"Top-five" pro wrestling tag teams
Joe Scaringi
Issue date: 11/17/09 Section: Sports
Alright, I have to admit, last month's pro wrestling column sort of put me in wrestling mode. As such, the second edition of Peanuts and Cracker Jacks - the Sport Section's very own "top-five" list - is inspired by none other than professional wrestling. That being the case, we're going to take a look at some of the greatest tag teams who, over the years, have coloured the wacky world of sports entertainment.
#5: The Outsiders
When Scott Hall and Kevin Nash jumped ship to World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in mid-'96, they created a huge splash in the world of professional wrestling - a splash that would quickly turn into a momentum-gaining tidal wave known as the New World Order. As cornerstones of the controversial stable, The Outsiders tore up WCW's Tag Team division. They became the company's "team to beat," reigning as tag team champions on four different occasions.
#4: Legion Of Doom
Vince McMahon finally got what he wanted when he landed his powerhouse tag team of Animal and Hawk. They rode into the World Wresting Federation (WWF) like true road warriors, exploding onto the tag team scene with all the momentum in the world. With numerous tag titles to their name, the L.O.D. would go on to become one of the greatest tag teams in the history of pro wrestling - spiked shoulder pads and all.
#3: Hart Foundation
When these two brother-in-laws were placed together in the mid-'80s, they immediately began putting the WWF Tag Team division on the map. What made them so successful was the way they complimented each other so perfectly; Bret "The Hitman" Hart was the skilled technician, while Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart was all brute power and strength. They held the WWF Tag Team Championship on two occasions - but what was even more impressive was that they not only had the balls to wear bubblegum pink leotards, but actually looked cool doing it.
#2: Demolition
Demolition's gimmick was next to none. It was just so effective; so raw and in your face. They would march out to the ring, music blaring, clad in their black outfits complete with ominous face-masks - as a young kid, they were simply scary. The original duo of Ax and Smash saw the height of the team's popularity, however, Crush was a well-placed addition, shifting the duo to a trio. Unfortunately, when Crush took over permanently for Ax, the team lost momentum and quickly died out.
#1: New Age Outlaws
When Jesse James was re-packaged as "The Road Dogg" and Billy Gunn re-packaged as "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn, the end result was pure magic. Everything just seemed to click, as the Outlaws became one of the most entertaining tag teams of all-time. They were a perfect fit for the controversial D-Generation-X stable, but what made them so impressive was their ability to be just as popular as a stand-alone tag team. With five tag team championships to their name, the New Age Outlaws are a perfect example of how a well-timed package can do wonders in the world of entertainment.
#5: The Outsiders
When Scott Hall and Kevin Nash jumped ship to World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in mid-'96, they created a huge splash in the world of professional wrestling - a splash that would quickly turn into a momentum-gaining tidal wave known as the New World Order. As cornerstones of the controversial stable, The Outsiders tore up WCW's Tag Team division. They became the company's "team to beat," reigning as tag team champions on four different occasions.
#4: Legion Of Doom
Vince McMahon finally got what he wanted when he landed his powerhouse tag team of Animal and Hawk. They rode into the World Wresting Federation (WWF) like true road warriors, exploding onto the tag team scene with all the momentum in the world. With numerous tag titles to their name, the L.O.D. would go on to become one of the greatest tag teams in the history of pro wrestling - spiked shoulder pads and all.
#3: Hart Foundation
When these two brother-in-laws were placed together in the mid-'80s, they immediately began putting the WWF Tag Team division on the map. What made them so successful was the way they complimented each other so perfectly; Bret "The Hitman" Hart was the skilled technician, while Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart was all brute power and strength. They held the WWF Tag Team Championship on two occasions - but what was even more impressive was that they not only had the balls to wear bubblegum pink leotards, but actually looked cool doing it.
#2: Demolition
Demolition's gimmick was next to none. It was just so effective; so raw and in your face. They would march out to the ring, music blaring, clad in their black outfits complete with ominous face-masks - as a young kid, they were simply scary. The original duo of Ax and Smash saw the height of the team's popularity, however, Crush was a well-placed addition, shifting the duo to a trio. Unfortunately, when Crush took over permanently for Ax, the team lost momentum and quickly died out.
#1: New Age Outlaws
When Jesse James was re-packaged as "The Road Dogg" and Billy Gunn re-packaged as "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn, the end result was pure magic. Everything just seemed to click, as the Outlaws became one of the most entertaining tag teams of all-time. They were a perfect fit for the controversial D-Generation-X stable, but what made them so impressive was their ability to be just as popular as a stand-alone tag team. With five tag team championships to their name, the New Age Outlaws are a perfect example of how a well-timed package can do wonders in the world of entertainment.
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