Taiji Ishimori Revealed As Newest Bullet Club Member
A new challenger as emerged in New Japan's junior heavyweight division.
During yesterday's Wrestling Dontaku event, Will Ospreay successfully defended his IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship against KUSHIDA. Following the match, he was confronted by Bullet Club's Tama Tonga.
As Tonga was addressing The Aerial Assassin, Bone Soldier made his return and ambushed the champion from behind. As the masked man laid out Ospreay, Tama removed his mask to reveal Taiji Ishimori as the new Bone Soldier and now a member of Bullet Club.
Taiji had been a major part of the junior heavyweight division in Pro Wrestling NOAH until announcing his departure on 12 March. While there, he was a former three-time GHC Junior Heavyweight Champion, and also held the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships on six separate occasions. Through NOAH's working agreement, Ishimori wrestled extensively for Impact Wrestling, winning their X Division Championship at a TV taping last November.
Taiji has appeared for NJPW in the past, starting off as a young lion in the early 2000s before returning in 2016. Along with ACH, he made it to the finals of that year's Super Junior Tag Tournament before losing to Roppongi Vice.
He has now established himself as the next challenger to Will Ospreay's IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship as we head in to the summer months.