Some say Tag Team wrestling is a dieing art. You don’t see too many teams in the big show. Sure they’ll occasionally pair up some random wrestlers for one night, but where are the permanent teams like the British Bulldogs or the Rockers or Young Stallions of yore? Where are the pairs who partner for life, wear matching gear, and adopt a cool team name? And where are the Brother teams like the Rougeau Brothers or Batten Twins?
McMahon has said people don’t want to watch Tag Team wrestling, but I say doubling the size of a match, pitting two against two, provides a higher level of excitement and different psychology. I sure hope to watch MANY more Tag Team matches. Fortunately, Tag Team wrestling is still alive and well in the Indy federations such as Ring of Honor as this match demonstrates.
Wolves are ferocious and brutal, and the “American Wolves” are no exception. Davey Richards is well muscled and intense, and what Eddie Edwards lacks in size, he more than makes up for in ruthless aggression.
Tonight they’re playing the role of the experienced veteran team, looking to maintain their position at the head of the pack. Decked out in matching blood red tights, they’re clearly itching to beat down their uppity young opponents. They’re like the Cool Kids, the bullies, in high school.
Young bucks (i.e., male deer) are playful, vivacious, spirited, and wild. These Young Bucks — Matt and Nick Jackson – enter the ring bare-chested in matching psychedelic tights which will accentuate their high-flying moves. The fans are drawn to the clean-cut Abercrombie model looks, fit bodies, and can-do attitudes that these lads carry into the ring.
They’re portraying the eager newbies — energetic, hopeful, maybe a bit too cocky, so the name “Young Bucks” captures the spirit and intentions of their team nature (an important consideration when naming a Tag Team.)
The Bucks begin the match exploding with energy to gain an early lead, like a deer trying to outrun a wolf pack. But the wolves are patient and soon work together to isolate one of their prey (like wolves do) and nip away at him. Soon Matt is trapped in the ring, unable to reach his brother, and the ruthless dogs have their way with him.
A crossroads in the match is when Nick Jackson is thrown stiffly off the ring apron and crashes painfully to the floor. Ever the bully, Eddie Edwards attacks him outside the ropes and Body-Slams him to cripple him.
Now the Wolves have truly isolated one Buck — Matt Jackson. He is alone, totally at their mercy. This is the sort of drama and injustice that can only be portrayed in a Tag Team match!
Can this brave young Buck overcome the odds and survive this attack by two wolves? Will this be like one of those Disney nature films from the 1970’s where the lovable yearling always seems to scamper away from the vicious predators? No matter who wins, the American Wolves at work is always a beautiful thing to behold as they execute their punishing kicks and smothering holds.
