Several famous tag teams competed in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) but, for various reasons, never captured the AWA World Tag Team Championship. Despite not winning the titles, these teams made significant contributions to the promotion and left a lasting impact on professional wrestling history.
1. The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy, and Buddy Roberts):
Introduction and Style: The Fabulous Freebirds, consisting of Michael "P.S." Hayes, Terry "Bam Bam" Gordy, and Buddy "Jack" Roberts, were known for their flamboyant style, charisma, and innovative approach to tag team wrestling. The Freebirds pioneered the "Freebird Rule," which allowed any two members of their three-man team to defend a tag team title, adding an unpredictable dynamic to their matches.
Impact in the AWA (1984-1985): The Freebirds were a top attraction in the AWA during the mid-1980s, bringing their rebellious Southern style to the promotion. They were involved in notable feuds, particularly against The Road Warriors (Hawk and Animal) and The Crusher and Baron Von Raschke. The Freebirds never won the AWA World Tag Team Championship, but their popularity and compelling storylines helped draw crowds and added excitement to the AWA's tag team division.
Legacy: Although the Freebirds did not win the AWA World Tag Team Championship, they were instrumental in popularizing the faction concept in wrestling and influenced the way tag team wrestling was presented. Their charisma and innovative ideas left a lasting impression, and they were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016.
2. The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn and Stan Lane):
Introduction and Popularity: The Fabulous Ones, composed of Steve Keirn and Stan Lane, were a popular babyface tag team known for their flashy attire, energetic entrances, and charisma. They were initially formed in the Memphis territory in the early 1980s, where they became a massive hit with fans due to their unique look and style.
Time in the AWA (1984-1985): The Fabulous Ones competed in the AWA during the mid-1980s, where they were positioned as one of the top tag teams. They engaged in high-profile feuds with teams like The Road Warriors, The Sheiks (Jerry Blackwell and Ken Patera), and The Long Riders (Scott and Bill Irwin). Despite their popularity and success, they never captured the AWA World Tag Team Championship.
Legacy: The Fabulous Ones were instrumental in bringing a more modern, rock 'n' roll-inspired presentation to tag team wrestling, which helped pave the way for future teams like The Midnight Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty). Their influence extended beyond the AWA, impacting the broader wrestling landscape.
3. The British Bulldogs (Dynamite Kid and Davey Boy Smith):
Introduction and Style: The British Bulldogs, consisting of Dynamite Kid (Tom Billington) and Davey Boy Smith, were known for their incredible athleticism, technical prowess, and innovative double-team maneuvers. They were considered one of the most exciting and skilled tag teams of the 1980s, first gaining prominence in Stampede Wrestling in Canada before moving to the WWF.
Brief Stint in the AWA (1989): The British Bulldogs had a brief stint in the AWA in 1989 after leaving the WWF due to contractual issues. During their time in the AWA, they were involved in notable matches and feuds, including a rivalry with The Destruction Crew (Wayne Bloom and Mike Enos). Despite their status as one of the top tag teams in the world, they never captured the AWA World Tag Team Championship.
Legacy: The British Bulldogs are remembered as one of the greatest tag teams of all time, known for their blend of power, speed, and technical ability. Their influence on tag team wrestling is immense, inspiring countless teams that followed them. Despite not winning the AWA World Tag Team Championship, their presence in the promotion added prestige and excitement.
4. The Long Riders (Scott and Bill Irwin):
Introduction and Gimmick: The Long Riders, made up of "Wild" Bill Irwin and Scott "Hog" Irwin, were a rugged tag team known for their biker outlaw gimmick. They were characterized by their rough, physical style and their penchant for bending or breaking the rules to win matches.
Competing in the AWA (1983-1985): The Long Riders were a prominent heel team in the AWA during the mid-1980s. They feuded with several popular babyface teams, including The Fabulous Ones and The High Flyers (Greg Gagne and Jim Brunzell). Despite being a formidable team and receiving considerable attention, they never captured the AWA World Tag Team Championship.
Legacy: The Long Riders were notable for their unique look and tough personas, and they contributed to the AWA's tag team scene during a period of intense competition. While they did not win the AWA World Tag Team Championship, they are remembered for their memorable matches and entertaining heel tactics.
5. The Sheepherders (Luke Williams and Butch Miller):
Introduction and Brawling Style: The Sheepherders, consisting of Luke Williams and Butch Miller, were a vicious, brawling tag team from New Zealand known for their wild and hardcore style. They first gained fame in territories such as Pacific Northwest Wrestling, Stampede Wrestling, and Mid-South Wrestling before making appearances in the AWA.
Competing in the AWA (1984-1985): The Sheepherders wrestled in the AWA in the mid-1980s, where they engaged in brutal matches and feuds with teams like The Fabulous Ones, The Road Warriors, and The High Flyers. Their bloody and violent style made them a feared team, but they never managed to capture the AWA World Tag Team Championship.
Legacy: The Sheepherders are best known for their hardcore, brawling style, which later transformed into a more comedic persona when they became The Bushwhackers in the WWF. Despite not winning the AWA World Tag Team Championship, they were known for their intense matches and contributions to tag team wrestling's evolution.
6. The East-West Connection (Adrian Adonis and Jesse Ventura):
Introduction and Character Work: The East-West Connection, made up of Adrian Adonis and Jesse "The Body" Ventura, was a charismatic heel tag team that combined Ventura's flamboyance with Adonis' toughness and technical ability. The duo was known for their flashy interviews and unique ring attire.
Success and Controversy (1979-1980): The East-West Connection was a major force in the AWA during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Although they held the AWA World Tag Team Championship briefly, their run is often remembered more for their colorful personas and promos than for their title reigns. They are included here due to their notable contributions to the AWA's tag team division without significant championship dominance.
Legacy: The team was instrumental in popularizing the more theatrical aspects of wrestling, combining strong character work with solid in-ring performances. Ventura went on to become a prominent color commentator and even a politician, while Adonis continued to wrestle, further cementing their legacies.
7. The Texas Hangmen (Killer and Psycho):
Introduction and Persona: The Texas Hangmen, composed of Killer (Mike Moran) and Psycho (Tom Benninghaus), were a masked tag team known for their mysterious personas and rough, brawling style. They were recognizable for their black masks and noose, adding a sinister element to their presentation.
Competing in the AWA (1989-1990): The Texas Hangmen were part of the AWA in its final years, where they were portrayed as a dangerous heel team. They feuded with teams like The Destruction Crew and The Guerreros (Mando and Chavo Guerrero), but they never won the AWA World Tag Team Championship despite being positioned as serious contenders.
Legacy: The Texas Hangmen’s menacing appearance and gimmick left an impression on fans, and they continued to compete in various independent promotions after the AWA closed. Though they did not win the AWA World Tag Team Championship, their character work and style added depth to the AWA's tag team division during its waning years.
Conclusion:
While these teams did not capture the AWA World Tag Team Championship, their presence added diversity, excitement, and memorable moments to the AWA's tag team division. They contributed to the rich history of tag team wrestling and helped shape the evolution of the sport, even without holding the titles themselves.
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