AJ Styles Says Bullet Club Worked Because They Actually Liked Each Other Outside The Ring

AJ Styles helped turn Bullet Club into one of the most influential factions in wrestling history, but according to him, the group’s success didn’t just come from storyline ideas or ring chemistry. It came from something much simpler — real friendships.

Speaking on The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, Styles opened up about his time in New Japan Pro Wrestling and explained that the bond between Bullet Club members wasn’t forced. It developed naturally because the group genuinely enjoyed spending time together outside the ring. Styles explained that what fans saw on television was the same dynamic happening behind the scenes, with members constantly hanging out and building relationships that carried into their performances.

“There was like the Bullet Club were on fire in Japan. I don't think some Western fans realize quite how big the Bullet Club was in Japan. Um and the team you were with at the time were the Young Bucks and some of those other guys which is Gallows and Anderson you know Tama Fale like we we had some fun. Like we were having fun literally we were having fun. That's we actually you know I've said this before I'll say it again we actually liked hanging out with each other.”

Styles continued, explaining that their off-screen friendships became the foundation that helped Bullet Club feel authentic to fans watching around the world.

“Go out we would hang out with each other you know we would call hey well let's go out let's do this let's go do this let's go grab a bite to eat. Like there were some really cool things about the Bullet Club at that time where you had guys who genuinely genuinely needed or wanted to be together… But everybody enjoyed being around each other man it was it was a really cool time to be in the Bullet Club and to be in New Japan at that you know we were just having so much fun doing whatever we want literally doing whatever we want.”

Bullet Club went on to become one of the most talked-about factions of the modern era, influencing wrestling promotions across the globe and helping reshape how factions were presented on television. Styles’ comments make it clear that their chemistry wasn’t manufactured — it came from trust, friendship, and time spent together away from the spotlight.

That kind of real connection is hard to fake, and it likely played a major role in why Bullet Club resonated so strongly with fans worldwide.

Do you think Bullet Club would have become as successful if the group didn’t have that real-life friendship behind the scenes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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