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Top 50 Sibling Tag Teams

May is Tag Team Appreciation Month at Wrestling Merchandise & Memories, with nearly 100 unique and interesting articles on the art of tag team wrestling.

 

But for this particular Top 50 list, you may want to say "Oh, brother". Or possibly "Oh, sister...."

 

Wrestling families are a huge part of the business, with names like McMahon, Gagne, Hart, Anoa'i and Orton dominating the business for decades. But siblings who decide to tag up.... well, that's slightly more rare. And rarer yet are the surprising number of twins on this list.

 

In selecting the Top 50 Sibling Tag Teams, Wrestling Merchandise and Memories looked at the following criteria:

 

  • How much success did the team acheive together (not just as singles or in later combinations)?

  • Are the siblings often remembered as part of a team?

  • How well is the team known both inside and outside of wrestling circles?

 

One note: This is NOT a list of kayfabe siblings, so if you're wondering why The Dudley Boyz, Edge & Christian, The Valiants, The Brothers Of Destruction, The Garvins and many, many other fake brother tag teams were left off this list... well, that's why.

 

Questions? Feedback? Comments? Leave a comment below, or let us know on Twitter (@CanadianBulldog) using the hashtag #Top50. 

 

Ready? Here we go!

50.

Randy & Bill Mulkey

Two of the greatest enhancement talents in wrestling history, Randy & Bill Mulkey teamed as The Mulkey Brothers in the NWA and Mid-Atlantic Wrestling. Together, the brothers jobbed to The Midnight Express and, well, pretty much everyone else, but gained a cult following for their "MulkeyMania."

48.

Pat & Mike Kelly

Canadian-born twin brothers Pat and Mike Kelly competed on the indepedent scene in the 1980s as The Kelly Twins, as well as being known as The Super Destroyers and The Von Schultz Brothers. After appearing in a series of commercials, Pat died in the 1988 van crash that also claimed Adrian Adonis.

46.

Joel & Jose Maximo

Better known as The Spanish Announce Team, Joel & Jose Maximo began teaming in 2000, and worked for several independent promotions, as well as spots in Ring of Honor and TNA (they also worked as enhancement talent in WWE). 

44.

The McGuire Twins

Although Billy and Benny McGuire never captured any major tag team championships, they are well known as The McGuire Twins, the world's heaviest pair of twins. A photo of them riding a motorcycle has become part of pop culture, and the two were special attractions in the 1960s and 1970s.

42.

Gene & Steve Stanlee

No, not Stan Lee from Marvel Comics.... Gene Stanlee was a top wrestling star in the 1940s and 1950s who went by the nickname Mr. America (not to be confused with Hulk Hogan's masked alias). Eventually he formed a team with his brother Steve Stanlee in various territories throughout the National Wrestling Alliance.

40.

Chris Champion & Mark Starr

Chris Champion was a tag team specialist who later competed in WCW as Yoshi Kwan. Before that, he competed for several independent promotions along with his brother Mark Starr as a team known as The Wild Side. Together, they made it to the second round of the 1988 Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup.

38.

The Power Twins

David and Larry Power (probably not their real names) were a pair of identical twin brothers that competed throughout the 1990s. The two were mainly used in Herb Abrams' Universal Wrestling Federation as The Power Twins, but also worked in Stampede, the United States Wrestling Alliance and other groups.

36.

The Torres Brothers

Enrique Torres was a Latino wrestling star in the 1940s and 1950s, who would feud with the likes of Lou Thesz and Gorgeous George. Enrique also teamed with his brothers Alberto and Ramon Torres. Together, the three held the NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship 10 times, along with other regional title belts.

34.

The Alvarados

Mexican wrestling star Shadito Cruz (Juan Alvarado Ibarra) founded a huge family of Lucha Libre stars, including six sons who would team over the years. These include Brazo de Oro, El Brazo, Brazo de Plata, Brazo Cibernetico, Brazo de Platino and Super Brazo. There were also kayfabe Alvarado family members.

32.

The Flying Scotts

George Scott was a wrestling from the 1950s to 1970s, arguably best known for his roles as a booker in Jim Crockett Promotions and the WWF. Along with his brother Sandy Scott, the siblings became The Flying Scotts and held numerous tag team championships in the NWA, AWA,  Japan and Stampede Wrestling.

30.

Ron & Don Bass

"Outlaw" Ron Bass was a famous Cowboy heel who once compete in the WWF. In the 1970s, he would team up with Don Bass and they were managed by kayfabe mother Maw Bass. The Bass Family would go on to capture championships in various parts of the National Wrestling Alliance.

28.

Eddie & Doug Gilbert

Eddie Gilbert was a wrestler, manager and promoter from Tennessee who passed away in 1995. Before that, he often teamed with his brother Doug Gilbert in Memphis. The two teamed in Memphis opposite Jerry Lawler andcaptured the ECW Tag Team Titles in 1993. Their father, Tommy Gilbert, was also a wrestler.

26.

Dean & Joe Malenko

Long before Dean Malenko became one of the top cruiserweights in the world and a backstage agent for WWE, he teamed with his brother Joe Malenko throughout Mexico and Japan. The two teamed from 1988 to 1992, even competing in a tournament for the NWA Tag Team Championships in 1992.

24.

Mike & Ben Sharpe

This Mike Sharpe isn't the same as former WWF jobber Iron Mike Sharpe, but rather a team consisting of his father Mike Sharpe Sr., along with Mike Sr.'s brother Ben Sharpe. Together, The Sharpe Brothers dominated in the 1950s, competing in San Francisco, and begin huge gaijin stars throughout Japan.

22.

The Harris Boys

Identical twins Ron and Don Harris have been just about everywhere since debuting in 1987. They were Jacob & Eli Blu and The Disciples of The Apocalypse in the WWF, Creative Control and The Harris Boys in WCW, and even had management positions within Impact Wrestling.

20.

The Guerrero Family

The legendary Gory Guerrero had four sons, all of which became huge stars in professional wrestling. Chavo Sr., who recently passed away, teamed with brothers Hector, Mando and WWE Hall of Famer Eddie Guerrero throughout Mexico and Los Angeles. Chavo Jr., who also teamed with them, is not a sibling.

18.

The Tolos Brothers

Chris and John Tolos teamed in the 1950s and 1960s, known as The Canadian Wrecking Crew and as The Tolos Brothers. Together, they captured the WWWF United States Tag Team Championship from Gorilla Monsoon and Killer Kowalski. John was also a singles star in Los Angeles as "The Golden Greek."

16.

The Samoan Swat Team

These are not The Headshrinkers team of Solofa Fatu and Samula Anoa'i - they were cousins. In WCW, Solofa Fatu (better known as WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi) teamed with Samula as The Samoan Swat Team, until Samula was replaced by Solofa's brother Sam Fatu, known as The Samoan Savage throughout his WCW run.

14.

Mil Mascaras & Dos Caras

WWE Hall of Famer Mil Mascaras is best known for his singles career, but he has teamed with his brother Dos Caras on many ocassions over the years. Together, they captured the Tokyo World Tag Team Championship. They've also teamed with brother Sicodelico and Dos Caras' son a/k/a Alberto Del Rio.

12.

Cody & Dustin Rhodes

Cody and Dustin Rhodes, both sons of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, had both been in WWE for some time before teaming as The Brotherhood and Gold & Stardust, winnig tag team gol there. The half-brothers have also teamed up in All Elite Wrestling

10.

The Lucha Bros.

Not to be confused with The Lucha Dragons or Lucha House Party, brothers Pentagon Jr. and Fenix have been teaming since 2007. They've since competed in numerous promotions around the world, mostly notably All Elite Wrestling.

8.

The Usos

The twin sons of WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, Jimmy and Jey Uso have teamed since 2009, working exclusively for WWE and related territories ever since. The Usos have come a long way since their FCW beginnings, becoming one of the most successful teams in recent WWE history.

6.

The Von Erichs

WWE Hall of Famers The Von Erich Family began with Jack "Fritz Von Erich" Adkisson. His sons Mike, David, Kevin, Chris and Kerry Von Erich would frequently tag up, winning championship gold in the NWA, World Class, the AWA, Florida and All Japan throughout their careers.

4.

Harlem Heat

WWE Hall of Famer brothers Booker T and Stevie Ray teamed as Harlem Heat for more than a decade, capturing the WCW World Tag Team Championship a record 10 times. They've also competed in the Global Wrestling Federation, New Japan Pro Wrestling and Booker's Reality of Wrestling group.

2.

Jack & Gerry Brisco

Beyond maintaining The Brisco Brothers Body Shop, siblings and WWE Hall of Famers Jack and Gerry Brisco teamed from 1965 until 1985. Together, the brothers captured tag team gold in All Japan, Florida, Georgia, Mid-Atlantic and Arkansas, as well as Jack being a two-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion himself.

49

Keith & Kent Cole

Twin brothers Keith and Kent Cole began wrestling together in the early 1990s, immediately being hired in WCW as the midcard Cole Twins. While they lost more matches than they won, The Cole Twins received their share of television time, with Keith facing a pre-Triple H Paul Levesque in The Game's WCW debut.

47.

Mike & Todd Shane

Twin brothers Mike and Todd Shane have competed under several names, including The Shane Twins on the independent scene and in the short-lived XWF, as well as Simon Dean's muscle known as The Gymini in WWE. They were also a pair of wrestling penises known as The Johnsons in TNA.... no, seriously.

45

The Singh Brothers

Once dubbed The Bollywood Boyz, brothers Sunil and Samir Singh are best known as being the enforcers for Jinder Mahal. The Canadian-born duo also competed in Ring Ka King and Global Force Wrestling before entering WWE's Cruiserweight Classic.

43.

Bobby & Jackie Fulton

Although Bobby Fulton is best known as one of The Fantastics with Tommy Rogers. But Bobby also teamed with his brother Jackie Fulton, particularly after The Fantastics disbanded in the early 1990s. The two were SMW Tag Team Champions.

41.

The Headhunters

Headhunter A and Headhunter B (shockingly, not their real names) were a pair of 300-plus pound twin brothers that have  been competing since the late 1980s. The Headhunters competed in Japan, Mexico and ECW, and appeared in the 1996 Royal Rumble as The Squat Team.

39.

Michel & Rick Martel

Michel "Mad Dog" Martel was a Canadian wrestler who competed in Stampede Wrestling and other promotions. In the early 1970s he teamed with his brother Rick Martel, who would go on to greater fame in the AWA and WWF. Interestingly, the brothers also teamed with kayfabe sibling "Pierre Martel."

37.

Buzz & Brett Sawyer

"Mad Dog" Buzz Sawyer was an unpredictable wrestler, best known for his violent and lengthy feud with Tommy Rich. In the early 1980s, Buzz teamed with brother Brett, and together they feuded against The Road Warriors. The Sawyer siblings won tag team gold in both the NWA and Pacific Northwest territories.

35

Robert & Ricky Gibson

No, not Robert Gibson and Ricky Morton.... before he was part of The Rock 'n' Roll Express, Robert was trained by older brother Ricky Gibson, a top star in the southern wrestling territories in the 1970s. Later on, when Robert teamed up with the other Ricky (Morton), Ricky Gibson would join the two in trios matches

33.

Negro Casas, Heavy Metal & El Felino

Another famous wrestling family in Mexico are the Ruiz members, the most famous of which was CMLL veteran Negro Casas. Over the years, Casas teamed with brothers El Felino and Heavy Metal, and the trio won the IWRG Intercontinental Trios Championship in 2005, holding the belts for half a year.

31.

The Dusek Riot Squad

The Dusek Riot Squad was a quartet of brothers best known for competing in the NWA and Texas. Brothers Ernie, Emil, Rudy and Joe Dusek were born in Omaha, Nebraska and often competed in that region, winning versions of the NWA World Tag Team Titles. Two kayfabe Duseks (Wally and Frank) were later added.

29.

The Cormiers

Leo Burke (born Leonce Cormier) was a wrestler that headlined in Canada, Puerto Rico, New Zealand and elsewhere. In his native Canada, he would often team up with brothers Yvon "The Beast" Cormier, Jean-Louis Cormier and Bobby Kay, winning titles in Eastern and Western Canada as well as in Central States.

27.

Primo & Carlito

No, not the team of Primo & Epico -- although they're related, they are cousins. The sons of WWE Hall of Famer Carlos Colon, Primo (Edwin Carlos Colon Coates) and Carlito (Carlos Edwin Coates Colon Jr.) teamed in WWC and once held the WWE and World Tag Team Championship simultaneously.

25.

The Mendozas

The five sons of luchador Ray Mendoza all went into the family business as the masked Los Villanos, a group that made waves throughout Mexico and even competed in WCW. The Mendoza brothers went under the names Villano I, Villano II, Villano III, Villano IV, and -- how's this for a surprise? -- Villano V.

23.

The Bella Twins

Although they've never held any form of tag team championship together, WWE Hall of Famers and twin sisters Brie and Nikki Bella have transcended the industry by becoming two of the more popular female stars, both in the ring and on WWE-led reality television shows. 

21.

Mad Dog & Butcher Vachon

Maurice "Mad Dog" Vachon is a WWE Hall of Famer who held the AWA World Championship five times in his career. He also tagged with Paul "Butcher" Vachon, and together the Vachons captured tag team championships throughout the AWA, NWA, Stampede, Mid-Atlantic and Pacific Northwest territories.

19.

Randy Savage & Lanny Poffo

1950s and 1960s star Angelo Poffo had two sons that followed him into the wrestling business: WWE Hall of Famer Randy "Macho Man" Savage and Lanny Poffo, whom fans remember as The Genius. The Poffo Brothers teamed in the early 1980s throughout Memphis and the Gulf Coast.

17.

The Hart Brothers

WWE Hall of Famer Stu Hart and wife Helen had twelve children while founding the Stampede Wrestling territory, many of which were involved in wrestling. In various incarnations, Smith, Bruce, Keith, Wayne, Owen and WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart tagged up in both Stampede and in the WWF.

15.

The Youngbloods

Texas wrestling legend Ricky Romero had three siblings in the business, competing as Chris, Jay and Mark Youngblood. Although Jay is best known for his partnership with Ricky Steamboat, the three brothers competed in various promotions, including in Florida and Global Wrestling.

13.

The Briscoe Brothers

Although no relation to The Brisco Brothers (slight difference in spelling), Mark and Jay Briscoe have carved a niche for themselves in Ring of Honor, where the siblings have competed since the group's first event in 2002. They've held the ROH Tag Team Championship a record eleven times.

11.

The Rougeaus

Canadian wrestling star Jacques Rougeau Sr. had three sons in the business, Jacques Jr., Raymond and Armand. While all three siblings have teamed before, the most popular pairing was Jacques Jr. and Raymond, who became The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers in the WWF, lasting there from 1986 to 1990.

9.

The Young Bucks

Brothers Matt and Nick Jackson have been teaming since 2004, winning gold in Pro Wrestling Guerilla, TNA, Ring of Honor, New Japan Pro Wrestling and elsewhere. They're currently executives and headline performers in All Elite Wrestling.

7.

The Wild Samoans

The patriarchs of the Anoa'i family, WWE Hall of Famers Afa and Sika Anoa'i set the standard for Samoans in professional wrestling. The brothers captured the WWF World Tag Team Championship three times, as well as various championships in Canada and the U.S. 

5.

The Funk Brothers

The sons of Dory Funk Sr., WWE Hall of Famers Dory Jr. and Terry Funk were the only pair of brothers to both capture the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. As a team, The Funk Brothers captured titles in All Japan, Florida, and Georgia and even partnered up for matches in the WWF and ECW. A third kayfabe brother, Jimmy Jack Funk, was briefly part of the team.

3.

Rick & Scott Steiner

Rick and Scott Steiner were one of the most innovative teams in wrestling history, popularizing moves like the Tilt-A-Whirl Superplex and Franksteiner in the U.S. Togeher, The Steiner Brothers held multiple tag team championships, including in New Japan, the WWF and WCW, including a run with the U.S. Tag Team Titles.

1.

The Hardy Boyz

Very few tag teams have been as successful as Matt and Jeff Hardy over a lengthy period of time -- and none featuring legitimate brothers. The Hardy Boyz have been together on and off since 1993 and have held the tag team titles in WWE six times, as well as having successful expeditions for gold in TNA, Ring of Honor, OMEGA and elsewhere.

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