5 Teams That Never Held the Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Titles (But Should Have) - #3

by Dick Bourne and David Chappell
Mid-Atlantic Gateway

We continue our countdown of the 5 teams that competed in the Mid-Atlantic Wrestling area that never held the Mid-Atlantic tag team championships - - but should have. For our explanation of the process and our thinking behind this countdown, visit the original page here.

We've selected five teams that we felt fit that mold and should have been recognized or rewarded by the booker or the promotion with the Mid-Atlantic tag team championships, but for whatever reason were never given that shot.

We are going to spotlight those five teams over the next few weeks, counting down to the number one team we thought should have been given that championship - - but wasn't.

The past two weeks, we selected teams for #5 and #4 in the countdown that were brother teams. This week we make it three brother teams in a row.


NUMBER THREE: Ted and Jerry Oates (1978)

Ted and Jerry Oates

DB: This brother team from Columbus, GA seemed like a natural for tag team championship gold in the Mid-Atlantic area. Ted actually stayed around longer than Jerry. They were an outstanding combination, though a bit lackluster on the stick. But that didn't hurt other combinations from being given a run with the Mid-Atlantic tag straps, especially on into the early 1980s. To the contrary; these titles were the perfect vehicle to elevate a solid tag team that lacked in other areas. The Oates brothers would have made great Mid-Atlantic team champions and would have given us some solid championship matches in semi-main events. I liked Jerry's style in particular; he always reminded me of Terry Funk, and was clearly influenced by him. Jerry even used the spinning toe hold as his finisher.

DC: The "Oates Brothers" formed an impressive duo in the Mid-Atlantic area in the summer of 1978, and they teamed in the area through early 1979. Ted and Jerry were given a limited push by the promotion, and were a smooth and steady team in the ring. While not dynamic by any means on promos, they could hold their own. On sheer wrestling ability and continuity as a team, the Oates' would have benefited the territory with a run as Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Champions.


Next time: We look at a dynamic young team that shocked the world when they toppled the world tag team champs on television. Join us in a few days when we take a look at team #2 in our countdown.

The countdown so far:

1. 

2.

3. Ted and Jerry Oates

4. Roberto and Manuel Soto (El Rayo)

5. Randy and Lanny Poffo