The New Day sets a new record

A tale of two teams
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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When Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods and Big E came together nearly 18 months ago I had no idea the trio would be setting a record in WWE. Their second reign as WWE Tag Team Champions has (or will) officially set a record as of December 14, 2016. The previous record holders Demolition were tag team champs for 478 days. 

There have been mixed feelings on social media about The New Day beating Ax and Smash's long-standing record. I'm a huge old-school fan, but I realize times change and new records have to be established for this generation. I also realize the lawsuit former Demolition members have against the WWE could have played a role in the changing of the guard.

 Demolition
Courtesy: WWE

I was watching live on closed circuit TV when Demolition beat Strike Force at WrestleMania IV for the titles. I also was tuned in when the Brain Busters beat Ax and Smash for the belts on Saturday Night's Main Event 478 days later. I witnessed New Day start their record-breaking reign after winning the against The Primetime Players, Lucha Dragons and Los Matadores at SummerSlam 2015. Who will be the team to dethrone them? My early pick right now is Enzo and Big Cass. 

New Day rocks!
Courtesy: WWE

Both The New Day and Demolition are great tag teams and each faced some of the best duos in the business. Demolition beat everyone from The Killer Bees to the Powers of Pain to the Hart Foundation. New Day has regained against the likes of The Dudleys, The Usos and two huge victories on Raw against The Club, Sheamus & Cesaro and Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins and Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens.

Congrats to The New Day on setting this new record. And congrats to Demolition for holding the record for 27 years. The accomplishment by Woods, Kingston and Big E does nothing to tarnish nor diminish what Ax and Smash accomplished in the 80s. Plus they've proven themselves not only in the ring but with merchandise sales too. 

Demolishing tag team history

Demolition
Courtsey: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Follow my blog with Bloglovin 

I've been a wrestling fan for more than 30 years. But from time to time I learn something new or relearn something I've forgotten about the business. The most recent lesson came earlier this week when WWE proclaimed The New Day as the longest reigning WWE tag team champs. Xavier Woods, Big E and Kofi Kingston have held the titles since SummerSlam 2015 (338 days to date). 

Courtesy: WWE

While I'm a huge fan of the New Day, I questioned WWE's math and history skills, remembering that at WrestleMania IV in 1988 Demolition beat Strike Force for the gold and defended the belts a year later at WrestleMania V and remained champs until the fall of 1989. The total: 478 days. I also discovered in my research that the Valiant Brothers held the gold for 370 days. Both reigns are longer than The New Day's time as champs.

But then I read the fine print. WWE in 2002 established the WWE tag team champions. Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit won those titles when the first brand extension happened. By 2010 the company retired the World Tag Team champion and the belts that were held by Ax and Smash.

The New Day
Courtesy: WWE

So technically speaking, it's true. The New Day are the longest reigning WWE tag team champions. But if you're a history and a fool for old school like me, the overall longest set of tag team title holders in WWE are in fact Demolition. #TheMoreYouKnow