In recent years, wrestling fans have lamented the death of Tag Team wrestling in the big leagues. The old formula Heel Team vs. Baby-Face Team is seen infrequently. The beauty of the WWE NXT series (available online only in the USA) is that it often feels like old timey classic wrestling. The old formulas are in play again and are as fun to watch as ever.
Here are images from a recent tag team match on NXT featuring Heels Michael McGillicutty and Johnny Curtis against Baby Faces Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd. We got to see all the good old tropes, formulas and cliches, just like old times.
The match began with the (A). Introduction — both teams establishing their personas as either creepy, threatening Heels, or lovable, accessible Baby Faces. This notifies the crowd that they ought to cheer for Justin & Tyson just as loudly as they used to cheer for Robert & Ricky, or Marty & Shawn, or Bobby & Tommy.
After a few minutes of (B). Chain Wrestling, the Baby-Faces move comfortably into their period of (C). Shining. This is where Justin and Tyson show that they’re better wrestlers than the Bad Guys thanks to their honesty, hard work, sincerity, and heart.
However, as Baby-Faces, their tragic flaw is that they lack killer instinct and raw aggression. They take turns applying the Harmless Armbar which may look beautiful given their impressive physiques, but does little to subdue their opponents.
Like any good Baby-Face, Justin Gabriel is isolated in the far corner, miles away from his buddy and partner Tyson Kidd. A stiff shoulder to Justin’s belly is the (D). Cut-Off — the termination of the Baby Faces’ Shining. Justin Gabriel has now assumed the role of Baby-Face-In-Peril.
What follows is a long period of (E). Heel Heat, the domination of the bad guys over their helpless victim, angelic little Justin Gabriel. The fans get to enjoy beautiful images of suffering as the two baddies use tight, strangling Headlocks, Hairpulling, and crushing Kneedrops to the exposed stomach to subdue our hero.
The suffering by Justin Gabriel is in the old-time wrestling style, his body down on the mat, his arms and legs as limp as a dishrag, his naked torso open and exposed, an expression of intense agony twisting his handsome features. Added to that is the modern focus on his open crotch, his skimpy little briefs barely protecting him, which sexualizes the imagery of the match even more than in the classic days of pro wrestling.
After several minutes of pure torture, Justin provides the requisite (F). Hope Spot. This is where he peels his limp body off the mat and shows some promise of reaching his partner for the tag and potential victory.
In this case, he struggles out of a Double Arm Pectorial Stretcher applied by vicious Johnny Curtis, with the crowd hooting and hollering as their hero overcomes the odds.
After successfully making the (G). Hot Tag, a fresh Tyson Kidd beats the villains into submission and his exhausted partner, Justin Gabriel, is soon renewed and able to fight again.
It’s time for the (H). Finish, with Justin and Tyson working together homosocially to slam Johnny Curtis on the back of his head to stun him. Gabriel is able to easily pin the bad boy and our heroic Baby-Faces earn the “W”.
Now all that’s left is the final, glorious (I). Victory Pose.
