Amidst polarizing opinions surrounding The Young Bucks’ controversial antics on AEW TV, there’s no denying their profound impact on modern tag team wrestling. Renowned for their dynamic in-ring style and playful demeanor, The Young Bucks have ascended to become a defining force in 21st-century tag team competition, shaping the landscape of promotions like PWG, Ring of Honor, and New Japan Pro Wrestling, and contributing to the inception of AEW.
However, the genesis of Matt and Nick Jackson’s innovative approach traces back to another dynamic duo within WWE, as revealed by former WWE Superstar Hornswoggle on a recent episode of the “What Happened When?” podcast.
Hornswoggle
Hornswoggle drew parallels between Paul London and Brian Kendrick’s captivating performances and The Young Bucks’ revolutionary style, dubbing them as the precursors to the iconic AEW executives. Recognized for their groundbreaking maneuvers and fresh approach to in-ring storytelling, London and Kendrick left an indelible mark during their tenure in WWE, particularly as a formidable team on “Smackdown.”
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London and Kendrick’s impact extended beyond mere entertainment value, as evidenced by their impressive championship reigns in WWE. Their 11-month stint as WWE Tag Team Champions from 2006 to 2007 solidified their status as one of “Smackdown’s” most beloved duos, while a brief three-day reign with the World Tag Team Championships further underscored their dominance within the tag team division.
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Legacy Beyond WWE: The Hooligans’ Continued Influence
Even after parting ways with WWE, London and Kendrick continued to showcase their unparalleled chemistry and innovative spirit on the independent circuit as The Hooligans. Their encounters with The Young Bucks in promotions such as House of Hardcore, House of Glory, and PWG served as a testament to their enduring impact and enduring legacy as trailblazers in tag team wrestling.
In essence, Hornswoggle’s retrospective appraisal of Paul London and Brian Kendrick reaffirms their status as pioneers of innovative tag team wrestling, laying the groundwork for subsequent teams like The Young Bucks to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.
