A former champion’s six-year pro wrestling career has come to an unexpected end as Alex Coughlin, a key figure in the Bullet Club faction of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, announced his retirement shortly after his last match. Coughlin, also known as The Android, began his wrestling journey in 2018 at the NJPW LA Dojo under the guidance of Katsuyori Shibata, a current AEW star. In 2023, he joined Bullet Club alongside Gabriel Kidd, and the pair swiftly clinched the Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship, marking the pinnacle of Coughlin’s brief but impactful career.
Recently, the former champion took to Twitter to share the news of his retirement, signaling the end of an era in his wrestling tenure. His final appearance in the ring occurred just a month prior when he and Sean Wachter emerged victorious against Jey Mesias and Pat Fitzpatrick.
WWE Fans (Via WWE/Twitter)
Beyond his contributions to NJPW, Coughlin also made appearances in Ring of Honor and various independent circuits, showcasing his versatility and talent across different platforms.
During a notable stint in Ring of Honor, Coughlin faced his mentor Shibata in a memorable showdown for the ROH Pure Championship. However, a significant setback occurred when Coughlin sustained a severe neck injury during one of his recent matches, forcing him to make the difficult decision to retire from professional wrestling. The untimely end to his career has left fans and peers alike reflecting on Coughlin’s impact and potential within the wrestling industry, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the sport and the sacrifices that come with pursuing one’s passion at such a high level.
