Ah, tag team wrestling. It’s a glorious, chaotic ballet of teamwork, high spots, and the ever-present threat of a rogue heel interfering. But in a world dominated by singles competitors and increasingly complex storylines, you might be asking yourself: is there good tag team wrestling anywhere? The answer, thankfully, is a resounding yes!
The tag team division, when done right, is a fantastic blend of athleticism, storytelling, and the unique dynamic of two (or more) individuals working together. It can provide some of the most memorable moments in wrestling history. From the Rock ‘n’ Sock Connection to the Hardy Boyz and Edge & Christian, tag teams have always held a special place in wrestling fans’ hearts. However, finding quality tag team action can sometimes feel like searching for a hidden treasure.
This article will be your guide. We’ll explore where you can find excellent tag team wrestling today, the factors that make a great tag team, and some of the best examples of tag team excellence currently gracing our screens. Get ready to rediscover the joy of the two-man (or more!) team.
The Fundamentals of a Great Tag Team
Before we dive into where to find good tag team wrestling, let’s explore what makes a great tag team in the first place. It’s more than just two wrestlers thrown together; it’s about a synergy that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Here are some key ingredients:
Chemistry
Chemistry is paramount. This is the intangible connection between the wrestlers. They need to have a natural understanding of each other’s styles, strengths, and weaknesses. This chemistry can develop over time through shared experiences, training, and simply spending time together. It’s what allows for seamless tag team maneuvers, quick tags, and the ability to anticipate each other’s moves.
Distinctive Characters
A successful tag team needs to have well-defined characters. Are they the heroic babyfaces, the dastardly heels, or a more nuanced mix of both? Their personalities should complement each other, creating a dynamic that’s engaging for the audience. Think of the contrast between the high-flying, daredevil style of the Hardy Boyz and the more calculated, opportunistic approach of Edge and Christian. This difference in style and personality often fuels the best rivalries.
Effective Teamwork
Teamwork is the core of tag team wrestling. This means knowing when to tag in and out, working together to isolate an opponent, and setting up signature moves. A team that can flawlessly execute these fundamentals will always be more compelling than a team that relies solely on individual talent. Great teamwork can also involve a variety of tactics, from strategic interference to clever misdirection.
A Compelling Story
Tag team wrestling thrives on storytelling. The best teams have compelling narratives that resonate with the audience. Are they fighting for the championships? Are they battling a bitter rivalry? Or are they on a journey of redemption? A well-crafted story will keep fans invested in the team’s journey and make their matches more meaningful. Storylines add layers of depth that go beyond the in-ring action.
Variety of Styles
Diverse styles make for exciting matches. A tag team doesn’t necessarily need two wrestlers with similar styles. In fact, a good contrast can be even more entertaining. Consider a powerhouse and a high-flyer, or a technical wrestler and a brawler. The contrast creates interesting match-ups and allows for a wider range of offensive strategies. It also keeps things fresh for the audience.
Where to Find Good Tag Team Wrestling Today
Now, let’s get to the good stuff: where to find high-quality tag team wrestling right now. While the landscape is constantly evolving, several promotions consistently deliver the goods. (See Also: How Is Wrestling Staged )
All Elite Wrestling (aew)
AEW is arguably the premier destination for tag team wrestling today. They have invested heavily in the division, and the results speak for themselves. Their commitment to showcasing tag team matches, building compelling storylines around them, and allowing teams to have longer matches has been a major success. AEW’s roster boasts a diverse array of teams, from established veterans to rising stars, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Key Teams to Watch in AEW:
- FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler): Known for their old-school, technical style and dedication to tag team wrestling. They consistently deliver excellent matches and are excellent storytellers.
- The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson): Pioneers of the modern tag team style, known for their high-flying offense and innovative maneuvers. They are also instrumental in the promotion’s creative direction.
- The Lucha Brothers (Rey Fenix & Penta El Zero Miedo): A high-octane team known for their incredible athleticism and daredevil moves. Their matches are always exciting and unpredictable.
- The Acclaimed (Max Caster & Anthony Bowens): A charismatic team that has quickly risen in popularity due to their entertaining rap entrances and surprisingly effective in-ring work. They are a great example of how to connect with the audience.
- House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews): A formidable team with a dark and mysterious aura. They bring a unique style to the table, and they are always a threat to win the titles.
Why AEW Excels at Tag Team Wrestling:
- Prioritizing the Division: AEW actively puts tag teams in prominent positions on their cards and gives them ample time to showcase their skills.
- Storytelling: They craft compelling storylines that keep fans invested in the tag team division.
- Variety of Styles: The diverse roster ensures that there’s a wide range of wrestling styles on display.
- Longer Match Times: AEW often allows tag team matches to go longer, giving the teams more time to build drama and tell a story.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (njpw)
NJPW is renowned for its strong style of wrestling, and its tag team division is no exception. While perhaps not as heavily focused on as their singles divisions, NJPW’s tag team matches are often hard-hitting and technically sound. They frequently feature teams from the United States and Mexico, adding international flavor.
Key Teams to Watch in NJPW:
- Bishamon (Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi): A long-standing team known for their power and precision. They are a staple of the tag team division and always deliver a solid performance.
- United Empire (Great-O-Khan & Jeff Cobb): A dominant team with a strong presence. Their power and athleticism make them a formidable force.
- Bullet Club (Various Members): The Bullet Club is often represented by a tag team, and they are always a threat to win championships.
Why NJPW is Worth Watching for Tag Team Wrestling:
- Strong Style: NJPW’s emphasis on hard-hitting action and technical wrestling translates well to tag team matches.
- International Flavor: The presence of teams from around the world adds diversity and excitement.
- Prestige: The IWGP Tag Team Championships are highly regarded, and winning them is a significant achievement.
Impact Wrestling
Impact Wrestling has a rich history of tag team wrestling, and they continue to cultivate a strong division. They often feature a mix of established veterans and up-and-coming talent, and they are known for their fast-paced, high-flying style. Impact’s commitment to tag team wrestling has created many memorable moments over the years.
Key Teams to Watch in Impact Wrestling:
- The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin): A legendary team known for their technical prowess and innovative offense. Their experience and teamwork are evident in every match.
- ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey): A young, exciting team with incredible athleticism. They are always fun to watch.
- The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz): A high-flying team with a unique style. Their matches are always entertaining.
Why Impact Wrestling is a Good Choice for Tag Team Wrestling: (See Also: Is Carmella Coming Back To Wrestling )
- History: Impact has a long and storied history of tag team wrestling.
- Variety: They feature a diverse roster of teams with different styles.
- Commitment: Impact continues to prioritize tag team wrestling.
Ring of Honor (roh)
Since being acquired by Tony Khan, ROH has been undergoing a revitalization. While not as prominent as AEW, ROH has a history of excellent tag team wrestling, and it continues to showcase talented teams on its shows. ROH often features a mix of veterans and rising stars, and their matches are usually well-wrestled.
Key Teams to Watch in ROH:
- The Briscoes (Jay & Mark Briscoe): A legendary team known for their hard-hitting, no-nonsense style. Their matches are always physical and intense. (Unfortunately, Jay Briscoe passed away in early 2023, but his legacy lives on.)
- The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson): As mentioned before, they often appear in ROH as well.
Why ROH Can Be a Good Option for Tag Team Wrestling:
- History: ROH has a long history of great tag team wrestling.
- Talent: ROH often features talented tag teams.
- Integration with AEW: Since being acquired by Tony Khan, ROH talent often appears on AEW programming, giving the teams more exposure.
Independent Promotions
Don’t overlook the independent scene. Many smaller promotions around the world feature excellent tag team wrestling. These promotions often provide a platform for up-and-coming talent to hone their skills and for established teams to showcase their talents. This is where you might discover the next big tag team.
Examples of Promotions to Explore:
- Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG): Known for its high-flying action and innovative matches.
- Game Changer Wrestling (GCW): Known for its hardcore style and unpredictable matches.
- Beyond Wrestling: Features a mix of styles and a focus on independent talent.
Why Independent Promotions are Worth Exploring:
- Discovering New Talent: Independent promotions are a great place to find the next generation of tag team stars.
- Unique Styles: Independent promotions often feature unique styles and approaches to tag team wrestling.
- Variety: There is a wide variety of promotions to choose from, each with its own style and focus.
How to Get the Most Out of Watching Tag Team Wrestling
Now that you know where to find good tag team wrestling, here are some tips for enjoying it to the fullest:
Follow the Stories
Pay attention to the storylines. Knowing the history between the teams will make the matches more meaningful. Are they rivals? Are they allies? Understanding their motivations will make you more invested in the outcome.
Learn the Teams’ Styles
Get familiar with the different teams’ styles. Do they favor high-flying maneuvers, technical wrestling, or a more brawling style? Knowing their strengths and weaknesses will enhance your appreciation for their matches. (See Also: Are Wrestling Briefs Like Speedos )
Watch with Friends
Watch with friends. Tag team wrestling is even more enjoyable when you watch it with others. Sharing your excitement and reactions with friends can make the experience more fun.
Look for the Little Things
Pay attention to the details. Look for the subtle nuances of teamwork, such as the quick tags, the strategic interference, and the clever misdirection. These details often make the difference between a good match and a great one.
Don’t Be Afraid to Cheer
Don’t be afraid to cheer. Wrestling is meant to be fun. Let yourself get caught up in the excitement and cheer for your favorite teams.
Explore Different Promotions
Don’t limit yourself to one promotion. Explore different promotions to discover new teams and styles. You might be surprised at what you find.
The Future of Tag Team Wrestling
The future of tag team wrestling is bright. With promotions like AEW and Impact Wrestling actively investing in the division, and with new talent constantly emerging, there’s plenty of exciting action to look forward to. The key is to seek out the best wrestling, be open to different styles, and appreciate the unique dynamics that make tag team wrestling so special.
The passion and commitment of the wrestlers and the creative teams behind the scenes show that tag team wrestling isn’t just surviving; it’s thriving. The blend of athleticism, storytelling, and the unique bond between partners continues to captivate audiences around the world. So, whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the sport, now is a great time to jump in and experience the thrill of tag team wrestling.
Verdict
So, is there good tag team wrestling anywhere? Absolutely! From AEW’s emphasis on tag team matches to NJPW’s strong style and Impact Wrestling’s rich history, there are many places to find top-notch tag team action. Independent promotions also offer hidden gems and future stars. By following the storylines, appreciating the teamwork, and exploring different promotions, you can rediscover the joy of tag team wrestling and witness some of the most exciting and memorable moments in the sport. There’s never been a better time to be a fan.
The key takeaway is this: tag team wrestling is alive, well, and thriving. With so many talented teams and promotions dedicated to showcasing them, the future is bright for this exciting style of professional wrestling. Get out there, explore, and enjoy the action!
