At first glance, Ax and Smash of Demolition look more "50 Shades" than professional wrestling. With studded, black leather ring gear that appeared to be purchased at the nearest Adult World, the duo made its debut in 1987 and wasted little time making an impact in WWE. They destroyed the competition, with unmatched physicality. Their matches against enhancement talent were reminiscent of, fittingly enough, demolition derbies and by the time WrestleMania IV concluded in March of 1988, they were champions and well on their way to dominating the tag team landscape in WWE. So cool were they and so impressive was their ring work that Ax and Smash became babyfaces. Among the most popular acts on the roster, they regularly competed against the Hart Foundation, the Brainbusters and the Colossal Connection. By the end of 1990, injuries to Ax resulted in a change in the lineup. Crush joined Smash in the majority of matches. With the industry changing, Demolition's impressive run as one of WWE's top teams came to an end in 1991. Being billed from Parts Unknown only added to the overall presentation of Demolition. They had the look, the skill set, were booked to perfection and had some of the best theme music of all-time. That they had the mysterious background and hometown only accentuated the overall package, making Demolition one of the best homegrown gimmicks in WWE history. Even if it was essentially ripoff of the Road Warriors team.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
