Both AEW and New Japan are known for holding press conferences following their big events. Journalists get the opportunity to ask questions to the performers and, for the most part, the rules around keeping kayfabe alive during the sessions are fairly relaxed.
Though, no one seems to have told that to Jay White. The New Zealander cut a scathing promo following his successful defence of his IWGP Heavyweight Championship at the Forbidden Door crossover event. He continually questioned Tony Khan about having someone to carry his title and demanded that the wrestling world put more respect on his name. This is relatively normal for White during post-show press conferences but many fans, who perhaps aren’t as familiar with the star, were surprised to hear him use such a tone. White discussed the reaction of some fans when he spoke with NBC Sports Boston’s Steve Fall
“Some of it is by design and a lot of it is maybe without me realizing it. For example, after Forbidden Door, we had the post-show press conference and for some reason, people were taken aback by how I was, or surprised, where if you had seen a second of me talking after matches, you would know what to expect. It’s different to a lot of people, especially over in the states, that are maybe used to the wrestling they see on TV, which can be a lot more performed where this platform that I have through New Japan, I have a bit more freedom with stuff to say and do whatever I want. People can buy into that and enjoy it a bit more.”
-Jay White
On that particular show, White overcome Hangman Page, Adam Cole and Kazuchika Okada in a fatal four way match to retain his title. He still holds the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and will defend the gold against Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 17.
H/T Fightful for the transcription
