With The Usos mirroring their cousin Roman Reigns’ solo success with their own title unification in the tag ranks this past week, there has recently been a lot of discussion about the greatest tag teams in WWE history.
Tag team wrestling hasn’t been a focal point of WWE programming for a long time now despite a plethora of excellent teams strutting their stuff between the ropes in the old New York territory over the last few years.
Then again, NXT has long championed duos as an art form, providing us with some of the finest bouts in recent history.
But, looking back throughout the promotion’s entire existence, the question is: Who are the greatest tag teams in WWE history?
In no particular order, here are our top five.
The Hart Foundation
Brains and brawn. Power and skill. The Hoss and the Hitman. The Hart Foundation had everything. And they ruled the WWE tag team division in the most fire pink and black singlets the world has ever seen. The GOAT Bret Hart and the late, great Jim ‘The Anvil’ Neidhart were perennially prominent in the WWE’s tag division from 1985 to 1991. Whether as heels or babyfaces, they were naturals in their roles and enjoyed two reigns as champions across their six years together.
The pair were inducted into the 2019 WWE Hall of Fame, and their rivalries with the likes of Demolition, The Brain Busters and The Rockers have stood the test of time as iconic works. A legendary tag team who could have fit perfectly into any era.
Edge and Christian
Whether they were being goofballs, vampires, conquistadors or mercilessly bludgeoning their opponents’ heads between steel chairs, Edge and Christian were always one of the most must-see aspects of WWE television. The seven-time Tag Team champions secured their place in the annals of history with their jaw-dropping series of TLC matches with the Hardy Boyz and Dudley Boyz during the Attitude Era. And over 20 years later, those matches are still hitting highlight reels on a regular basis.
It feels surreal that E&C were only a full-time team for roughly two years on WWE television. This goes to show that it’s not the length of the run but what you do with it. And the two blonde Canadians did more than a career’s worth in their couple of years.
The New Day
The New Day were not supposed to be here. It was an act that looked dead on arrival. When Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston and Big E formed the now-iconic trio back in 2014, it was considered a final roll of the dice for all three men.
Fast forward eight years, 11 WWE Tag Team title reigns, two WWE Title reigns and a King Of The Ring later, and it’s safe to say the unicorn-horn-wearing, pancake-hurling, trombone-playing fan favourites have solidified themselves as sure-fire Hall of Famers and undeniably one of the greatest tag teams in WWE history.
On top of all these accolades is the fact that the Freebird-Rule-obeying, multiple-time champs also hold the record for the longest tag title reign in history with their 483-day reign between August 23rd, 2015 and December 18th, 2016. Here’s to more record-breaking power of positivity over the next eight years.
The Usos
You can’t mention New Day and not mention The Usos. The two teams have defined a generation. Their rivalry has transcended the division over the last decade. It’s not just a tag team rivalry but an inseparable relationship that has produced many of WWE’s greatest matches and moments of the past ten years. Jimmy and Jey unifying the Raw and SmackDown straps two weeks ago should have come as no surprise to anyone. Making up two thirds of the Bloodline, The Usos are royalty at this point. Surefire Hall of Famers who can put together a great match with any duo they fight inside the squared circle.
The eight-time champs have become a part of the furniture since their debut in 2010 but have never settled into complacency. Their latest run alongside cousin and Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns is arguably the greatest of their career yet. Not many tag teams can be getting even better after a dozen years on top. But then again, The Usos aren’t most tag teams.
1. The Hardy Boyz
Who else? The top spot was solidified for Matt and Jeff when that monster pop almost caused an earthquake in Orlando upon their return at WrestleMania 33. And although they are now no longer under the employ of WWE, it doesn’t affect their legacy with the company. Success in both the tag and singles ranks for both brothers is an unparalleled set of achievements. And to have remained relevant for over 20 years while managing to put out consistent bangers is something that their closest rivals couldn’t replicate.
From their time as the New Brood with Gangrel to the TLC matches to the in-fighting and the reunions, with World Title reigns and God knows how many broken tables, ladders, chairs and bodies along the way. The Hardyz have been beloved for over two decades. And we’re certain they’ll be beloved for many more to come.
Featured Image Credit: WWE
