NJPW Bullet Club: The Evolution Of Their Theme Music

The New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) Bullet Club is more than just a wrestling stable; it's a global phenomenon. A significant part of their identity is their theme music, which has evolved alongside the group's changing roster and alignment. This article dives deep into the history of the Bullet Club's theme music, exploring its origins, variations, and impact on the stable's overall image.

The Genesis of Chaos: "Last of the Mohicans"

When the Bullet Club was formed in 2013, led by Prince Devitt (now known as Finn Bálor in WWE), their entrance music was a remixed version of "Last of the Mohicans". This track, originally composed by Trevor Jones and Randy Edelman for the 1992 film of the same name, was chosen for its powerful, tribal, and slightly ominous feel. The remix incorporated heavier guitar riffs and a more aggressive tempo, perfectly capturing the Bullet Club's initial rebellious and anti-establishment attitude.

"Last of the Mohicans" was more than just a song; it was a statement. It told the audience that this new group was unlike anything they had seen before in NJPW. The music perfectly complemented the Bullet Club's disruptive behavior, their tendency to cheat, and their overall disregard for the rules of Japanese wrestling culture. The choice of this theme was instrumental in establishing the Bullet Club as a force to be reckoned with, instantly creating an aura of danger and unpredictability around them. The heavy guitar riffs and war-like drums signaled that these wrestlers were not to be trifled with, setting the stage for their reign of dominance in NJPW.

The initial impact of "Last of the Mohicans" cannot be overstated. It became synonymous with the Bullet Club's early days, a period marked by their rapid ascent to the top of NJPW. The music was a key element in their presentation, helping to solidify their image as a cohesive and dangerous unit. As the Bullet Club gained popularity, their theme song became instantly recognizable, eliciting cheers (and jeers) from fans around the world. It was a crucial component in building their brand and establishing them as one of the most iconic wrestling stables of all time.

The Styles Era: A Shift in Sound

After Devitt's departure, AJ Styles took over as the leader of the Bullet Club. With this change in leadership came a subtle but noticeable shift in the stable's theme music. While "Last of the Mohicans" remained the core of their entrance, new elements were added to reflect Styles's unique charisma and wrestling style. The remixes became slightly more melodic, incorporating elements of hard rock and even a touch of southern rock, a nod to Styles's Georgia roots.

This era saw variations on the original theme that included slightly different guitar solos and altered drum patterns. While retaining the core intensity of "Last of the Mohicans", these adjustments helped to distinguish Styles's Bullet Club from Devitt's. The subtle changes reflected the evolution of the group's identity, signaling that while they still embraced the rebellious spirit of the original Bullet Club, they were also forging their own path under new leadership.

The modifications to the theme during Styles's leadership also served to highlight his individual star power. While the Bullet Club was always a group effort, Styles's undeniable talent and charisma made him the focal point. The slightly more melodic and rock-influenced remixes added a layer of coolness and swagger to the Bullet Club's presentation, enhancing their appeal to a broader audience. This period marked a significant chapter in the Bullet Club's history, solidifying their status as a top draw in NJPW and paving the way for their continued success.

The Kenny Omega Takeover: "Devil's Dance"

When Kenny Omega assumed leadership of the Bullet Club, another significant change occurred in their theme music. While variations of "Last of the Mohicans" were still used, Omega also introduced "Devil's Dance" by Metallica to the stable's repertoire. This song, with its heavy metal riffs and dark, aggressive lyrics, perfectly complemented Omega's edgier and more controversial leadership style.

"Devil's Dance" brought a new level of intensity to the Bullet Club's entrance. Its blistering guitar solos and thunderous drums created an atmosphere of chaos and unpredictability, mirroring Omega's own wrestling style and persona. The song also reflected the growing divide within the Bullet Club, as Omega's leadership often clashed with other members, particularly Cody Rhodes. The darker and more aggressive tone of "Devil's Dance" underscored the internal conflicts and power struggles that defined this era of the Bullet Club.

The use of Metallica's "Devil's Dance" was a bold move that further cemented the Bullet Club's reputation as a group willing to push boundaries and challenge conventions. The song's popularity also helped to introduce the Bullet Club to a wider audience, particularly those familiar with heavy metal music. This strategic choice in theme music played a significant role in solidifying Omega's leadership and defining his vision for the Bullet Club.

The Cody Rhodes Intrusion: A Theme of Division

Cody Rhodes's arrival in the Bullet Club added another layer of complexity to the stable's theme music. As tensions rose between Omega and Rhodes, their conflicting personalities and leadership styles began to be reflected in the music used during their entrances. While the Bullet Club still used variations of "Last of the Mohicans" and "Devil's Dance," Rhodes often used his own entrance music, "Kingdom," creating a sense of division within the group.

"Kingdom," with its grand orchestral arrangement and heroic undertones, stood in stark contrast to the Bullet Club's more aggressive and rebellious themes. This musical contrast highlighted the growing rift between Omega and Rhodes, signaling to fans that the Bullet Club was on the verge of fracturing. The use of separate entrance themes became a symbol of the internal power struggle, foreshadowing the eventual split between the two leaders.

The conflicting themes during this period created a sense of unease and uncertainty among Bullet Club fans. The use of "Kingdom" alongside the stable's established themes served as a constant reminder of the internal divisions and the potential for chaos. This musical storytelling added depth to the Bullet Club's narrative, making their eventual split all the more impactful.

Bullet Club Today: The Legacy Continues

Today, the Bullet Club continues to evolve, with new leaders and members bringing their own influences to the stable's theme music. While variations of "Last of the Mohicans" are still used, the group has also incorporated new tracks to reflect their changing identity and direction. The Bullet Club's theme music remains an integral part of their overall presentation, helping to maintain their status as one of the most iconic and influential wrestling stables in the world.

The current iteration of the Bullet Club often blends elements of their past themes with new, contemporary sounds. This approach allows them to honor their history while also staying relevant and appealing to modern wrestling fans. The use of remixes and variations ensures that the Bullet Club's theme music remains fresh and exciting, keeping fans engaged and invested in their story.

The Bullet Club's enduring popularity is a testament to their ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to their core values. Their theme music has played a crucial role in this process, serving as a constant reminder of their rebellious spirit and their commitment to pushing boundaries. As the Bullet Club continues to make waves in the world of professional wrestling, their theme music will undoubtedly remain a key element of their success.

Conclusion

The Bullet Club's theme music has been an integral part of their identity since their formation. From the tribal intensity of "Last of the Mohicans" to the heavy metal aggression of "Devil's Dance," the group's entrance music has reflected their changing leadership, evolving storylines, and overall attitude. As the Bullet Club continues to evolve, their theme music will undoubtedly remain a key element of their enduring appeal.

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of professional wrestling, the Bullet Club's theme music is sure to leave a lasting impression. So turn up the volume, embrace the chaos, and get ready to witness the evolution of one of the most iconic wrestling stables of all time.

I hope you guys have a blast listening to them!