The Ruthless Aggression Era, which took place from 2002 to 2008, was a significant period in WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) history.
Following the Attitude Era, the Ruthless Aggression Era was characterized by a shift in storytelling and the introduction of new talent. While the era is often overlooked in discussions about tag teams, it had a significant impact on the division. Tag team wrestling played a crucial role during this era, with several notable teams making their mark.
During this era, WWE focused on creating new stars and pushing the boundaries of storytelling. The Attitude Era had set a high bar with its edgy content and compelling characters, and the Ruthless Aggression Era aimed to build upon that success.
The era marked a transition from the rebellious attitude of the previous era to a more refined and skill-based approach to wrestling. It was a time of experimentation and growth for WWE, as they sought to captivate audiences with fresh storylines and exciting in-ring action.
Ruthless Aggression Tag Teams Kane and RVD: A Dynamic Tag Team
During the Ruthless Aggression Era, one of the standout tag teams was Kane and RVD. This unique partnership brought together Kane’s power and RVD’s high-flying style, creating a dynamic duo that captured the attention of fans. As a tag team, they achieved great success, winning the World Tag Team Championship.
Their contrasting styles and chemistry inside the ring made them an exciting team to watch. Kane’s brute strength combined with RVD’s agility and innovative moves created a captivating dynamic that fans couldn’t get enough of.
Kane and RVD’s reign as tag team champions showcased their dominance and contribution to the Ruthless Aggression Era. They successfully defended their titles against formidable opponents and delivered thrilling matches that left a lasting impact on fans.
Whether it was Kane’s chokeslam or RVD’s breathtaking Five-Star Frog Splash, their combined arsenal of moves made them a force to be reckoned with. Kane and RVD’s partnership exemplified the essence of tag team wrestling during the Ruthless Aggression Era, where the right combination of skills and chemistry could lead to championship gold.
La Resistance: Controversial Champions
Another notable tag team that emerged during the Ruthless Aggression Era was La Resistance. Known for their anti-American gimmick, the team capitalized on France’s decision not to join the Iraq War, generating significant heat from the audience.
La Resistance became World Tag Team Champions, causing controversy and further fueling the intensity of their rivalry with other teams. The team consisted of Sylvain Grenier, Rob Conway, and later Rene Dupree, and their reign as champions demonstrated their ability to generate strong reactions and make an impact in the tag team division.
La Resistance’s anti-American gimmick was a bold move by WWE during a time of heightened political tensions. The team played on the emotions of the audience, drawing intense reactions and generating a heated atmosphere whenever they appeared.
Their controversial persona allowed them to stand out from the crowd and establish themselves as a formidable force in the tag team division. La Resistance’s championship reign was marked by intense rivalries and memorable matches that showcased their in-ring abilities and ability to tell compelling stories.
Other Notable Tag Teams of the Ruthless Aggression Era
The Ruthless Aggression Era featured several other notable tag teams that left a lasting impact on the division. The Basham Brothers, known for their technical skills and intensity, brought a unique dynamic to the tag team landscape. MNM (Johnny Nitro, Joey Mercury, and Melina) added a highly entertaining and charismatic Hollywood-themed presence to the division.
The World’s Greatest Tag Team, consisting of Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas, showcased athleticism and chemistry that made them stand out. These teams contributed to the excitement and diversity of the tag team division during the Ruthless Aggression Era.
The Basham Brothers were known for their aggressive in-ring style and their ability to work together seamlessly. Their technical prowess and intensity made them formidable opponents for any team that crossed their path. MNM, on the other hand, brought a unique Hollywood-inspired flair to the tag team division.
Their flashy entrances and stylish attire made them fan favourites, while their in-ring abilities solidified their status as a top tag team. The World’s Greatest Tag Team, comprised of two highly skilled athletes, showcased their athleticism and chemistry in every match they competed in. Their ability to execute high-flying moves and technical manoeuvres made them fan favourites and a standout team in the Ruthless Aggression Era.
Memorable Matches and Storylines
Kane and RVD, as well as La Resistance, were involved in memorable matches and storylines that captivated fans during the Ruthless Aggression Era. Kane and RVD had battles against other teams in the division, showcasing their skills, teamwork, and contrasting styles. La Resistance’s controversial gimmick led to intense rivalries and storylines with other teams, adding depth and excitement to the tag team division. The era witnessed memorable feuds, such as The Basham Brothers vs. MNM, which showcased intense competition and captivating storylines. Betrayal, jealousy, and intense competition were common themes in the storylines involving these tag teams, keeping fans engaged and invested in their matches.
One of the most memorable matches involving Kane and RVD was their Tag Team Championship defence against The Dudley Boyz at WWE’s Unforgiven pay-per-view in 2002. The match was a brutal affair, with tables, ladders, and chairs being used as weapons. Kane and RVD’s contrasting styles were on full display, as they combined their unique abilities to take down their opponents. The match ended with Kane delivering a devastating chokeslam to Bubba Ray Dudley through a table, securing the victory for his team.
La Resistance’s rivalry with legendary tag team The Dudley Boyz also produced several memorable matches. Their battles were filled with intense action and heated confrontations, as both teams fought to prove their dominance. One of their most memorable encounters was a Tables Match at Survivor Series in 2003.
The match saw both teams go to extreme lengths to put their opponents through tables, resulting in a thrilling and chaotic encounter. In the end, La Resistance emerged victorious, solidifying their status as a dominant force in the tag team division.
Comparing the Ruthless Aggression Era to the Attitude Era
The Ruthless Aggression Era faced challenges in replicating the success of the tag team division during the Attitude Era. While the Attitude Era is often regarded as the golden age of tag team wrestling, the Ruthless Aggression Era introduced fresh and innovative teams.
The Attitude Era was known for its edgier content, while the Ruthless Aggression Era focused more on in-ring work and athleticism.
The tag teams of the Ruthless Aggression Era brought a different dynamic to the division, showcasing various styles and characters. Despite the challenges, the Ruthless Aggression Era played a crucial role in the evolution of tag team wrestling in WWE.
The Attitude Era is often remembered for its groundbreaking storylines and larger-than-life characters, many of whom were involved in the tag team division. Teams like The Hardy Boyz, The Dudley Boyz, and Edge and Christian revolutionized tag team wrestling with their high-risk manoeuvres and captivating storylines. The era was defined by its over-the-top antics and boundary-pushing content, which captivated audiences around the world.
