Question: what happens when the king of the death matches forms an impromptu tag team with an insecure underdog? Answer: two memorable reigns as tag team champions that were highly entertaining. In the summer of 1994, Cactus Jack and Terry Funk were scheduled to wrestle Public Enemy, however, Funk no-showed the event. With the threat of forfeiture looming, Cactus went backstage and literally dragged out the unwilling plucky underdog in Mikey Whipwreck to be his partner. The closing of the match saw Cactus throw Whipwreck onto a down-and-out Rocco Rock for the pin to kick off the first of their two reigns as tag team champions. While their matches had a unique flair to them, it was their Odd Couple dynamic that added to the allure of their pairing. Cactus would fight anyone at the drop of a hat, while Whipwreck was scared, insecure, and just wanted to be left alone. Their opposite personalities shined through in their matches and especially their promos. Their second reign as champions came when Mike Whipwreck bested Too Cold Scorpio in a winner takes all match to become ECW Television and Tag Team Champion. Cactus Jack came out after the match and declared himself as Whipwrecks partner and new champion. Things were different this time around as Cactus was now a heel and a member of Ravens nest. Meanwhile, Whipwreck was coming off a stint as the most unlikely ECW World Heavyweight Champion, which endeared him to fans even more. Thirty days later, they dropped the tag titles to the Eliminators and after the match, Cactus Jack turned on Whipwreck, blaming him for the loss and the end of an odd pairing that old school ECW fans will never forget.
Atlee Greene is a freelance writer for various sites, including ForcesOfGeek.com, Gerweck.net, CamelClutchBlog.com, and WhatCulture.com. He is also a former independent professional wrestler and promotes shows in the Massachusetts area.