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Entertainment • Wrestling

Bullet Club

Bullet Club is a professional wrestling stable that formed in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in May 2013.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Bullet Club is a professional wrestling stable that formed in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in May 2013. It began as a villainous group of foreign wrestlers led by Prince Devitt and later became one of the most influential factions in modern professional wrestling, with members appearing across multiple promotions. The group has been particularly relevant to Canadian wrestling audiences due to its influence on North American promotions and fandom.

History

Bullet Club formed in May 2013 after Prince Devitt turned on Ryusuke Taguchi and aligned with Karl Anderson, Bad Luck Fale, and Tama Tonga. The stable expanded quickly and included members such as The Young Bucks and Doc Gallows later in 2013. The group soon grew into a major attraction with a changing lineup.

Leadership and members

The original leader was Prince Devitt, and later leaders included AJ Styles, Kenny Omega, Jay White, and David Finlay. Public member lists show a large and changing roster over time.

Cultural impact

Bullet Club became a highly recognizable brand in pro wrestling and is often cited as one of the most influential modern factions. Its reach extended into other promotions, especially in North America, through wrestlers who later appeared in AEW, ROH, WWE, and elsewhere. The group had a major influence on modern wrestling merchandising and faction storytelling.

Faction splits and branches

The group has experienced internal splits and offshoots, including the division between The Elite and OG Bullet Club. Later branches and related groups continued to use the Bullet Club identity in different promotions.

Key facts

  • Formed in May 2013 after Prince Devitt turned on Ryusuke Taguchi and aligned with Karl Anderson, Bad Luck Fale, and Tama Tonga.
  • Expanded quickly in 2013 to include members such as The Young Bucks and Doc Gallows.
  • Became one of the best-known wrestling factions internationally, influencing storylines and fan culture beyond Japan.
  • Had multiple leadership eras, including Prince Devitt, AJ Styles, Kenny Omega, Jay White, and David Finlay.
  • Existed in different iterations and branches over time, including splits such as The Elite and other later offshoots.
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Canadian context

Bullet Club has been relevant to Canadian wrestling audiences through its major influence on North American wrestling promotions and fandom, especially in the wider indie-to-major-promotion pipeline that has included Canadian events, talent, and viewers.[2][3]

Frequently asked questions

What is Bullet Club?
Bullet Club is a professional wrestling stable that began in NJPW in 2013 as a villainous faction of foreign wrestlers.
Who founded Bullet Club?
The group formed around Prince Devitt, who is widely identified as its original leader and creator.
When did Bullet Club start?
Bullet Club formed in May 2013.
Which promotion did Bullet Club start in?
It originated in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
Why is Bullet Club notable?
It became one of the most influential wrestling factions of the 2010s, with major visibility across multiple promotions and a strong merchandising presence.
Has Bullet Club had different leaders?
Yes. Over time, leadership has been associated with Prince Devitt, AJ Styles, Kenny Omega, Jay White, and David Finlay.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullet_Club
    Supports: Formation date, founding angle, original members, and later leadership changes.
  2. CBRhttps://www.cbr.com/bullet-club-pro-wrestlings-baddest-faction-nwo/
    Supports: General history, influence, and significance of Bullet Club in professional wrestling.
  3. IGNhttps://www.ign.com/articles/2018/04/05/what-is-bullet-club
    Supports: Group identity, ethos, and cultural description from members.
  4. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Bullet_Club_members
    Supports: Association with NJPW, AEW, ROH, and CMLL; member history context.
  5. YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IdK8b5gIbk
    Supports: Later branching and leadership developments discussed in a documentary-style overview.
  6. Wikipedia (Spanish)https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullet_Club
    Supports: Formation details and initial membership summary.