Jay White Unlikely To Appear At Royal Rumble Despite Rumors He's Leaving New Japan
Liam Parker 
New Japan Pro-Wrestling star Jay White is rumored as a potential surprise entrant at this year's Royal Rumble. Fans have jumped all over the fact he's got a Loser Leaves Japan match scheduled against Hikuleo and with the timing of the Rumble and WWE headed toward WrestleMania 39, White would be big a big addition to the company, especially among fans who know him from his NJPW work and few appearances in AEW.
But, there is one small hurdle, according to Fightful Select. As WrestlingInc's Dylan Murry shares from Fightful's report, White may not be an option for WWE in the 2023 men's Royal Rumble match because he is under contract with New Japan beyond Jan. 28, 2023. The Rumble takes place on January 28 and unless Triple H and NJPW work out a side deal that would allow White to make an appearance while under contract, he won't be at the event live event in San Antonio.
Stranger things have happened and WWE did just loan Karl Anderson to Japan to lose his NEVER Openweight Title at Wrestle Kingdom 17. Perhaps Triple H has worked out, or is hoping that, some sort of talent exchange favor will be granted after allowing Anderson to wrestle overseas.
What Would White Mean For WWE?
White is widely regarded as one of the top all-around wrestlers in the world. He's made quite the name for himself in Japan and Triple H is already starting to bring in talents from other international promotions. He's signed Dragon Lee to NXT and there are rumors he's interested in Tama Tonga. If he adds White, he'd be adding someone who has held the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, IWGP Heavyweight Championship, IWGP Intercontinental Championship, IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship and NEVER Openweight Championship. He'd also be bringing in someone with a history of working with The Bullet Club, so there would be links to both The O.C. and Judgment Day.
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