TO BELONG:
THE FACTIONS OF NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING
By Jasmine Olan
One very popular concept in professional wrestling is that of the “stable” or faction, a group of like minded wrestles brought together by a common goal and bond. All throughout wrestling history factions have been a very important part of the industry. From groups like Four Horsemen in the 1980s to the NWO and Degeneration X who ruled the North American wrestling scene in the mid to late 90’s to modern factions like the Bullet Club and Los Ingobernables de Japon, this approach has garnered massive success for various promotions and created some of the biggest names in the business. Over the last several years, New Japan has managed to truly perfect this concept. The Bullet Club and LIJ have been the top merchandise sellers for a few years now, even managing to outsell WWE at times. Factions are a hugely important part of the story telling where over the past several years five groups have been battling over control over the direction the company will move in.
Since its formation in 2013, the Bullet Club has emerged as one of the most successful factions in wrestling history. Through changes in leadership and the formation of sub factions within the group, the Bullet Club has continued to evolve and remains hugely popular. Over the years, this faction has proven itself to be a great vehicle for New Japan’s gaijin or foreign born talents like former leaders, Prince Devitt (Finn Balor) and AJ Styles as well as current IWGP Heavyweight champion, Kenny Omega. The group has been featured in some of NJPW’s best told storylines, the most compelling of them being Kenny Omega’s journey toward becoming IWGP Heavyweight which saw Kenny end Kazuchika Okada’s historic two year reign as champion. The Bullet Club’s story continues to unfold with the group now split in two. The Bullet Club ELITE are now at war with the remaining BC OGs. Once born from anger in disdain, part of the group is trying to move Bullet Club in a more positive direction while the other is holding to the mentality of the past. Where things will go from here for the Bullet Club remains to be seen, but fans are sure to be waiting on the edge of their seats to find out.
Out of all the factions in New Japan Pro Wrestling, Los Ingobernables de Japon is undoubtedly the most closely knit. They are lead by one the greatest anti heroes in wrestling today, Tetsuya Naito. The group was born from a close bond of friendship and a dire need for change. Feeling mistreated by NJPW and abandoned by its fans, a dejected Naito stepped away for a while and journeyed to Mexico and spent some time in CMLL where joined the promotion’s anti-authoritarian faction, Los Ingobernables with long time friends Rush and La Sombra. His return to NJPW lead to the formation of Los Ingobernables de Japon. Together they are now one of the most popular factions in New Japan. In the face obstacles, LIJ has always stuck together and now look to add a sigh member as they await the return of their youngest brother, Hiromu Takahashi from injury. The identity of the newest addition to the LIJ family will revealed at KING OF PRO WRESTLING on October 8. Years after its formation, LIJ continues to strike a chord with those who’ve never quite felt like they fit in, and at the moment their future definitely looks bright.
Lead by the villainous Minoru Suzuki, Suzuki Gun has also emerged as a hugely popular and accomplished faction. Since 2011 the group has managed to find success in both New Japan and Pro Wrestling Noah. Their return to NJPW IN 2017 lead to them becoming a powerful force within the promotion especially with the addition of British wrestling sensation, Zack Sabre Jr. Various members of Suzuki Gun have held championship gold at different times and continue to build momentum in both the junior and heavyweight divisions. As the group continues on greater success definitely lies ahead for Suzuki Gun.
Another powerful faction with New Japan Pro Wrestling has been CHAOS. The group was originally lead by the King Of Strong Style before until his departure from NJPW in 2016. Since then CHAOS has been lead by one of the greatest IWGP Heavyweight champions of all time, Kazuchika Okada. Under his leadership, the group held most of the major titles in New Japan at the same time at one point. However things do seem to be pretty up in the air at the moment for CHAOS with Okada’s long time manager Gedo turning on him and the rest of the group. Does CHAOS have what it takes to rise from the ashes and overcome the current turmoil it is experiencing? Only time can really tell.
The most entertaining babyface faction in the history of New Japan is definitely Taguchi Japan. Leading the way for the group is its “kantoku” or coach, Ryusuke Taguchi who is widely regarded as a great former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion as well as one of the best comedy wrestlers in the industry today. Their matches are always some of the most fun on every card. This faction has been instrumental in the success of former IWGP United States Champion, Juice Robinson and features other amazing talents like the Ace Of The Universe, Hiroshi Tanahashi and the Time Splitter, Kushida. The group is also sometimes joined by indy junior sensation, ACH during his appearances with NJPW. Taguchi Japan also holds the distinction of the being the only faction in New Japan lead by a junior heavyweight and remain a popular fixture within the company.
Every faction in NJPW has its own unique story and represents something special for the fans. There is someone each group that they relate to and either cheer for or boo. Factions will always be vital to the success of New Japan Pro Wrestling. They are a great tool for story telling and building up and coming talents, providing something most people look for, a place to belong.
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