Report: Backstage News On Why WWE Failed To Sign Jay White

After rumours had been swirling about his future, Jay White returned to All Elite Wrestling on Wednesday night's edition of Dynamite, attacking Ricky Starks and aligning himself with Juice Robinson. It was then announced following the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion's debut that he had officially signed with AEW.

In an update, Fightful Select have reported that White has signed a multi-year deal with All Elite Wrestling. The deal was in place ahead of WWE WrestleMania 39, which took place on April 1 and April 2, and WWE were aware that White would not be signing with them by the time the Showcase of the Immortals rolled around.

WWE and AEW both held talks with White after he became a free agent in February and it appeared at one point that White would be going to WWE, with individuals within the company confident they could sign the former leader of Bullet Club as recently as last week.

Fightful further noted that Triple H and William Regal expressed interest in signing White and there was communication between the two sides. Tentative creative plans were even put together for White within WWE. 

WWE higher-ups noted, though, that the company "failed to communicate properly along the process" and White's decision to choose AEW over them could have been because of Vince McMahon's return and the lack of main roster hires since the Executive Chairman forced his way back into WWE in January 2023. 

White had spent the vast majority of his pro wrestling career in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He was banished from the promotion after losing a Loser Leaves NJPW Match to Eddie Kingston at Battle in the Valley on February 18. His contract expired shortly after.