AEW fans were hit with a curveball when “Switchblade” Jay White was suddenly pulled from the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. AEW claimed it was due to a backstage attack by the Death Riders—but now we know the real reason is much deeper than storyline.
According to Wrestling Observer Radio, Jay White is dealing with a legitimate injury that’s going to require surgery. Dave Meltzer revealed, “So, what did you hear? I heard Jay White broken hand and surgery.” Bryan Alvarez added that the injury isn’t expected to keep White out long, saying, “It was not expected he was going to be out a really long time… but he’s out. It’s a legitimate injury.”
AEW used the April 2 episode of Dynamite to work the injury into a storyline, claiming the Death Riders attacked White to write him out of the tournament. While many thought it was just an angle, White himself returned on the April 5 episode of AEW Collision to clear the air—and drop some serious heat.
Speaking directly to Kevin Knight, White appeared with his hand wrapped and made it clear he wasn’t impressed by who took his spot. “Just remember you are only there because I can’t be,” he told Knight. But he wasn’t done.
White then shifted focus to Will Ospreay, blasting him for calling himself the GOAT. “I cannot even compete in the Owen Hart Tournament because of the Death Riders,” White said, before flipping the narrative. “You have not taken me out. You have given me a gift… you have given me time to prepare.”
Switchblade’s absence is already shifting AEW’s creative plans. He was viewed as one of the frontrunners in the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, alongside stars like Hangman Adam Page and Will Ospreay. With White out of the bracket, the entire dynamic has changed.
Do you think Jay White’s injury derails AEW’ momentum, or will his return make an even bigger impact? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear what you think about Switchblade’s next move.