The Lo-Down

Tag wrestling used to be a strong point of the industry. Recent viewers will recall the WWE’s superb division throughout late 1999-mid 2001. Those somewhat longer in the tooth will point to the glory days of the Eighties, for more appropriate confirmation. But generally, there’s a universal consensus that Tandem action is very much lost in 2009 (aside from the likes of Ring of Honor, who take pride in promoting Main Event level tag teams). It’s so prevalent, and almost accepted in the WWE, that the hosts here, Miz and Morrison, refer to it as such today. Sad, really.

Therefore, there was certainly much demand, and interest in this release.

What’s on it?

The bulk of the set is concerned with offering a (very) mini-bio of a collective of tag teams, followed by, in most cases, a match featuring said team. The obvious benefit of this structure, is that for the most part- you get a varied bunch of intriguing clashes. The major, major negative however, is that the sheer volume of teams they attempt to recover is simply ludicrous.  Thus, the bio portions of the programme suffer greatly, and are only a teaser towards what the grappling combos. Really, an assortment of clips of Rick Steiner delivering clotheslines, is fairly useless, and does nothing to inform those who do not already know of the impact his team made in the early 90’s.

DISC 1
There really is no point in simply listing the teams featured or supposedly “spotlighted” because devoid of interviews, or talking heads, you learn nothing about any of them, and they’re all mere intros for the included matches. So I’ll focus on those instead. Clearly this is a DVD set with an identity issue.

One segment called, Aerial Achievements is a fluffy look at some of the high-flying teams of various points in history. Nice to see Jay Youngblood and Ricky Steamboat here, and teams such as Greg Gagne and Jim Bunzell, who like the Rockers, made such simple spots as joint Dropkicks absolutely electrifying. But this feature attempts to include too many teams into repetitive clips, as do many of the clips that are placed between the Miz/Morrison links, and match-ups. Some are better than others- with The Fabulous Freebirds enjoying more screen time than most, including significant comments and footage of their sublimely wacky Bad Street USA track being performed.

The British Bulldogs vs. The Hart Foundation
A slow-building, old-fashioned piece of business, this bout is characterised by the solid storytelling of all four men. It’s kept lively via well-timed bursts of action that really underline the lost art of hope spots. Also distinctive, is the use of Jimmy Hart as a manager, something that today’s fans aren’t as accustomed to.  Not their finest clash- but that’s hardly a criticism. 

The Steiner Brothers vs. Hiroshi Hase & Kensuke Sasaki
Taking place in Japan in 1991, the inclusion of this is great  because it brings the Japanese duo to an audience that in all likelihood, would not give them the time of day otherwise. Plus, the Steiners were in their prime here, and with such a lethal cocktail of guys known for taking liberties,  it makes for a fabulously tough, stiff effort. Watch out for the miscommunication at certain points that leads to some ill-tempered responses…

The Killer Bees vs. Demolition (2/3 Falls Match)
The commentary here, by Bruce Pritchard and co… is absolutely appalling. As in- it’s a stench-filled abomination of audio. Truly, amongst the worst I’ve ever head.  Atrocious. The action itself is okay- but not worth testing the patience of your auditory canal.

The Hardy Boys vs. Edge and Christian
Bear in mind that at this point, Matt and Jeff are managed by Michael Hayes, while the Canadians are actually “The Brood”, the seemingly inspired by Interview with a Vampire faction, led by Gangrel.  Nonetheless, this is a quality effort that benefits from a surprising degree of crowd heat (fans at this time weren’t hugely responsive to the two young duos), and the differing characters of the era helps it stand out from the endless encounters they matched up in later.

The Fabulous Freebirds vs. The Von Erich’s (Country Whipping Match)
Whilst I love the Freebirds, there’s a good reason that Vince McMahon generally guffaws at the notion of a “country whipping match”.. and this is a prime example. The match isn’t really anything other than a bunch of spots that completely put over the Von Erich’s as ass-kickers when it comes to giving someone an old-fashioned whooping’.  Kevin Von Erich’s penchant for not wearing shoes always bugged the nards of me- no Necro Butcher, it did him no favours. Certainly not the best manner in which to focus on The Freebirds.

The Briscos vs. The Funks
This follows a bizarre profile of brotherly combos, most of whom were not actually brothers. Totally weird. I guess though, they could hardly say that Undertaker and Kane are not related, but at the same time there’s something totally not right at all about Billy and Bart Gunn, when Billy is featured in three different teams, as a “cool” anti-authority figure obsessed with his ass, a modern man obsessed with err, other asses, and a cowboy.   Adding to the worthlessness, is that the match footage here is clipped to almost nothing, although it does have the unique plus of Jack Briscoe on commentary.

Harlem Heat vs. The Steiner Brothers
Yikes. Massive, suspicious torch shining right on the altered Scott Steiner physique here from their earlier match. Looking a little slippery and uncomfortable too, is ol’ Scotty.  Watching this reminds me just how much better Harlem Heat’s music was to any revised versions and despite the somewhat racist undertones (and hell, overtones) of their gimmick, I still think they were a hugely impressive duo. They always came across as the stars (alongside Vader, Steamboat, and Sting) of  WCW’s Saturday afternoon shows. This bout is somewhat awkward, with a totally rubbish finish, but interesting to see Booker’s star power on the ascent, before he became horribly stale. The fact that it takes place at Hog Wild (from Sturgis Biker rally) completely makes it worth a visit though.

The Fantastics vs. The Midnight Express
I cannot convey had much it saddens me that The Express have their music dubbed over here. A youthful Jim Cornette is hung in a cage (sporting a strait-jacket.. Surely either would have done?) to prevent interfering. It’s one of those annoying deals that takes like ages to get sorted and bugs the hell out of me, because Cornette whinges so much about the stipulation, even though he agreed to it beforehand. The grappling itself is fine, but I can’t help that think the importance of each team will be completely and utterly lost for anyone seeing them here for the first time.

The Nasty  Boy vs. Public Enemy
Supposedly, the Nasty Boys aren’t worthy of being included as one of the greatest tag teams- but one of their fairly brainless scraps is. Huh? This one is from the Enemy’s failed run in WCW, and they so look so out of place here. Still, as a PPV opener, this is a ridiculous, shockingly sloppy, but fairly fun tussle.

The Rockers vs. The Brainbusters
The Rockers are a worthy manner in which to conclude the first disc, and since they had such great chemistry with their opponents here, this one’s a no-brainer (dear God…). Puns aside, this is top notch stuff. However, it does feature a Disqualification ending, and The Rockers celebrate it way too much. Par for the course in this era though.

DISC 2
Demolition vs. Strike Force
This is the representation for Demolition, whereas you’re kinda meant to overlook the existence of Strike Force. Damn. They also include this one, purely because it features a title change.. Or at least I assume so, because it’s a hellishly uninspired collision. For those who don’t remember, Strike Force’s entrance music is fantastically syrupy and nauseating. It’s like a rejected number for the trailer to The Never-ending Story.

Nikolai Volkoff & The Iron Sheik vs. Barry Windham & Mike Rotunda
Prior to this, they talk about the “worldwide attractions”  aspect of tag teams. Jesus. So, if you fit into one of these categories, but aren’t one of the “greatest teams ever”, you still warrant a match? Confusing stuff that seems like an excuse to throw in whatever they fancy and leave out whatever else. Though The Rougeaus do cut an abhorrently awful promo where they make a joke out of wearing one another’s jackets. Hilarious.

Oh yeah… the match. You would think this would be terrible, terrible stuff. Great heat though for the Anti-America villains, and they keep it all brief so it‘s lots of fun. Probably necessary because on the WrestleMania card it‘s taken from, there was like, three hundred matches.. I feel sorry for Windham.. The Four Horsemen set did a far better job of representing him.

The Dudley Boys vs. The Hardy Boys (Cage Match to Unify the WCW and WWE tag titles)
Mind-boggling way to highlight the Dudleys, given that here they represent WCW, as part of the woeful Invasion storyline, and it’s also in the Hardy’s home state of  North Carolina. The upside is Stacy Kiebler at ringside. Also, this is hugely entertaining stuff and the match that had the novel finish of Jeff having a chance to win, but going for a big stunt instead. The genesis of the first Hardy’s break-up then…

The Outsiders vs. Harlem Heat
I wouldn’t have included Nash and Hall, mainly because of the brevity of their actual run as a duo, as opposed to them being members of the same faction. Still, nitpick really. Awful contest this one as well. Stevie Ray is terrifyingly poor here, and his involvement really stinks the joint up. The action does range from abysmal to watchable, but it’s slim pickings when it comes to plus points. Very skippable.

Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard vs. Sting & Nikita Koloff
Hot-damn, I forgot how much I liked Koloff and Sting. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen this bout elsewhere on DVD, which would be unfortunate. Anyways, this is an occasionally sloppy , but generally exciting effort. Really interesting period it’s taken from too- 88, with great picture quality, but an almost 70’s style environment. The crowd heat is off the charts, and even those who aren’t thrilled by the old NWA stuff, should find enough in this to keep themselves interested. Anderson is particularly great here and the pop for Koloff getting his hands on JJ Dillon is just insane.

Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens vs. Billy Robinson & Red Bastien (2/3 Falls match)
Strange inclusion for me, following a “chapter” on classics. I would have had that as an extra in all honesty if none of them really warranted a proper bio.  I suspect this encounter will be the one that majority will skip through, as it does present itself as something of a relic. It also appears to be filmed in the same place Shimmer is recorded, which is part of the AWA charm I guess for many people. The “holy smokes” brand of commentary isn’t for me though, and I accept that the static looking environment is going to be tough going for most modern day viewers. Those familiar with any of the grapplers featured should enjoy it, and there are some neat sequences, particularly when Bockwinkel and Robinson are in during the early stages, but only during the chain wrestling.  Definitely an intriguing one this.

The Miz and John Morrison vs. Shawn Michaels & Rey Mysterio
A quality TV outing from last year that provided something of a big moment for Morrison when he scored the pin over HBK – cleanly. Rey hits a really horribly dangerous looking Plancha, right near the beginning. This really makes me think how awesome a prolonged Rey/Shawn rivalry would be. Cripes. Anyways, great, exciting and athletic bout, the likes of which always lifts the quality of Monday Night Raw. Mind you, Michael Cole’s rant about how the heels “stole won”, is really frigging annoying.

The Hart Foundation vs. The Fabulous Rougeaus
Exactly what you would expect from these two teams. Really though, they’re both better discussed on Hart’s own three disc set. Good match- but once you’ve seen that set, you know the score.

Extras
Surprisingly awesome. I find extras on the second disc, of a three-disc set rather odd.. But why quibble? You get:

- Bad Street USA Music Video
We’ve already established that this is awesome.
 
- British Bulldogs Promo
Good Lord. Their poor pup, Matilda, gives advice to the team, in a Look Who’s Talking fashion. There’s not much else you can say about this…. Fabulously demented.

- Hart Foundation and Gene Okerlund
Some girls massage the Foundation and…. Ahh screw it. Complete garbage this.

- Bushwhackers and Mean Gene
Goofy as hell, but it is the Bushwhackers- better than a serious team such as the Foundation being as uncool and Eighties. Anyways, like all these clips with Okerlund, this is only about a minute or two long, and they simply cover him in leaves. Err.. Different?

- Demolition interview
Good segment, but too short.

- Legion of Doom return to Chicago
Wow. This is really weird, because the LOD/Road Warriors are sauntering about in the street in full gear. It’s somewhat strange looking. Pretty good  though, with Hawk obviously being the best thing about it by a mile.

- Los Conquistadors
Hahahahahaha

-  The Rock and Sock Segment
Groan. Why bother including this? You really need to feature a wider range of material if you’re gonna make this stuff seem significant or worth viewing.

- DX skit
This is the one from 2006, where HBK super kicks a bunch of people, and it tends to split people down the middle. I’m not a big fan of it, but I can see why others enjoy it.

- Miz and Morrison Music video
This is a spoof of Cryme Tyme and their rap/gangsta/thug gimmick. Really funny, and brilliantly done.

DISC 3
Edge & Christian vs. The Hardy Boys vs. The Dudleys (TLC match)
Obviously, this is superb. I’m not going to add anything that hasn’t already been said in the past about this match, and the only downside is, that you probably already have it.

The Rock ‘N’ Roll Express vs. Krusher Khrushchev & Ivan Koloff
Krusher and Koloff start this as NWA tag champs, and the heat is intense for the Expresses’ challenge. Lots of girly squeals as usual too. The face/heel dynamic here is excellent, with the Express following the basic pattern of being the underdog babyfaces, continually fighting to come back. The heat periods here, and the hope spots are enthralling throughout, and they achieve some really incredible pops. Robert Gibson takes a beat-down for forever, and it’s spectacular. Just completely efficient and fundamentally sound, but all the better for it. First time Express viewers may chuckle at Gibson’s poses though. Great fun.

The New Age Outlaws vs. The Rock and Sock Connection
Quite frankly, shite. I remember hating this, and the absolutely gosh-darn-holy catastrophe Batman- rubbish PPV that it occurred on, Armageddon 00. And it’s for good reason  it seems, because it’s still shite. Plus, this transpired after the Outlaws had split up, bombed as singles wrestlers, and were re-united so it’s hardly an accurate stab at representing their entire WWE run.

Foley was put together with The Rock, largely as part of his self-proclaimed master-plan to finish his career against Mr Johnson, and also because he was falling apart. It’s amazing that the useless Mankind we see here, would be the fantastic Cactus Jack just a month later, giving Triple H the finest bout of his career at that point.

If I did star ratings though, I would throw out an extra star for Al Snow’s appearance, who they were attempting to push as a heel. OH dear.

Degeneration X vs. Rated RKO
This feud had me asleep through much of late 2006, and it was only around the time when it was hastily stopped (HHH tore a Quad), that creative began to get it right. That was some time after this. Watching Orton from this period is totally odd, given that he’s dropped a fair bit of muscle, shaved his head, and sleeved both his arms in recent years. He’s so much more incredibly sinister and believable  now.

A big disappointment given the talent involved, but I guess, not a  total loss as an entry here, because nobody buys Cyber Sunday releases, so you won’t own this twice.

The World’s Greatest Tag Team vs. Los Guerreros
To this day, I still believe TWGTT should be reunited. They were outstanding and the gimmick of having them together as a unit covered many of their separate deficiencies.. This is a fine example of their output too, as  a latter-day part of their hugely enjoyable rivalry with Eddie and Chavo. Really good action, but not of the standard of the material they produced before the tension between the Guerreros began to kick in.

Tully Blanchard & Lex Luger vs. Nikita Koloff & Dusty Rhodes
This one is overshadowed by the ringside presence of Magnum TA, who tragically lost his career in a car accident. I believe this was the first time he reappeared in front of a crowd like this, and it’s a really sad, emotional moment.

The bout is also overshadowed by Dusty’s belly too. Past his prime, this sort of situation was tough for him to pull off. On the other hand though, Koloff’s roll is really interesting,  having  gone babyface to take his rival’s (Magnum) spot. He wasn’t as talented, but still popular nonetheless yet here, he‘s clearly the set-up man for Dusty.  Watchable stuff but flawed.

The Road Warriors vs. Money Inc
The best tag team ever? I wouldn’t agree, but hey. In that case though, I would have given them two matches, maybe one in the extras section, showing their stuff from Japan.

I suspect many fans will remember this collision more vividly than the majority of other stuff on offer here. Not exactly the one Road Warriors bout that I would think of as essential really. Still, Money Inc were good value, and despite IRS’s pitiful ring attire (a shirt and tie), I always enjoyed their gimmick. This was much anticipated and they deliver somewhat, with a blinding entrance,  and largely compelling action. It’s nothing special, but it does feel like a big deal.

Add to basket?

First off, it’s apparent that like many of the recent nostalgic compilations offered by the WWE, this one is designed to cater for the newer generations, whilst attempting to appease long-term fans.  The initial indicator is of course, that it’s hosted by John Morrison and The Miz.  However, unlike The Best of Saturday Night’s Main Event hosting duo of Maria and Matt Striker, they’re actually very good. The humour and attitude, and dare I say… spunk, of their “Dirt Sheet” show, is very much in evidence. Witness such gems, as Morrison’s “hand-model-like Hands” or “demolishing the competition”. Rather than attempt to pander to audiences, the Morrison of today would do well to revert back to a more cocky and naturally goofy persona, rather than force a character that clearly isn’t him.

That said, it shouldn’t be the case that one of the huge positives of a celebration of past tag teams, is the banter between a recently defunct one.

The WWE’s revisionist history is largely kept to a minimum here (expect for such larfs as pushing DX as a tag team- Shawn Michaels and Triple H were never a proper tag combo until after this DVD was released, and even then, it’s understood by the majority, that they’re two singles wrestlers currently teaming to exploit an old gimmick). But at the same time- they offer very little history of any sort here. Worse still, some of the teams excluded from their own segments are truly horrific omissions. The Hollywood Blondes aren’t worthy of a match and a few clips? C’mon… The Malenkos? Strike Force?

Instead, this is more or less a collage of action, an assortment of collisions that vary in quality. Thankfully, the standard is fairly consistent, and those looking simply for a batch of swell matches, will be impressed with this one.  Those who long for quality documentaries need not apply.  Of all the WWE shiny discs I’ve looked at, this one may perhaps by the worst offender in the Identity Crisis category. Part spoofy awards ceremony, part match compilation, titled a “best of”, it’s a mess. Entertaining at times, sure, but extremely misleading and frustrating. Get if for the varied and mostly satisfying grouping of match ups, and there’ll be no disappointment.

WWE’s  Allied Powers: The World’s Greatest Tag Teams is available now from www.silvervision.co.uk   
 
Thanks for taking the time to check this out. I welcome any and all feedback and  I can be contacted at www.myspace.com/michaelwrestlingetc or simply by emailing me at Michael@ifight365.com I look  forward to hearing from you, and will be back soon!