NJPW News: Taiji Ishimori joins Bullet Club

Look who will be gunning for Ospreay next!
Look who will be gunning for Ospreay next!

What's the story?

Former Impact Wrestling X-Division Champion Taiji Ishimori has jumped ship to NJPW. He has joined forces with the Bullet Club and is the new Bone Soldier.

Ishimori showed up in the Bone Soldier mask after the classic between Ospreay and Kushida at NJPW's show in Dontaku recently. He attacked the Jr. Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay immediately after his match.

In case you didn't know...

Ishimori rose to fame as a member of Pro Wrestling Noah. He was the longest reigning GHC Junior Heavyweight Champion of the promotion as well as a six-time GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion.

He then went to Impact Wrestling where he was the finalist of the Super X Cup. Trevor Lee and Ishimori then put on a classic for the ages, where Ishimori became the Impact Wrestling X-Division champion. Recently, it was announced that he was no longer affiliated with Impact Wrestling anymore.

The heart of the matter

Ospreay and Kushida put on a classic match where they went move for move, and counter for counter. Ospreay won the match after a fantastic contest. Tama Tonga would step out after the match to introduce the new Bone Soldier. This man was unmasked and shown to be Taiji Ishimori.

It is clear that Ishimori will be part of the Junior Heavyweight Division going forward. He has the Champion Will Ospreay in his sights at the moment. Could he cause an upset and pick up the championship from him?

What's next?

It remains to be seen what the booking for Ishimori will entail. Fans on social media lost their minds when he was announced as a member of the Bullet Club. We're certain that he'll put on a few classics with Ospreay very soon.

Author's take

Taiji Ishimori is one of the best cruiserweights/junior heavyweights on the planet. He's got the moves and can hang with the best of them.

I can't wait to see what he brings to the Bullet Club with his dazzling display of fabulous moves.


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