10 Most Improved Wrestlers Of 2018
2. Jay White
An embarrassment upon returning from excursion at Power Struggle 2017, Jay White is now rivalled only by the indomitable Kenny Omega as New Japan's most compelling gaijin.
His year has been one of steady growth. Wrestle Kingdom 12's showdown with the legendary Hiroshi Tanahashi was a wet fart of a bout, with 'Switchblade' coming off more like a wet goth edgelord than the master manipulator the bookers wanted to present him as. They persisted through an oft-painful teething process. White grew with every performance, but the former Young Lion was clearly uncomfortable in his new role, even when positioned as an obvious CHAOS saboteur throughout the first two quarters.
It made for rough viewing, but Gedo is a master booker. He has earned such trust from his audience, and lo and behold, White was worth the trouble. A star by the end of his CHAOS treason and Bullet Club takeover, he has progressed immensely inside the ring and out, with his showdown with the dethroned and dishevelled Kazuchika Okada now amoung Wrestle Kingdom 13's most anticipated matches.
White flopped hard the last time he set foot inside the Tokyo Dome. Few would bet on history repeating.