WWE has reportedly been discussing an overhaul of the tag team division following recent talent cuts, seemingly intensified after the departures of the Motor City Machine Guns and the New Day, two instrumental tag teams in the last decade+.
Their exits, particularly Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, left noticeable gaps in star power in the tag team division.
WWE already has several potential tag teams in place that could help re-shape both the men’s and women’s tag divisions. Let’s take a look.
Lainey Reid & Fallon Henley
Fatal Influence made a statement debut on the April 24 edition of WWE SmackDown. Led by Jacy Jayne, the stable attacked during Brie Bella and Paige’s Women’s Tag Team Title defense against Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair.
Jayne confronted Rhea Ripley later that same night and they squared off in an impromptu singles match. Her extensive time on the NXT roster has familiarized her with fans. Meanwhile, Lainey Reid and Fallon Henley’s pairing has the potential to take over the division as their presentation and chemistry as a team could evolve to strengthen themselves as challengers for tag team gold.
Additionally, it would prove beneficial especially at a time when the division is in need of newer, long-term teams beyond temporary and outdated pairings.
Rey Mysterio & Rey Fenix
While not an official tag team, Mysterio and Fenix’s union has proven to be entertaining and charismatic in previous matches. The two share and complement each other’s wrestling styles.
Following Mysterio’s injury earlier this year, he participated in the ladder match at WrestleMania for the Intercontinental Title. Despite still showcasing in-ring agility that defined his early years, the new AAA general manager could benefit from a tag team alliance with Fenix.
Fenix recently teased the pursuit of the Intercontinental Championship, currently held by his brother Penta. He remains a fan favorite, but has yet to win a title in the company. WWE could utilize the tag team momentum to give him his first championship win. Simultaneously teaming up with someone of Mysterio’s stature would permit the veteran to take fewer bumps and still continue a prominent on-screen presence.
The Creed Brothers
Brutus and Julian Creed were dominant and athletically impressive on NXT. They joined the Raw roster in 2023 and shortly after, won a tag team turmoil match to contend for the undisputed Tag Team Titles.
Barely a year later, they joined forces with Chad Gable but ultimately lost their identity as a tag team. Earlier this month, they were introduced as Bruto Credo and Julio Credo (Los Americanos Hermanos), joining the Original El Grande Americano in his battle against Los Americanos.
If the main roster audience is introduced to their former versions portrayed on NXT, they have potential to establish themselves as one of WWE’s finest tag teams. Their combination of amateur wrestling with intense in-ring athleticism already has sturdy credibility already built in.
Bayley & Lyra Valkyria
Bayley’s hard fought battle to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles has not been fruitful for more than a year now. Becky Lynch replaced her to team up with Lyra Valkyria at WrestleMania 41 to win the championship.
This year, Bayley and Valkyria competed in a fatal four-way match for the titles again, but came up short. Despite the losses, the pairing has showcased a balanced chemistry with Bayley’s veteran leadership and Valkyria’s rising star momentum.
Bayley’s influence on women’s wrestling has extended beyond WWE, particularly through the Lodestone Wrestling Seminars.
WWE has lacked consistent tag teams in the women’s division. Most have stemmed from mutual convenience or short-term storylines, case in point, Paige’s return to replace Nikki Bella.
