Mr. Fuji: Ranking His WWE Managerial Clients From Worst To Best
8. The Powers Of Pain
The Powers of Pain (Warlord & Barbarian) are one of WWE’s earliest attempts at, ahem, “recreating” The Road Warriors, whom were proving a hugely successful act for the NWA at the time. Two big, burly power wrestlers with face paint and basic movesets, everything about them screamed “rip-off,” but they actually achieved a modicum of success with Mr. Fuji by their side.
Fuji had just ended his affiliation with Demolition, and believed that the Powers would prove obedient, loyal apprentices. Demolition immediately entered a feud with the Powers and their former manager (whom they branded “Fuj the Stooge”), and they met in a three-on-two handicap match for the Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania V.
Demolition successfully retained their titles when Ax pinned Fuji, and that was the end of their affair. After close to six months feuding with WWE’s most popular tag team, The Powers of Pain had their contract sold-off to separate managers: Bobby Heenan acquired Barbarian, while Slick bought Warlord. Their final match together came in March 1990.