Truth About Jay White’s In-Ring Status After NJPW Appearance

Jay White was back in New Japan Pro Wrestling, but is he anywhere close to getting back in the ring for AEW?

Jay White had been banned from NJPW, according to a stipulation of the match he lost to Eddie Kingston in early 2023. In reality, the stipulation existed to explain Switchblade’s exit from the company as he embarked on a new chapter with AEW.

White’s time in AEW has been hampered by injury, however, as he suffered a three-month layoff in 2024. Worse was to come, however, as fans last saw him in the ring all the way back in March 2025. Injury has kept him out of action since then, but White was able to make an appearance to salute Hiroshi Tanahashi after the final match of his iconic career at Wrestle Kingdom 20.

But for fans hoping that appearance might mean Jay White is ready to get back in the ring, there is bad news.

Jay White Not Cleared

Fightful Select has reported that White is not due back in the ring any time soon. His appearance at Wrestle Kingdom was said to be a closely guarded secret, with NJPW lifting their supposed ban on the star.

White underwent shoulder surgery after originally being put out of action due to a hand injury. AEW sources clarified that he is not cleared to compete following his Wrestle Kingdom appearance, and he is not factored back into creative plans for the foreseeable future.