TOP TEN TAG TEAMS 

The Anderson Brothers set the standard by which most other tag teams were judged.  Between the three “brothers” (Gene, Lars, & Ole), many years of rule-breaking dominance were enjoyed by any and all combinations of this “family”.  Perhaps the most successful duo would have to have been Gene and Ole.  They practically ruled this territory for most of the 70’s, winning the NWA World Tag Team championship on many occasions. 

Ric Flair & Greg Valentine were just a bit more brutal and sadistic than the Andersons.  Although Ric & Greg weren’t quite as successful as Gene & Ole when it came the number of times they won the NWA World Tag Team titles, but the inflicted as much (if not more) pain and suffering as their rivals.  Flair and Valentine did achieve more accolades as singles wrestlers, but their stint as a tag team is well known here in the Carolinas and Virginia. 

Paul Jones & Ricky Steamboat were the most popular tag team in JCP since the days of the Johnny Weaver/George Becker tandem from the 60’s.  The veteran Jones took the youngster Steamboat under his wing and together they drew record crowds to many Mid Atlantic arenas for many months.  A brutal split between the two ended their team, but their legacy will remain for those of us that got to see them wrestle together.

Jack & Jerry Brisco were another of the long list of brother tag teams that have graced the Mid Atlantic territory throughout the years.  Jerry was the very first Mid Atlantic champion (when the region was renamed in 1973) and Jack was a former NWA World champion.  Together they were on top of the tag team division (though their reign was as heels, a break from their normal face roles) and had many great battles with another Top Ten Tag Team (see next entry). 

Ricky Steamboat & Jay Youngblood had many innovations as a tag team.  Their styles blended well together and they won more than their share of matches.  Steamboat was an extremely accomplished singles wrestler (and also part of another Top Ten Tag Team with Paul Jones) and Youngblood wasn’t too far behind in his mat skills.  Their time together was during a high period of tag team wrestling for MACW, along with the Briscos and the next entry on my list. 

Sgt. Slaughter & Don Kernodle combined to form a menacing tag team that ruled the Mid Atlantic region for many months during the early 80’s.  Their rivalry with Ricky Steamboat & Jay Youngblood produced several blood baths that culminated with a huge cage match in 1983.  Slaughter was a formidable singles wrestler in three different federations (the AWA, NWA, and WWF) and it was under his guidance that Kernodle blossomed into a force to be reckoned with in MACW.  

Ivan & Nikita Koloff practically manhandled most of their opponents through sheer brute strength and violence.  Ivan was a former WWWF World Champion (having beaten the legendary Bruno Sammartino at MSG in 1971) and his “nephew” Nikita was as tough (if not tougher) in the ring.  When this duo added another member in Krusher Kruchev (Barry Darsow), you had another one of the threesomes that dominated wrestling during the 80’s. 

Rock ‘n Roll Express brought with them a level of enthusiasm that is hard to match in wrestling history.  Their fan base consisted of teenagers (mostly young girls) that cheered them on in many a classic battle against what was usually larger and more experienced opponents.  But, the heart and soul of the RR Express were their fans, and they (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) would fight to the death to win a match. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I must now announce that this will is my final Mid Atlantic article for this site.  I am very thankful to Vince Fahey for allowing me to share my knowledge of what I consider the premier territory in wrestling.  And, thanks to all you readers who come back everyday to help make the Kayfabe Memories site one of the best available sites on the Internet.  I shall most definitely be around on the Message Board, so drop by to exchange ideas and memories.  See ya ‘round!

Ed. Note:  I'd like to thank Larry for all his hard work.  With his departure, this leaves us with an opening.  If you think you can write on the MACW region on a monthly basis, please contact me here.