Jay White Still Not Cleared For In-Ring Return Despite NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 Appearance

Jay White made a surprise appearance at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20, but that doesn't mean the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion is close to a return to in-ring action.

Fightful Select has reported that AEW sources quickly noted following Wrestle Kingdom that White is not cleared to make his in-ring return and he isn't expected back in the squared circle imminently. White is also not factored into any of AEW's creative plans any time soon.

White has been on the shelf since being written off AEW TV with a backstage attack from the Death Riders in April 2025. He was out of action with a broken hand, but the 33-year-old's injury issues were worse than believed and he has also undergone shoulder surgery.

White returned to NJPW at Wrestle Kingdom to honour Hiroshi Tanahashi during the NJPW President's retirement ceremony following his final match against Kazuchika Okada. White was banned from appearing for NJPW after losing a Loser Leaves New Japan match to Eddie Kingston at Battle in the Valley 2023, but Fightful noted that NJPW lifted the ban so he could appear inside the Tokyo Dome.