Tony Khan Ditches Iconic NJPW Name of Tag Champions Despite Supposedly Strong Relationship Before Forbidden Door

There have been some iconic tag teams in pro wrestling, including the Road Warriors in the WWE, NWO in WCW, Bullet Club in NJPW, and the Bang Bang Gang in AEW. Many of them are now etched in the memory of a generation while new stars continue their legacy. One such group from NJPW is part of the WWE and AEW. While the WWE has acknowledged their relevance, Tony Khan has seemingly omitted them despite his NJPW tie-up.

Under Vince McMahon’s banner, the WWE was never allowed to acknowledge the NJPW for years. However, under Triple H, things have changed. So, what is Tony Khan doing?

Tony Khan removes Bullet Club Gold ahead of Double or Nothing

The Bullet Club has been a wrestling stable that debuted in 2013 in NJPW. Since then, it has become part of TNA and AEW. Members of the Club include the founder Finn Bálor, Karl Anderson, The Young Bucks, AJ Styles, and even Cody Rhodes. While many members are in the WWE, AEW created Bullet Club Gold.

The new version of the beloved stable was formed by Juice Robinson and Jay White, the leader. However, White’s association with the Club has been reworked while being part of the Unified World Trios Champions. White is now part of the Bang Bang Gang and is on the official online roster and promotional material.

This shocked the AEW fans as the company’s tie-in with NJPW’s Forbidden Door is getting closer. Many have speculated this will forward an angle at the PPV. Unfortunately, with no buildup, fans were left scratching their heads. Moreover, many still use the Bullet Club Gold moniker for the Double or Nothing match card.

While there is no confirmation from Khan or anyone else as to why this move was made, fans hope the group’s name is returned. Rhodes and Styles mentioned their involvement in the club ahead of WWE Backlash in France. So, it does hold a ton of lineage within the wrestling circle. Fans only hope this isn’t another one of Khan’s booking blunders.

Tony Khan has to pay for using the Bullet Club name

As mentioned earlier, the Bullet Club’s name and stable belong to the NJPW. Any variations of the group require promotions to pay NJPW royalties. This is why the Bullet Club was never mentioned that much under Vince McMahon’s rule. Despite Styles, Anderson, and Gallows being on the WWE roster, they were never acknowledged as the Bullet Club members and quickly disbanded.

Despite having a good working relationship with NJPW, Khan’s idea of using only the name Bang Bang Gang has raised eyebrows. While the major reason hints at an upcoming feud, fans of the promotion would love to see Bullet Club Gold used on promotional material. What do you think is the reason why Khan axed the name? Is there a reason it was done ahead of Double or Nothing and Forbidden Door? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.