20 Obscure WWE Tag Teams You Totally Don't Remember

11. Reverend D-Von & Deacon Batista

The Gatecrashers
WWE Network

The original WWE Brand Split saw the company split-up several big name tag teams in an effort to freshen their acts up, and promote big pushes for the individual members. This worked for The Acolytes following their second separation in 2004, when JBL went on to become a dominant World Heavyweight Champion, but it wasn't quite so beneficial for the Dudley Boyz.

The 2002 draft saw Bubba Ray drafted to Raw, and D-Von to SmackDown. While Bubba stayed true to his character by reuniting with cousin Spike on Monday nights, D-Von did quite the opposite on the blue brand. WWE saddled him with a corrupt preacher gimmick, and as Reverend D-Von, he initially served as Mr. McMahon's "spiritual advisor."

WWE decided the good Reverend needed some muscle, and in came Deacon Batista as D-Von's collection box guardian. Initially debuting as an enforcer, Batista soon took to the ring, and he and the Reverend entered SmackDown's tag division, scoring a big win over Randy Orton and Faarooq in their debut.

The holy duo weren't to last, however. The Deacon lost his first singles match when D-Von accidentally struck him during a match with Rikishi, they argued over the following weeks, and Batista eventually turned on him. Batista would go on to become a multi-time champion, and one of the era's most important wrestlers, but his origin story is best left in the past.

 
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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.