Hello again! After a forced hiatus, The Characters of NJPW is back! Well, the article is about to start, but before that, since it’s been so long, here’s a reminder about our main objective:
This series will try to give newcomers to New Japan, as well as people curious towards its product, a feel as for how each of their wrestlers operate, what their motivations are, how their story drives them to be who they are, and how their actions inside and outside of the squared circle further their personas. Although this will contain historical data and a brief description of each wrestler’s past, its main goal is not meant to be a comprehensive guide to a performer’s history and achievements. Rather, we intend focus on two main topics: Character and in-ring work, to see how each wrestler on NJPW sets themselves apart from the rest of the roster, and what makes them truly unique and worth investing. If you want to check all the previous parts (the Part thing is getting ridiculous, I know, but now I’m committed), here’s a list with all the articles done up until now, each readable by clicking on the wrestler’s name. Now, let’s cut to the chase.
Evolution seems natural, because it is. Over time, human beings adapt to persevere to new conditions. Usually, what happens is that the younger generations find it easier to adjust to their surroundings. Once in a while, an individual or small group redesign everything to their image, forming a new cycle or movement where such a style is the only way to success, until a fresher, more complete one arrives. Today, we talk about someone who was pegged for greatness since the start, and now comes back with a lot of mystery behind his reasons, and the desire to set the world into a new era, taking everything for himself. Let’s learn more about the promising journey of the Switchblade, Jay White.
Jay White
aged 25
186 cm
90 kg
Introduction: It was at the end of 2014, when an exciting prospect from New Zealand, scouted by none other than Prince Devitt, now of WWE fame as Finn Bálor, was called upon by Bad Luck Fale and New Japan Pro Wrestling officials, to become a part of their roster. He had some buzz, and could tear down the independent scene. But he accepted the challenge, and reported to the NJPW Dojo at the start of 2015, becoming a humble and fiery Young Lion. In a new country, despite the language barrier and tough training, this fellow nonetheless rose to prominence. Folks in the know saw big things in his way. It was clear he would soon outgrow that learning environment.
After getting the Dojo’s stamp of approval, he had to once again put his skills to test in the world, departing to USA in 2016. He did not disappoint, going to the competitive fields of Ring of Honor and quickly making a name for himself, with big undefeated streaks and numerous title challenges. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to everyone, something turned. He plotted his comeback, and when the time finally came this year, the transformation shocked everyone. He returned noticeably bigger, with a razor-sharp edge and an appetite for taking things by force. What in the blue hell is Jay White doing? Let’s try to dive into the reasoning behind the Switchblade.
Characters: At Power Struggle, the legendary Hiroshi Tanahashi once again emerged victorious of a high-stakes main event. He defended his IWGP Intercontinental Championship against a game Kota Ibushi, in another virtuous display. So when he celebrated with the crowd doing his air guitar routine, certainly he did not expect Jay White, of all people, to interrupt him. The former rookie, who admired the Ace so much, entered the ring, said but a few words, and then brawled with his former idol, laying him flat and leaving a key chain on his chest, as if to symbolize his first victim.
Formerly a Young Lion with quite a bit of adulation from the crowds, the man now known as the Switchblade teased for months of vignettes that he was coming. Jay White was a former baby-faced darling turned into a disillusioned, decadent bully. He would attack Tanahashi once again, after the mythical figure announced that, despite nursing a knee injury, he would be good to go for their Wrestle Kingdom 12 match, defending his title with honor despite feeling like he had nothing to gain from it. White did not take kindly to that, and in a cruel display, attacked the very injury that kept the Ace of the Universe from finishing the last NJPW tour before the big event.
While doing both of these assaults, White repeatedly said that he was disappointed with Tanahashi’s recent runs, perceiving a decadence on his former mentor. As such, he would take the Ace’s title and kingdom for himself, a bold claim for someone so young, which a such a big role to fill in the landscape. The fire and confidence from the prodigy Jay White are still evidently there. But now, this Switchblade has a sharp, twisted edge, and no qualms about stepping on some toes and skip paying dues to claim the spot he feels is deserved. We may not know much yet, but we do know this: whatever impact Switchblade wishes to exert upon NJPW, he has all the youth and talent on his side to do so. It’s a matter of time before his coup d’état is a success. By any means.
In-ring work: We have yet to see how Jay White will approach the biggest match of his career, on NJPW’s grandest possible stage, against one of the best wrestlers of all time. Those are all big pressure-makers, and at the young age of 25, he is already in a position of having to deliver a performance to remember. But, if his recent demeanor as the Switchblade serves us as any indication, we can expect a wrestler with little to no regard for his opponents weaknesses, who will bulldoze and exploit every advantage he can get. This is especially dangerous, considering who White was before this change of heart.
With good size and strength, crisp fundamentals, great stamina and a lot of athletic ability, Jay White, as a Young Lion and then later as one of ROH’s prominent newcomers, displayed practically all the main attributes a competitor could ever want, overwhelming his opponents through the sheer number of tools at his disposal. With numerous slams and suplexes like uranages, sleeper suplexes and double underhook facebusters, an affinity for hitting hard forearms, elbows, uppercuts and lariats, as well as the use of dives to the outside, submissions like the Muta Lock, and spurt of the moment big counters, there is nothing this prospect can’t do. The Kiwi Krusher outside leghook fisherman driver was his big signature, but if recent appearances are taken into proof, his Bladerunner swinging reverse STO is a more sudden, devastating weapon of choice.
With all the tools any wrestler could ever want, and the wherewithal to convert any situation to his advantage, it is no wonder White’s future is pegged as being so bright. It remains to be seen, however, if he can put all of this arsenal together in a more coherent, structured offense that will facilitate his takeover of matches and fit this new modus operandi. That is a massive task, that may require years of retooling and perfecting. The New Zealander doesn’t have that time, that is if he wants to beat Hiroshi Tanahashi, Mr. Tokyo Dome, at Wrestle Kingdom. However, judging from his confidence, he seems to think all is figured out. If that’s indeed the case, at 25, the rest of the world better conform to the sight of the Switchblade standing at the top. Sooner or later, he will take everything and form a kingdom of his own, to rule over for a long, long time.
Thank you so much for your continued support to this series! If you’d like, I set up a Patreon Page if you want to donate and help me continue to produce better content. The articles will continue to stay free, of course. This is just an easy avenue if you have the willingness and means to contribute with any amount you can, so I can keep doing these more and more. As always, any feedback and suggestions are appreciated. See you next time!
