GAME CHANGERS:
THE STORY OF THE ELITE
By Jasmine Olan
Over the last few years, one group has changed the independent and international wrestling scenes in a way that few ever have or will able to. They are the ELITE. What began as a sub faction of the Bullet Club has now evolved into something completely its own. Along the way, the ELITE has had a huge impact on the industry from both a creative and business stand point. They have also been able to help build major moment for both New Japan Pro Wrestling. With a hugely popular YouTube show and merchandise line, these performers have proven that you can make your mark in the wrestling world without going to WWE. Their talent and unique point of view have made the ELITE one of pro wrestling’s most popular factions. The members of the group each stand as an example of how it is possible for a wrestler to find success on their own terms.
For years, the Bullet Club has been the number one faction on the international wrestling scene. In early 2016, a sub faction of the group was formed consisting of the Bullet Club’s third leader, Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks. Over time, they emerged as the most popular members of the Bullet Club. Their YouTube show, Being The ELITE played a major part in their growing success, becoming a massive hit. This also lead to a wildly popular merchandise line sold in Hot Topic and on Pro Wrestling Tees.com. It was that success that would lead to a rift within the Bullet Club that slowly began in late 2017, after the return of Kenny Omega’s former best friend, Kota Ibushi.
That return also marked a change in Kenny who’s struggle with guilt over having betrayed Ibushi back in 2015 and the hurt he felt over losing the person he loved the most had truly begun to show. In 2018, the Bullet Club turned on Kenny which also lead to the reunion of The Golden Lovers. For a while the Young Bucks struggled to understand the Kenny’s bond with Ibushi, and a brief feud between the two teams. Then came DOMINION 6.9 which saw Kenny Omega finally become IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
Kenny’s crowning moment was also a moment of healing for the Bucks and the Golden Lovers. That night the Golden Elite was formed with both teams promising to stick together and continue the effort to change the world of professional wrestling. After the G1 Special in San Francisco, the Bullet Club was divided along two lines with some members choosing to side with the Golden ELITE and others siding with the Firing Squad. Both sides would remain successful and continue to evolve. The ELITE were also able to make history with the unprecedented success of the ALL IN pay per view event produced by the Young Bucks and Cody Rhodes. Now the Industry is buzzing about the idea of the ELITE even forming their own promotion in the coming year.
The of story of the ELITE Is a very unique tale about a group of passionate performers who were able to find success on their own terms and formed a close bond of friendship along the way. They have been helping change the way professional wrestling is perceived around the world. In their own way, the ELITE has been able to open the eyes of wrestling fans to brand new world of possibilities as to what professional wrestling can be. They were brave enough to take the right chances and follow their hearts while being strong enough to stay true to themselves. That is an invaluable lesson for anyone. That strength and courage has truly them game changers.
