Shelton Benjamin's WWE Tag Team Partners: Who Were They?

Hey wrestling fans! Ever wondered about Shelton Benjamin's journey through the tag team division in WWE? Shelton Benjamin, known for his incredible athleticism and in-ring prowess, has teamed up with some memorable partners over the years. In this article, we're diving deep into his tag team history, exploring each partnership, their accomplishments, and what made them stand out. So, let's get right to it and explore the tag team timeline of the Gold Standard.

Charlie Haas: The World's Greatest Tag Team

When you think of Shelton Benjamin and tag teams, the first name that probably pops into your head is Charlie Haas. Forming The World's Greatest Tag Team, these two were a force to be reckoned with during the Ruthless Aggression era. Their journey began in late 2002 when they aligned with Kurt Angle, forming Team Angle. Under Angle's guidance, they quickly established themselves as a dominant force in the tag team division.

Formation and Early Dominance

The formation of Team Angle was a stroke of genius. Kurt Angle, already a main event player, added the up-and-coming Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas to his stable, providing them with instant credibility. The trio's chemistry was undeniable, with Angle's technical wizardry complementing Benjamin and Haas's raw athleticism and tag team expertise. They quickly became known for their crisp maneuvers, seamless teamwork, and relentless pursuit of tag team gold.

Tag Team Championship Reign

Their hard work paid off when they captured the WWE Tag Team Championship. Their reign was marked by impressive victories over some of the top teams of the time, solidifying their status as the premier tag team in WWE. Matches against teams like Los Guerreros and Edge & Rey Mysterio were particularly memorable, showcasing their ability to adapt to different styles and maintain their dominance.

Memorable Matches and Moments

The World's Greatest Tag Team had numerous memorable matches that are still talked about today. Their series of matches against Los Guerreros were classics, filled with innovative spots and high-energy action. One standout moment was their victory at WrestleMania XIX, where they successfully defended their titles in a triple threat match. These matches not only highlighted their skills but also demonstrated their ability to work the crowd and create compelling stories in the ring.

The Breakup and Beyond

Unfortunately, like all good things, The World's Greatest Tag Team eventually came to an end. The breakup occurred when Shelton Benjamin was drafted to Raw in 2004, effectively splitting the team. Despite the split, both Benjamin and Haas went on to have successful singles careers, but many fans still fondly remember their time together as one of the best tag teams in WWE history. Their impact on the tag team division remains significant, and their matches are still studied and appreciated by wrestling enthusiasts.

Cedric Alexander: The Hurt Business

Next up, let's talk about Shelton Benjamin's more recent tag team venture with Cedric Alexander as part of The Hurt Business. This alliance showcased a different side of Shelton Benjamin, blending his experience with Alexander's high-flying style. The Hurt Business, led by Bobby Lashley and MVP, was a dominant faction on Raw, and Benjamin and Alexander played a crucial role in their success.

Joining The Hurt Business

The formation of this tag team was part of a larger storyline involving The Hurt Business. MVP, always the shrewd businessman, recognized the potential in pairing Shelton Benjamin with Cedric Alexander. The idea was to add more firepower to the group and solidify their dominance over the Raw roster. Both Benjamin and Alexander benefited from this association, gaining exposure and opportunities they might not have had otherwise.

Tag Team Championship Success

Together, Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander captured the Raw Tag Team Championship, adding another accolade to Benjamin's already impressive career. Their reign was characterized by strong performances and a clear display of teamwork. They successfully defended their titles against various teams, proving their worth as champions. The Hurt Business's influence was undeniable during this period, and their tag team success was a key component of their overall dominance.

Dynamics and Key Feuds

The dynamics between Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander were interesting. Benjamin brought the veteran experience and a no-nonsense attitude, while Alexander added the high-flying excitement and youthful energy. This combination worked well, creating a balanced and effective tag team. Key feuds during their reign included matches against The New Day and other top teams on Raw. These rivalries not only showcased their skills but also added depth to the tag team division.

The End of the Alliance

Like The World's Greatest Tag Team, The Hurt Business eventually disbanded. Internal tensions and shifting storylines led to the group's dissolution. Despite the breakup, the time Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander spent together as a tag team was memorable. They proved that even later in his career, Benjamin could still thrive in the tag team division, and Alexander gained valuable experience working alongside a seasoned veteran.

Other Notable Tag Team Partners

While Charlie Haas and Cedric Alexander are Shelton Benjamin's most prominent tag team partners, he has also teamed with other notable wrestlers throughout his career. These partnerships, though sometimes brief, added variety to his career and showcased his versatility.

Wrestling with Kurt Angle

Before forming The World's Greatest Tag Team, both Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas were part of Team Angle, led by Kurt Angle. While Angle was the clear leader, Benjamin and Haas often teamed together in tag team matches, providing valuable support and showcasing their potential. This early alliance laid the groundwork for their future success as a tag team.

Alliances with Chad Gable

In more recent years, Shelton Benjamin has also teamed with Chad Gable. While this partnership didn't reach the heights of his previous tag teams, it was still a noteworthy alliance. Gable's technical prowess and Benjamin's athleticism made them a formidable team, and they had several impressive performances together. This pairing demonstrated Benjamin's ability to adapt and work with different partners throughout his career.

Occasional Pairings

Throughout his WWE career, Shelton Benjamin has also had occasional tag team pairings with various other wrestlers. These partnerships were often short-lived but provided opportunities for Benjamin to showcase his skills and work with different styles. While these alliances may not be as memorable as his more prominent tag teams, they added depth to his career and highlighted his versatility.

What Made Shelton Benjamin a Great Tag Team Wrestler?

So, what exactly made Shelton Benjamin such a great tag team wrestler? Several factors contributed to his success in the tag team division.

Athleticism and Versatility

First and foremost, Shelton Benjamin's incredible athleticism was a key factor. His agility, strength, and high-flying ability allowed him to perform a wide range of moves and adapt to different opponents. This versatility made him a valuable asset in any tag team, as he could fill multiple roles and excel in various match situations.

In-Ring Chemistry

Another important factor was Shelton Benjamin's ability to develop in-ring chemistry with his partners. Whether it was the seamless teamwork with Charlie Haas or the dynamic combination with Cedric Alexander, Benjamin always found a way to connect with his partners and create compelling tag team action. This chemistry was evident in their matches and helped them achieve success in the tag team division.

Experience and Adaptability

Finally, Shelton Benjamin's experience and adaptability played a crucial role in his tag team success. Over the years, he has teamed with a variety of partners, each with their own unique styles and strengths. Benjamin's ability to adapt to these different styles and work effectively with various partners is a testament to his skill and professionalism. This adaptability has allowed him to remain a relevant and successful tag team wrestler throughout his career.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Shelton Benjamin has had a remarkable journey through the WWE tag team division. From his early days with Charlie Haas as The World's Greatest Tag Team to his more recent alliance with Cedric Alexander in The Hurt Business, Benjamin has consistently delivered memorable performances and achieved considerable success. His athleticism, versatility, and ability to connect with his partners have made him one of the most respected tag team wrestlers in WWE history. So, next time you're watching a tag team match, remember the contributions of Shelton Benjamin and his incredible tag team legacy. Keep wrestling!