AJ Styles is one of the most talented and charismatic wrestlers of his generation. His time with The Bullet Club marked a significant chapter in his career, showcasing his skills on a global stage. The Bullet Club, a dominant faction in wrestling, is known for its rebellious style, charisma, and in-ring prowess. AJ Styles played a pivotal role in shaping this faction’s legacy, bringing a unique blend of talent and leadership that helped redefine the wrestling landscape.
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The Birth of The Bullet Club:
The Bullet Club was founded in 2013 in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) by Prince Devitt (now known as Finn Bálor), Karl Anderson, Tama Tonga, and Bad Luck Fale. The group quickly gained popularity for its “cool villain” persona, merging elements of American wrestling’s nWo with a new-age, edgy style. They were outsiders, rebels who didn’t conform to the traditional norms of Japanese wrestling, and this appealed to fans worldwide.
AJ Styles Joins The Bullet Club:
In 2014, AJ Styles made a shocking debut in NJPW and aligned himself with The Bullet Club, immediately making his presence felt by attacking IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada. Styles quickly rose to the top, capturing the IWGP Heavyweight Championship from Okada, marking his first title win in NJPW. His addition brought new star power to the group and solidified The Bullet Club as the premier faction in wrestling. Styles’ high-flying, technical style meshed perfectly with The Bullet Club’s aggressive and brash approach.
Championships and Key Matches:
Under AJ Styles’ leadership, The Bullet Club continued to dominate NJPW. Styles became a two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, with memorable matches against some of the best wrestlers in the world, including Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Shinsuke Nakamura. His bout against Tanahashi at the King of Pro-Wrestling 2014 event is considered one of the greatest matches in NJPW history, showcasing Styles’ in-ring versatility and storytelling ability.
One of the defining moments of his Bullet Club tenure was his participation in the G1 Climax tournament. Styles was the first non-Japanese wrestler in over a decade to reach the G1 Climax finals, further cementing his status as a top global performer. The matches during this period were filled with dramatic twists, high-flying maneuvers, and Styles’ signature moves like the Styles Clash and Phenomenal Forearm, which thrilled fans.
Rivalries and Feuds:
AJ Styles’ time in The Bullet Club was marked by intense rivalries, not only with NJPW’s top stars but also within the faction itself. His leadership was occasionally challenged by other members, leading to internal conflicts that added layers to the group’s story. The Bullet Club feuded with NJPW’s top factions, including CHAOS and Los Ingobernables de Japón, leading to multi-man tag team matches that were often chaotic and exciting.
One of the notable rivalries was against Shinsuke Nakamura, culminating in a classic match at Wrestle Kingdom 10 in 2016. The clash between Styles and Nakamura is still remembered as one of the best matches in wrestling history, blending strong style with high-octane action, leaving fans in awe of their performance.
Departure and Legacy:
In 2016, AJ Styles’ time with The Bullet Club ended when he departed NJPW for WWE. His exit was dramatic, as he was betrayed by Kenny Omega, who took over leadership of the faction. This transition period was crucial as it kept The Bullet Club relevant and fresh, and Omega’s rise to the top added a new dynamic to the group.
Styles’ legacy with The Bullet Club remains significant. He helped elevate the faction to new heights and brought international attention to NJPW. His work with The Bullet Club was instrumental in the group’s appeal to Western audiences, setting the stage for future members like Kenny Omega, Cody Rhodes, and The Young Bucks to expand The Bullet Club’s influence globally.
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The Bullet Club’s Influence in WWE:
The Bullet Club’s influence eventually crossed over into WWE, with several former members, including Styles, Finn Bálor, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson, making significant impacts. Their presence in WWE often included subtle nods to their Bullet Club days, which resonated with fans who followed them from NJPW. Styles’ success in WWE, where he became a multiple-time WWE Champion, showcased the skills and star power he honed during his time with The Bullet Club.
AJ Styles’ Impact Beyond The Bullet Club:
AJ Styles’ association with The Bullet Club played a pivotal role in his career, elevating him as a global wrestling icon. After leaving NJPW, Styles joined WWE, where he quickly established himself as one of the top stars, winning multiple championships, including the WWE Championship, United States Championship, and the Intercontinental Championship.
Styles brought elements of his Bullet Club persona into WWE, including his cocky attitude and high-energy in-ring style. He continued to deliver outstanding matches, further proving his versatility and adaptability across different wrestling promotions.
