Hank’s Top Ten Tag Teams
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Hey everyone this is Hank Sipps and I am starting a weekly Top Ten blog. I have a lot of interesting ideas and would appreciate any input from you. I decided to start with a traditional top ten and look forward to your comments on your own top ten tag teams. These are my personal favorite:
10) The Dudley Boyz
What can you say about the Dudley Boyz? You can say they’re one of the best damn tag teams in wrestling history. They are the most decorated tag team in history. Their resume swamps any other team. They’ve been WCW Tag Team Championship (1 time), WWF/E World Tag Team Championship (8 times), WWE Tag Team Championship (1 time), NWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time), TNA World Tag Team Championship (2 times), ECW World Tag Team Championship (8 times), IWGP Tag Team Championship (2 times, current), Hustle Super Tag Team Championship (1 time, current). Whether working in WWE, ECW, TNA, or in Japan they are the top tag team in terms of gold and consistency. Oh did I mention “WE WANT TABLES”?
9) Goldust & Booker T
WWE has always been in love with the “Odd Couple” Tag teams. Booker T and Goldust are one of the greatest odd couple teams in recent years. In early 2002 Goldust began buddying up with Booker, playing the lovable weirdo to Booker’s straight man act. Together they produced many memorable moments of hilarity. One of their better known promos was “Booker T and Goldust at the Movies”. Although Booker resisted Goldust’s intial offer to team up, after he was betrayed by the NWO the team finally became official. They won the World Tag Team Championship at Armageddon in a Tag Team Elimination match defeating the teams of Christian & Chris Jericho, Lance Storm & William Regal, and the Dudley Boyz. They held the belts for about three weeks, when they lost them to Regal and Storm. Booker and Goldust lost the rematch and decided to go their separate ways. By 2003, however, Booker T’s popularity had soared and he separated from Goldust, at Goldust’s request, in order to pursue the World Heavyweight Championship. In my mind Booker never would have received a title shot at WrestleMania 19 had it not been for his run with Goldust. They where one of the best WWE tag team and with Booker set to return to WWE I can only hope for a reunion.
Rated-RKO
When two of the best heels in the business team up, what is the result? The number 8 spot on the Top Ten Tag Teams. Edge, in a feud ending steel cage match with John Cena, lost his chance to reclaim the WWE Title due to DX’s interference. Knowing he couldn’t get revenge on DX alone he turned to someone who hated DX as much as he did: Randy Orton. Edge blamed Orton’s lack of success after being kicked out of Evolution on Triple H, which he claimed stalled Orton’s career, as well as DX taking up TV time that he felt should rightfully go to the younger stars. After a defeating DX at Cyber Sunday they were awarded a Tag Team Championship Match. They defeated Roddy Piper and Ric Flair to win the World Tag Team titles. They then continued there feud with DX until Triple H suffered a legit injury. They began a two-on-one feud with HBK, until he teamed up with John Cena to win the titles from Rated-RKO. Though they stuck together afterward, they eventually went their separate in to single domination. Eventually Edge went to Smackdown where he won the World Heavyweight title. Orton would also win the WWE Title soon afterward. They where the top act on Raw and kept me tuned in. That’s why they are the 8 0n the top ten tag teams.
7) The Hart Foundation
Anytime Brett Hart is on your team you know it’s going to be good in the ring. Add Jimmy Hart as the manger and you’re looking at one of the best tag teams ever, and the number seven on the Top Ten Tag Teams. What set the Harts apart from their contemporaries was their respective wrestling styles – Neidhart was more of a brawler/power wrestler, whereas Bret on the other hand was a more agile, sound and polished technician who used ring psychology to his advantage. This contrast was rare at that time, but very successful, leading them in to two reigns as WWF Tag Team Champions. The Hart Foundation were involved in perhaps some of wrestling’s greatest tag-team matches, and they were constantly involved in feuds with various other teams including the British Bulldogs, the Killer Bees, The Rockers, and the Rougeau Brothers. Their Hart Attack finisher became synonymous with victory and although they started as jobbers they became one of the greatest and most recognizable Tag Teams in history.
6) Harlem Heat
Booker T & Stevie Ray were one of the most successful teams in WCW. They held the WCW World Tag Team Championship a record 10 times – the most reigns in WCW history. Booker T’s agility and aerial ability was perfectly blended with the brute powerhouse strength of his brother Stevie Ray. During their time together, they had classic run-ins with the Steiner Brothers, Public Enemy, the Outsiders and the Faces of Fear. They were one of my favorite post 80s teams in WCW and the infamous promo when Booker T called Hulk Hogan nigga was is now a Youtube classic. Though they eventually split up due to a disagreement over Midnight joining Harlem Heat they will always be my favorite WCW tag teams.
5) The APA
The APA started as Undertaker’s Acolytes in 1999 and ended up as three-time World Tag Team Champions. Bradshaw would later become JBL who I feel is one of the better heels in the current era of WWE. The APA spent most of their time drinking beer and playing cards, while taking protection money from jobbers. They had a very good feud with the Hardyz and numerous other tag teams, and there brick wall style is missing in today’s product. That is why they are number five.
4) Edge and Christian
“So for the benefit of those with flash photography” the number four spot on the top ten tag teams is Edge and Christian. No tag team had the raw skill and charismatic humor of E&C. Not only were they phenomenal in the ring but there skills on the mic “reeked of awesomeness”. They provided some of the funniest moments in the latter Attitude era and were involved in some of the greatest tag match innovations; from ladders to full blown TLCs. Their on and off feud with the Hardy Boyz was one of the greatest rivalries of recent times. After splitting up they both enjoyed success in single competition. With Christian back in the WWE and Edge’s eventual return from injury we can only hope to see the reunion of one of the greatest tag teams.
3) The Rock and Sock Connection
Another great Odd Couple Tag Team in WWE history was The Rock N Sock Connection. The “This is Your Life” segment was not only one of the most entertaining moments in WWE/F history but the highest rated segment ever. Both wrestlers were extremely over and Rock’s over the top persona coupled with the enigma that is Mankind formed comedy greatness. Foley was hilarious in his role, playing the odd ball trying to get the Rock to respect him. I know I wasn’t the only person who laughed when Mankind stole the Rocks catch phrases. Together they won the tag titles three times and are one of my favorite tag teams of all time.
2) John Morrison and The Miz
John Morrison and The Miz represent the future of the WWE and one of the greatest tag teams in post attitude era times. Miz and Morrison started off as reluctant partners. At the time they formed they were both feuding with Cm Punk over the ECW title. A triple threat match was made and on the Smackdown before Survivor series they defeated another reluctant team MVP and Matt Hardy for the WWE Tag Team Titles. After both failed to win the ECW championship they began to value the title and so formed the best tag team in the company, despite their huge egos. For two years they dominated the Tag division. They even created the online series The Dirt Sheet which took egotistical celebrity culture and brought it to the WWE. They held both the World Tag Team Titles and the WWE Tag Team Titles once and are number three on the top tag team list. Be jealous!
1) The Hardyz
The Hardyz are the best tag team in WWE/F history. Period. They were innovative, extreme, high flyers, who night in and night out gave there all in the ring. They took part in feuds with Edge and Christian, The Dudley Boyz, bringing tag teams back to the limelight and made the legendary TLC matches their trademark. They were successful as a team winning the WCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) and the WWF/E World Tag Team Championship (6 times). They were one of the main attractions in the Attitude era and will be forever loved by this wrestling fan. That is why the Hardyz are my favorite tag team of all time.
I would love to hear any of your thoughts on my list. If you think I ranked anyone to high to low someone I should have added or should not have had on the list. I look forward to reading your comments and until next time this is Hank Sipps signing out.
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Nice list certainly one or two odd teams to put in and i certainly believe you missed a few big ones such as hbk/hhh but you are entitled to your own opinion. Hope your columns work out not many people have been writing columns lately how about a top ten matches list or a top ten match type list
what about the road warriors(legion of doom)?
Have to say I feel you missed off some great teams… Demolition.. Not the soundest of wrestlers but their characters and work rate was amazing. The Rockers as far as innovative tag teams go, they are up there. Rock ‘N’ Roll express… Just to name three.
Legion Of Doom are highly overrated in my opinion. They were like the Hulk Hogan of tag team wrestling. Great characters but couldn’t work. I know many people see Demolition as a L.O.D. rip off, but atleast Demolition could work.
I noticed that many of the tag teams you mentioned are more recent. I guess I am old school for been watching wrestling for a while. For me a tag team is about how many championships they have won and how long they held them. I do agree with the Dudley Boyz on your list. They are by far the best tag team in the last 10 years. Here are my picks in no particular order.
Midnight Express
Rock n Roll Express
The Rockers
Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard
Demolition
The Freebirds
and last The Road Warriors.
Decent list, but I must agree with all of the above comments. Demolition, The Rockers, DX (HHH/HBK), and especially Legion of Doom/Road Warriors should be on that list. LOD was the dominate force in Tag Team wrestling for well over a decade and if it hadn’t been for Hawks death, I feel they would have gone down in history as the greatest tag team of all-time!
What about the Mega Powers? Hulk Hogan & Macho man! you cant name a team with bigger star power than that… except maybe DX.
I like the odd ball pairings idea too. Rock and Sock deserve mention for sure, but Booker and Goldust? I had forgotten all about that brief pairing until this article reminded me. Not worth the list.
Major flaw in the list is putting the Dudley Boyz at 10 and Miz n Morrison at 2? The Dudleys are the most decorated team in history. I’d put them in my top 3.
And one team I cant believe got overlooked..
-They dominated the early part of the Attitude Era
-Their ability on the mic was unmatched, resulting in some of the most comedic moments I can ever remember in WWE
-They had great chemistry and worked well in-ring together
-From the moment they turned Heel and joined their stable on what in my opinion is one of the most memorable episodes of RAW in history they turned the WWE on it’s head and they stayed relevant for years to come.
By far the best team of the late 90’s
They were 5 time… TAG TEAM champions of the WORLD!!
The Road-Dogg Jesse James….The Bad-Ass Billy Gun….
THE NEW AGE OUTLAWS!!!
Hey some should do an 10 WTF moments, i aint got the creativity but im sure someone else would
but yea u did leav some of the best
I am quite glad someone mentioned Tully Blanchard and Arn Anderson, after I posted mine, I thought God dang I knew I forgot someone. I had forgot all about the New Age Outlaws… They really were a good team but I don’t know if one of the best.. I think mine would be…
10 – Dudley Boyz
9 – Harlem Heat
8 – Rock ‘N’ Roll Express
7 – Tully & Blanchard
6 – Hardy Boyz
5 – Edge & Christian
4 – Demolition
3 – The Rockers
2 – The Steiner Brothers
1 – The Hart Foundation (Bret and Jim)
That is interchangeable and I feel I have forgot about someone, a worthwhile mention is Power & Glory, they were very good.
I say interchangeable, what I mean is.. 4 – 1 is solid.
8 – 5 is interchangeable, I can’t make my mind up on what order they should be in.
that is a good list of great tag teams
but i think MNM were one of the geratest of the post attitude era and they should be on there
and like everyone else said the Road Warriors
I also think Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas should be in there but thats just my opinion
If we’re going old school for me you have to add the Headshrinkers, Bulldogs, Wild Samoans Bolsheviks/Russians, Road Warriors, Steiners, Doom, Rock ‘N’ Roll Express, The Rockers, Freebirds, Von Erichs, hell even Stemboat and Youngblood. There’s so many, you get the idea.
I’d like to point out… I meant The Young Stallions not Power and Glory.. Was just writing that stuff, Keelan. Realised what I said.. pretty big eff up there.
How did I forget the Bulldogs? Steiners are awesome, their stuff from Japan oh my God. I will never forgive Scott Steiner for ruining his body.
I’ve always liked tag team matches. I’d have to throw The Bushwackers into the mix. Debateable for a top ten team I suppose. But they were pretty entertaining to watch.
kane and undertaker, Austin and triple h(the two man power trip)
I left Dx off the list beacuse they never won the tag titles. besides i dont like thier current run. What can Dx do thats outrageous in a PG erea. Maybe your right about booker t and goldust but i loved the pairing. Thanks for the comments and i will post another Top Ten soon
A best of list is always subjective. As far as WWF/E teams go, Miz and Morrison shouldn’t be on the list, nor should Rock & Sock, or Goldust and Booker T. The Valiant Brothers should be, along with L.O.D. I suggest everyone check out the book, Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame-the Tag Teams. Some of the teams in that book, like the Kangaroos and the Dusek Family Riot Squad, are from The Old School, or even The Ancient School. Others, like the British Bulldogs and Rock-N-Roll Express, are more recent. Interestingly, the book doesn’t rank any teams from the Monday Night War Era in the top ten. Also, am I the only person who remembers The Fantastics and considers them underrated? They looked like pretty boys, but I saw them get downright brutal in some matches in Mid-South.
Personally, I’m going with the Road Warriors as the top tag team in history. Not because they were any good- because they really couldn’t wrestle- but because they dominated tag team wrestling for a decade and basically revolutionized it. After the Road Warriors, or L.O.D., or whatever, I’d have to say the Kangaroos, even though my parents were just kids when they were big. The Kangaroos essentially invented tag team wrestling as it is today. I don’t know how good they were, but there would be no tag teams today without them. Bruiser Brody and Stan Hansen, the Rock-N-Roll and Midnight Expresses, Arn and Tully, Harley Race and Larry Hennig (Perfect’s father), the Hart Foundation, Dick the Bruiser and The Crusher, any combination of David, Kerry, or Kevin Von Erich, the Fantastics, and the Dudleys would be other teams that I would rank.
Have you ever heard of a team called the Road Warriors?
The Fabulous Rougeau brothers are the only noteworthy team EVER! They loved the USA, they spoke French Canadian, waved little American flags as they butchered the English language. They were “All American Boys” Not of mention, they hung out out with “The Honky Tonk Man”
You must not love America!
I have to agree with all the above comments as well. Many were over looked.
Mines would have to be:
10. APA
9. The Headbangers
8. The Rockers
7. LOD
6. Rock & Sock
5. Edge and Christian
4. Dudley Boyz
3. HBK & HHH
2. Hardy Boyz
1. New Age Outlaws
NAW was by far the most entertaining and equally talented tag team I have seen.
All depends on what era you are from.
Rock and Sock? Common.. that socko thing was the dumbest thing. Where is the real tag teams? where is Techno Team 2000? The natural disaster, the hillbillies, and bushwackers?
No seriously though, I agree that Demolition, Legion of Doom deserve to be there. Also what about the Nasty Boys, or Doink and Dink? (hehe kidding about the last)
hollywood blondes and the brain busters
I find it amazing, yet kinda funny that I’m the first one to so much as even mention The Outsiders. The most dominate tag team of the 90’s. Ring any bells?
Outsiders sucked balls as a tag team.
Hollywood Blondes would’ve been a fantastic tag-team if they had of been allowed to be.
I’m so glad you qualified this with “personal favorites”.
Greats no one has mentioned yet:
Jack and Jerry Brisco
Pat Patterson and Ray Stevens
The Wild Samoans (Afa and Sika)
The Fabulous Ones (Stan Lane and Steve Keirn)
Buddy Rose and Doug Somers
Ivan and Nikita Koloff
Mikey Whipwreck and Tajiri (one of my own personal faves)
Money Inc. (Ted DiBiase and Mike Rotondo)
Some thoughts:
- The Headbangers BLEW GOATS. FACT. Seriously, go back and watch some of their matches. Then watch most of the other teams that have been mentioned here. Mosh and Thrash belong NOWHERE NEAR a greatest teams list.
- Yes, the Outsiders sucked but they were a HUGE draw in the 90’s.
- For a little while in the late 80’s – early 90’s, The Steiner Brothers were easily the greatest team in the world. Seriously.
- @crforbes: Yes, the Fantastics are criminally underrated.
- Had the Von Erichs ever ventured outside of Texas TOGETHER and had serious runs in other territories (including one or both of the “Big Two” WWF and/or NWA), we wouldn’t even be having this conversation. I know it’s purely speculation, but imagine for a moment: Von Erichs vs. The Road Warriors in a lengthy program. License to print money, dude.
Greatest: Road Warriors. It’s not even debatable. NO ONE has EVER had a run like they did. The Dudleys are the most decorated, but they have probably drawn a dollar for every 100 the Warriors drew. Their feuds with The Midnight Express, The Freebirds, Dusty Rhodes, Arn and Tully, etc. are the stuff of myth in this business.
Agreed give me the Road Warriors, the original Iron Man theme and some bloody noses in a grainy darkened NWA arena and I’ll be happy until next Tuesday!
I have to agree with all the above comments as well. Many were over looked.
Mines would have to be:
10. APA
9. RATED RKO
8. The Rockers
7. LOD
6. Rock & Sock
5. The Hart Foundation
4. Dudley Boyz
3. Hardy Boyz
2. Edge & Christian
1. DX
I am suprised no one has mentioned Nikolai Volkoff and the Iron Sheik. One of the best tag team rivalries with the US Express.
All of this really depends on what era your from. I’m a teenager so I can’t really understand the picks like kangaroos or even pre attitude era. But than gain people in their forties and above may be able to understand picks like edge and christian or morrison and miz
By the way another top five could be best potitential feuds
or better yet best feuds period
The list was the best tag teams of the last 20 years. Alot of great tag teams were left out. Doc and Gordy, The Eliminators and Dick Murdoch and Ardian Adonias. That is just to name a few.
You have no idea what your talking about. The moment i saw Booker T & Goldust i just laughed. Most of your choices are shit. You want to look back to the 90’s to get great tag teams, besides A.P.A & The Dudleys
It depends what you enjoy. I loved the bushwhackers because they were funny.
I’d move The Dudley Boyz into Miz & Morrison’s spot and give 10 to Los Guerreros.
You missed some major ones out, Ill presume you were doing one’s since 95. Personally I prefer Edge and Christian to the Hardys as they were less of a gimmick tag team and were good on the Mic as well.