Report: Jay White Expected To Depart NJPW

A top star in New Japan Pro-Wrestling looks set to depart the promotion.

According to Fightful Select, Jay White's contract with NJPW is set to expire "relatively soon" and the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is expected to leave the company when his deal comes to an end. 

White appeared to bid farewell to New Japan after he dropped the IWGP World Heavyweight Title to Kazuchika Okada in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4, acknowledging The Rainmaker. Since then, "Switchblade" has challenged Hikuleo to a Loser Leaves Japan Match and they will go one-on-one at The New Beginning in Osaka on February 11. 

AEW and WWE are said to be interested in signing White, although the report was published before rumours suggested WWE had agreed to sell the company to the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful has since noted in a live stream that Vince McMahon's return to power, which would seemingly happen if a WWE sale is completed, could end the company's interest in White. Reports have stated that WWE are interested in signing Hikuleo too. 

No deal for White has been finalised as of yet and no promotions can officially reach out until the Bullet Club leader's deal expires. 

Jay White has been a part of New Japan since 2015, having come through their Young Lion developmental system. He was the first Grand Slam Champion in the company and the fifth Triple Crown Champion.