Best 10 WWE Tag Teams Of All Time – Tag team wrestling in WWE has a unique charm, offering faster-paced matches, double-team moves, and compelling stories of friendship and betrayal. Over the years, WWE has seen its fair share of tag teams, some iconic and others forgettable. This list highlights the 10 best tag teams in WWE history (in no particular order), acknowledging their contributions and impact on the wrestling world.
The Rockers
The Rockers, consisting of Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty, epitomized the classic “young cool partying dudes” tag team archetype in WWE during the ’80s. Their wrestling prowess set them apart as one of the best tag teams of their era. While they shared similarities with legendary tag team The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express, The Rockers had their own distinct charm.
The duo consistently delivered outstanding matches, whether facing top-tier opponents like The Brainbusters or elevating the quality of bouts against less-established teams. One of their most memorable encounters was against the Orient Express at the 1991 Royal Rumble, widely regarded as one of the decade’s greatest WWE PPV opening matches.
Despite their in-ring excellence, The Rockers never had an official WWE Tag Team Championship reign. A bizarre incident during a title match against The Hart Foundation, where the top rope broke, led to WWE’s decision not to air the match and erase it from history, thus retaining the championship with The Foundation.
While a longer tenure might have eventually secured them a title run, The Rockers disbanded in 1992, marked by a legendary angle. During an episode of Brutus Beefcake’s “Barbershop” talk segment, Shawn Michaels turned heel by superkicking Marty Jannetty through a glass window, forever etching the “Barbershop window” moment in wrestling history.
The British Bulldogs
The British Bulldogs, consisting of Dynamite Kid and Davey Boy Smith, were a remarkable tag team in their era. Dynamite Kid, known for his exceptional wrestling skills and influential matches with Tiger Mask, was considered one of the finest performers of his generation. On the other hand, Davey Boy Smith was an athletic talent who developed an impressive physique.
Together, they formed The British Bulldogs, a tag team that stood out during its time. Their WWE feud with fellow Stampede Wrestling alumni The Hart Foundation became one of the defining tag team rivalries of the 1980s and extended over several years, including a notable appearance at WrestleMania III.
The Bulldogs secured the WWE Tag Team Championships once, achieving this feat by defeating The Dream Team, comprised of Brutus Beefcake and Greg Valentine, at WrestleMania II. They held the titles for almost a year before losing them to The Hart Foundation. Unfortunately, the end of their title reign was marred by Dynamite Kid’s severe back injury, a result of years of intense wrestling and a demanding lifestyle taking its toll.
Despite the injury, the team continued to perform for some time, but Dynamite Kid’s condition never fully recovered. The duo was even accompanied by an actual bulldog named Matilda as their mascot, which became part of a storyline when she was “dognapped” by the villainous Bobby Heenan. Given these circumstances, it’s not surprising that The British Bulldogs eventually departed from WWE in 1988 to explore opportunities in other wrestling promotions.
The Hart Foundation
The Hart Foundation, consisting of Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart, exemplified the concept of contrasting styles creating a dynamic tag team. While their real-life connection involved sharing the same four letters in their last names and being in-laws, their wrestling personas couldn’t have been more different.
Bret Hart was renowned for his technical wrestling prowess and possessed a traditional wrestler’s physique. He initially displayed a reserved demeanor, both inside and outside the ring, as he continued to develop his persona. On the other hand, Jim Neidhart was a robust powerhouse of a man with an overflowing personality that left a lasting impression on fans. His maniacal cackle became a memorable trademark.
Together, they complemented each other perfectly. Bret, known as “The Hitman,” excelled at carrying the in-ring action, delivering high-quality matches. Jim Neidhart, known as “The Anvil,” had a talent for carrying the promos and providing a charismatic presence. Occasionally, they were accompanied by manager Jimmy Hart, despite no familial relation to either member.
The Hart Foundation enjoyed a successful six-year run in WWE, spanning from 1985 to 1991. Despite an era with less frequent title changes, they secured the tag team championships twice. However, their combined days as champions added up to an impressive 483 days, solidifying their place in the annals of wrestling history.
Over the years, various Hart family members attempted to recreate the magic of the original Hart Foundation, with notable attempts such as Jim Neidhart teaming up with Bret’s brother Owen to form The New Foundation. However, none of these attempts could match the in-ring excellence and the enduring legacy of the original Hart Foundation.
Demolition
Demolition, despite being perceived as a knockoff of an original tag team, managed to establish themselves as a formidable and memorable duo within WWE. Their striking ring attire, distinctive facepaint, and “Mad Max”-inspired monikers, “Ax” and “Smash,” all contributed to their unique identity.
In essence, Demolition seemed like Vince McMahon’s attempt to create his version of the Road Warriors before securing the services of the original team. However, when focusing on their WWE careers during the ’80s, Demolition not only outshone the Warriors but also surpassed all other tag teams of their era in terms of success and championship reigns.
Demolition’s WWE Tag Team Championship history is indeed impressive. They held the tag titles on three separate occasions, a feat that surpassed the achievements of other teams from their time. Moreover, they accumulated a combined total of 698 days as tag team champions, solidifying their place in the WWE history books. Their reigns stand as some of the longest in WWE tag team championship history.
While Demolition may not be primarily remembered for their in-ring work when compared to other teams, they were dependable and proficient wrestlers. Their gimmick, although inspired by others, left an indelible mark on the wrestling world due to its memorability and the duo’s dominance in the division. These factors, along with their championship success, earned Demolition a well-deserved spot on this list of legendary WWE tag teams.
The Legion of Doom
The Legion of Doom, also known as Hawk and Animal, left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling despite facing some challenging circumstances during their WWE tenure. Prior to their WWE debut as the Legion of Doom, they had already established themselves as one of the hottest tag teams of the ’80s under the name “The Road Warriors.”
Hawk and Animal’s intimidating presence, inspired by the “Mad Max” films, featured distinct elements like face paint, mohawks, spiked shoulder pads, and incredibly muscular physiques. Their matches were often brief yet impactful, leaving a strong impression on fans. Hawk’s eccentric and off-the-wall promos added another layer to their captivating personas.
Upon joining WWE in 1990, the initial outlook appeared promising for the team. While they were required to change their name to the Legion of Doom, their core gimmick remained intact, and they quickly ascended to tag team championship status. However, their WWE run was relatively short-lived, lasting just two years and ending with Hawk’s decision to leave the company.
One notable aspect of their WWE stint was the introduction of a puppet mascot named Rocco, a decision that left many fans scratching their heads and questioning WWE’s creative choices. Despite this, the Legion of Doom continued to make sporadic appearances in WWE, with two additional runs in the late ’90s and 2003. The former included a brief tag team championship reign and a rebranding attempt as LOD 2000. The latter, unfortunately, featured a tasteless angle centered around Hawk’s real-life substance abuse issues.
Despite the ups and downs of their WWE journey, the Legion of Doom’s legacy endures as one of the great tag teams in wrestling history. Their brief glimpses of brilliance within the largest wrestling promotion in the world are enough to etch them into the memories of many WWE fans to this day.
Money Inc.
Money Inc., comprised of “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and IRS (Irwin R. Schyster), was a notable tag team in the World Wrestling Federation during the late 1980s and early 1990s. While some might find their inclusion in this ranking surprising, there’s a strong case for considering them an underrated and effective tag team in wrestling history.
Money Inc. was a classic villainous tag team that excelled at generating reactions from the audience. Their legendary tactic of losing matches by simply walking out of the ring while retaining the championship belts showcased their heel (villain) persona brilliantly.
Ted DiBiase, who portrayed the “Million Dollar Man,” was a charismatic and arrogant character. He flaunted his wealth both inside and outside the wrestling ring, often making fans perform degrading tasks for the promise of money. His catchphrase, “Everybody’s got a price,” became iconic.
Mike Rotunda, father of the late Bray Wyatt, played the role of IRS, a stern, tax-collecting villain. Carrying a briefcase, he threatened to audit or fine his opponents for fictional tax violations.
Money Inc. formed as a tag team in the early 1990s and achieved significant success in the tag team division. They held the WWF Tag Team Championship on three occasions during their partnership.
Money Inc. was known for their in-ring skills and clever use of their financial gimmicks to gain an advantage. They occasionally used their briefcase as a weapon during matches and engaged in memorable feuds with other tag teams and wrestlers, including The Natural Disasters, The Legion of Doom, and The Bushwhackers.
Their characters and the themes of wealth and taxes they incorporated were entertaining and effectively generated heat from the audience. While Ted DiBiase and IRS eventually pursued solo careers, their time as Money Inc. remains a memorable chapter in WWE history. Their characters continue to be fondly remembered by wrestling fans for their ability to play the ultimate villains in the wrestling world. That’s why they are included in our Best 10 WWE Tag Teams Of All Time list.
The New Age Outlaws
The New Age Outlaws, comprised of Billy Gunn and Road Dogg, were one of the most popular undercard acts during the Attitude Era in WWE. Their success is a testament to how a good tag team can not only save careers but also become a pivotal part of wrestling history.
Before their formation as the New Age Outlaws, both Billy Gunn and Road Dogg were struggling to gain traction in WWE. They were working under gimmicks that saw them emulate bigger stars, with Gunn as the Honky Tonk Man protégé “Rockabilly” and Road Dogg as Jeff Jarrett copycat “The Real Double J” Jesse James.
However, once they rebranded themselves as the New Age Outlaws, their careers took a dramatic turn. The team quickly rose to prominence and won the WWE Tag Team Championship from the Legion of Doom.
Their true breakthrough came when they became members of Shawn Michaels and Triple H’s D-Generation X (DX) stable. They embraced the immature schoolyard humor that DX was known for and perfectly complemented the group’s antics. Their pre-match mic work, which often included catchphrases and crowd participation, became a beloved part of WWE shows during that era.
While their main run as the New Age Outlaws lasted just a few years, the team’s impact on the wrestling world was significant. In the ring, they were considered decent, but their legacy lies in their status as a highly popular partnership during the hottest time period in wrestling history, the Attitude Era. They remain fondly remembered by fans for their contributions to that era and their association with DX.
Edge and Christian
Edge and Christian, two talented wrestlers who went on to achieve success in singles competition, truly made their mark as a tag team. Their partnership not only showcased their in-ring skills but also their comedic abilities, making them one of the most entertaining and beloved duos in WWE history.
The journey of Edge and Christian began when they were introduced as members of Gangrel’s stable, The Brood. However, it didn’t take long for them to outshine their leader and embark on a path to tag team stardom. One of the key moments in their rise to prominence was their feud with The Hardy Boyz, which elevated their status in the tag team division.
Their rivalry with The Hardys led to the iconic ladder match at No Mercy 1999, where the stakes were high with $100,000 and the services of Terri Runnels on the line. This match is often credited with starting the trend of tag team ladder matches that eventually evolved into the TLC (Tables, Ladders, and Chairs) gimmick. Although Edge and Christian lost that match, their performance played a significant role in boosting their careers and solidifying their reputation as one of WWE’s top tag teams.
What set Edge and Christian apart was their ability to incorporate humor into their characters and segments. Over time, their tag team persona became synonymous with entertaining and funny moments. Their friendship with Kurt Angle, in particular, showcased their comedic potential as they engaged in hilarious backstage vignettes. Whether they were donning a chicken suit to “lose weight,” playing their own theme music on a kazoo, or simply discussing the virtues of sodas, Edge and Christian’s segments were unlike anything else on WWE television.
While they were known for their humor, Edge and Christian also delivered great matches and secured multiple tag team championships during their tenure as a duo. Their legacy in WWE is a combination of their in-ring prowess and their ability to make fans laugh, making them one of the most memorable and beloved tag teams in wrestling history.
The Hardy Boyz
The Hardy Boyz, consisting of real-life brothers Jeff and Matt Hardy, were a dynamic and exciting tag team that left an indelible mark on WWE and the world of professional wrestling. Their contributions to the tag team division, particularly during the Attitude Era, are legendary.
While the Hardys didn’t invent the ladder match, they certainly helped popularize it and took it to new heights, quite literally. Their matches involving ladders, tables, and chairs, collectively known as TLC matches, became some of the most memorable and iconic bouts in WWE history. These matches were showcases of high-flying, daredevil stunts that captivated audiences and left fans in awe. Jeff Hardy, in particular, was known for his fearless and acrobatic maneuvers, often diving off ladders and risking life and limb for the sake of entertainment.
Despite their reputation as ladder match specialists, the Hardys were not one-trick ponies. They were a legitimately great tag team in terms of in-ring chemistry and teamwork. Their ability to tell compelling stories within their matches and adapt to different styles and opponents set them apart. They held multiple tag team championships during their WWE tenure, solidifying their status as one of the top teams of their era.
What makes the Hardy Boyz even more impressive is their successful transition into singles competition. Both Matt and Jeff went on to have significant singles careers, with Jeff achieving main event status. Matt, in particular, displayed a knack for reinventing his character and staying relevant in various storylines and gimmicks.
Despite their solo success, the bond between the Hardy Boyz remained strong, and they continued to reunite as a tag team in different promotions and for special WWE appearances. Fans always welcomed their return as a unit, and their enduring popularity is a testament to their lasting impact on the wrestling world. While they’ve accomplished much individually, it’s their work together as a tag team that will likely be their most enduring legacy in the hearts of wrestling fans.
The Dudley Boyz
The Dudley Boyz, consisting of Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley, were a highly successful and iconic tag team that made a significant impact in both ECW and WWE. Their transition from ECW to WWE showcased their adaptability and enduring appeal to fans.
When the Dudleys arrived in WWE in 1999, they were able to modify their hardcore personas from ECW to fit within WWE’s more mainstream product. Bubba Ray’s scathing promos, which were a trademark of their ECW run, were toned down, and they crafted a more family-friendly version of their gimmick. This transition was a testament to their versatility as performers.
One of the key catchphrases that emerged from their WWE run was “D-Von, get the tables!” This phrase became an iconic part of their act and always thrilled the audience when they set up a table for destruction. The Dudleys’ use of tables in their matches, along with their crowd-pleasing antics like the “Wassup” headbutt, helped them stand out and connect with fans.
The Dudleys’ rivalry with other top tag teams of their era, such as The Hardy Boyz and Edge and Christian, was legendary. Their matches, often involving TLC stipulations or tables, ladders, and chairs, showcased their ability to tell compelling stories and perform daring and entertaining spots. Bubba Ray’s role as a heel bully added depth to their characters, making them versatile performers who could adapt to various situations and storylines.
Perhaps the most famous aspect of the Dudley Boyz’s in-ring repertoire was their tag team finisher, the Dudley Death Drop (3D). It remains one of the most iconic and devastating tag team maneuvers in wrestling history.
In recognition of their contributions to the wrestling industry, the Dudleys were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018. Their legacy as a successful and entertaining tag team continues to be celebrated by fans, and they will always be remembered as one of the great tag teams in professional wrestling history.
Honorable Mentions
It’s evident that this ranking predominantly features tag teams from wrestling’s earlier eras, with the exception of the Hardy Boyz, who embarked on their careers at a young age and have enjoyed a decades-long tenure. Notably absent are any tag teams from the modern era. It’s important to recognize The Usos and The New Day as two of today’s most prominent tag teams in professional wrestling. However, the dynamics of tag team wrestling have changed considerably over time.
In the past, the Tag Team World Championship matches were must-see events that kept viewers glued to their screens. Regrettably, that level of excitement and anticipation no longer seems to permeate the modern tag team division. Despite the remarkable achievements, particularly by The Usos, the division appears to struggle in captivating audiences and rekindling the epic battles reminiscent of three decades ago.
Best 10 WWE Tag Teams Of All Time
