5 ways to revive the Jay White project amid rumors of his imminent AEW return
Jay White has been absent from AEW television since July 2024. The former IWGP World Champion last competed on the July 6 edition of Collision, where he lost to Hangman Adam Page in the Semi-Finals of the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament.
As per recent reports, White is on his way back to All Elite Wrestling. The brief time off from in-ring competition could work in favor of The Switchblade, allowing him to start afresh in the Tony Khan-led company. While he has found immense success in the Trios division, Jay White has yet to set the solo division in AEW on fire. Despite having a proven main event star on his roster, Khan has not utilized White to the best of his abilities.
The Catalyst would hope to stage a career turnaround when he eventually returns to All Elite Wrestling in the near future. From betraying his allies to decimating a former AEW World Champion, there are many intriguing storyline directions for The Switchblade to explore upon his return.
In this article, let's look at five ways Jay White could revive his career in AEW.
#5. Jay White could begin his solo run by betraying The Bang Bang Gang
Jay White would look to make some major changes once he officially resumes his AEW career. Although The Switchblade has been greatly successful in the Trios division, being a member of a faction has significantly held him back from achieving greater things.
The former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion would be agitated about his lack of singles success, leading him to vent out his frustrations on The Bang Bang Gang. After returning to AEW, White could turn his back on Juice Robinson and The Gunns, putting a shocking end to his alliance with the group.
Turning on the Bang Bang Gang would allow Jay White to re-enter the singles division with a new and improved mindset. The unexpected betrayal could also lead to a rivalry between The Switchblade and Juice Robinson, which would certainly be an exciting prospect.
#4. Jay White could end Will Ospreay's title reign
Will Ospreay has been on a hot run in AEW since his full-time arrival earlier this year. The Aerial Assassin has taken down numerous world-class talents during his International Championship reign, including PAC, MJF, and many others.
Tony Khan has nailed Ospreay's booking as the AEW International Champion till this point. Khan must only have a legitimate contender dethrone Will Ospreay as the International Champion, once The Aerial Assassin is ready to move into the main event picture.
Jay White could bring his singles career back on track by setting his sights on The Commonwealth Kingpin. The Catalyst could register a few important wins upon his return to emerge as a challenger for Ospreay's International Title.
Ultimately, King Switch could put an end to The Aerial Assassin's reign to establish his dominance in the mid-card division. Losing to a legitimate threat like Jay White would also protect Will Ospreay's character. Meanwhile, the former Bullet Club leader would see a significant rise in his stocks after capturing the International Championship.
#3. Jay White could win the AEW Continental Classic
The second edition of the highly acclaimed AEW Continental Classic is set to take place in the next few months. After the massive success of the first edition, fans have huge expectations from the latest iteration of the annual tournament.
The Continental Classic 2024 could be a pathway for Jay White to trigger a career resurgence. The Switchblade could enter the grueling tournament for the second year in a row, hoping to go all the way this time.
The King Switch could defeat some major names during this competition to restore his credibility as a solo performer. The Catalyst could fight his way into the finals of the C2, where he could best his opponent to emerge as the last man standing.
Winning the Continental Classic 2024 would do wonders for White's career, helping him establish himself as a credible main event star. The victory would set The Switchblade on a collision course with Kazuchika Okada, which would end up being a blockbuster rivalry.
#2. The Catalyst could destroy a returning Kenny Omega
Kenny Omega was recently spotted training with Kota Ibushi in Japan. The Cleaner is currently out of action due to a life-threatening illness, and it is unclear when he will return to in-ring competition. Now that he has resumed his physical training routine, fans seem optimistic about Omega returning to AEW soon.
If The Best Bout Machine returns to All Elite Wrestling in the next few months, his paths could cross with his famous arch-nemesis, Jay White. The two stars are no strangers to each other, as they were once bitter rivals in NJPW.
The leader of the Bang Bang Gang could make a massive statement by targeting a returning Kenny Omega. Having been out of action for months, The Cleaner may not get a more suitable opponent to help him dust off the ring rust than The Switchblade.
The Belt Collector could put White over in this feud, allowing the Kiwi star to climb up the ranks in AEW. The Switchblade could generate immense heel heat by decimating a sympathetic babyface like Omega.
#1. The Switchblade could dethrone Jack Perry
Jack Perry captured the TNT Championship in a high-stakes Ladder match at Forbidden Door 2024. Since then, The Scapegoat has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the mid-card division.
With The Elite in his corner, it seems unlikely that the 27-year-old would lose his title anytime soon. However, Perry's reign could be under serious threat if a returning Jay White steps up against him.
While he has been quite dominant as a champion, Jack Perry may not have any answers for a proven mastermind like White. The Catalyst is one of the most clever minds in the pro wrestling business, who could outsmart his opponent in unforeseen ways. Jay White's unpredictable tactics might be too much for The Scapegoat to handle.
A babyface turn could be an intriguing direction for Jay White's character. Dethroning a despicable heel like Jack Perry would further cement The Switchblade as a savior in the eyes of the audience.
Moreover, White would be able to make up for a lack of singles titles by adding the TNT Championship to his collection.