world. His ongoing rivalry with Kazuchika Okada could help draw large gates for years to come, especially as both take their paths back towards IWGP Heavyweight Championship contention.
With the Fale Dojo (where Jay White trained before his time at the NJPW Noge Dogo) becoming internationally known as the New Japan New Zealand Dojo Switchblade may also serve as a mentor for numerous generations of NJPW New Zealand Dojo Young Lions.
