Steiner Brothers

Infobox Wrestling team
article_name=The Steiner Brothers
type=T


caption=
members=Rick Steiner
Scott Steiner
heights=Rick:
5 ft 11 in (180 cm) Scott:
6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
weights=533 lb (242 kg)
hometown=Bay City, Michigan, U.S.
debut=1989
disbanded=2008
promotions=ECW NWA NJPW WCW WWF TNA

The Steiner Brothers are the professional wrestling tag team of American brothers Robert "Rick Steiner" Rechsteiner and Scott "Scott Steiner" Rechsteiner. The team debuted in 1989, and competed in promotions such as Extreme Championship Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling and the World Wrestling Federation, winning in the process ten world tag team championships, before disbanding in 1998. The brothers began teaming together on the independent circuit in the early 2000s, and in May 2007, they were reunited in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.

They are the only tag team to win the WWE World Tag Team Championship, the WCW World Tag Team Championship and the IWGP World Tag Team Championship in professional wrestling history.

Career

National Wrestling Alliance/World Championship Wrestling (1989-1992)

On November 1, 1989 in Atlanta, Georgia, the Steiner Brothers defeated the Fabulous Freebirds (Michael "P.S." Hayes and Jimmy Garvin) for the NWA World Tag Team Championship. They held the titles until May 19, 1990, when they were defeated by Doom (Butch Reed and Ron Simmons) in Washington, D.C. at Capital Combat.cite book|author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will| title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|year=4th Edition 2006|id=ISBN 0-9698161-5-4]

The Steiners defeated The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane) for the NWA United States Tag Team Championship on August 24, 1990 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. During their title reign, World Championship Wrestling withdrew from the National Wrestling Alliance, and the title was renamed the WCW United States Tag Team Championship. Upon winning the WCW World Tag Team Championship on February 18, 1991, the Steiners vacated the WCW United States Tag Team Championship on February 20 1991. They were the second team ever to hold both the WCW World and United States Tag Team titles at once (The Midnight Express tandem of Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane were the first team to accomplish that feat in September 1988). After the Steiners won the IWGP World Tag Team Championship from Hiroshi Hase and Kensuke Sasaki on March 21 1991, WCW announcers began referring to them as "Triple Crown Champions"..

At the same time, Scott was being groomed as a singles performer. On WCW's weekend TBS shows ("WCW Power Hour", "WCW Saturday Night", and "WCW Main Event"), there was a special "gauntlet" match segment where a performer was picked to wrestle a top star on each show on that weekend, winning the sum of $10,000 USD (kayfabe) if they defeated all three. Scott was the first announced to run the gauntlet with his first opponent being Ric Flair. By way of backfiring interference by the Four Horsemen, Steiner beat Flair by pinfall. He would then get a title match against Flair at on January 30, 1991, which ended in a time limit draw.cite book|author=Greg Oliver and Steve Johnson|title= The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Tag Teams|publisher=ECW Press|year=2005|id=ISBN 978-1-5502-2683-6] Scott would go on to win the WCW World Television Championship from Ricky Steamboat on September 29, 1992, and began teasing a heel turn, which was aborted upon the Steiner Brothers leaving WCW for the World Wrestling Federation after being lowballed on their contract renewal by then-WCW head Bill Watts.

World Wrestling Federation (1992-1994)

The Steiners left WCW in November 1992, with Scott vacating the WCW World Television Championship. They quickly signed contracts with the World Wrestling Federation, making their televised debut as babyfaces in an interview on the December 21 1992, edition of "WWF Prime Time Wrestling". They also appeared on the debut episode of "Monday Night RAW" on January 11 1993. [cite web|url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/93.htm|title=WWF Show Results 1993|Date=1993-01-11| quote=Rick & Scott Steiner defeated the Executioners at 3:00 when Rick scored the pin following the top rope bulldog double team] They made their WWF pay-per-view debut on January 24, 1993 at the 1993 Royal Rumble, defeating the Beverly Brothers (Blake and Beau). [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/rumble.html#93|title=WWF Royal Rumble Results (1993)|Date=1993-01-24] At "WrestleMania IX" on April 4 1993, the Steiner Brothers defeated The Headshrinkers (Samu and Fatu). [cite web|url = http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/mania.html#IX|title=WWF WrestleMania Results (IX)|Date=1993-04-04]

Following WrestleMania IX, the Steiners began feuding with Money, Incorporated (Ted DiBiase and Irwin R. Schyster). At King of the Ring 1993 on June 13 1993, the Steiners and The Smokin' Gunns (Billy and Bart) defeated The Headshrinkers and Money, Inc. [cite web|url= http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/kingring.html#93|title=WWF King of the Ring Results (1993)|Date=1993-06-13] The following evening, on the June 14, 1993 episode of "RAW", the Steiners defeated Money, Inc. for the WWF Tag Team Championship in Columbus, Ohio. Money, Inc. regained the titles on June 16 1993 at a house show in Rockford, Illinois, but lost the titles to the Steiners once again at another house show on June 19 1993 in St. Louis, Missouri.

The Steiners successfully defended their titles against the Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray) on August 30 1993 at SummerSlam 1993. [cite web|url= http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/summer.html#93|title=WWF Summer Slam Results (1993)|Date=1993-08-30] On the September 13 1993 episode of "RAW" in New York City, New York, the Steiners defended their titles against The Quebecers (Jacques and Pierre) in a "Province of Quebec rules" match, wherein titles can change hands via disqualification. The match ended when the manager of The Quebecers, Johnny Polo, threw a hockey stick into the ring, which was caught by Scott. When the referee saw Scott holding the illegal weapon, he disqualified the Steiner Brothers, thus awarding the title to The Quebecers. Scott gained a measure of revenge by defeating Pierre in a singles match the following week on "RAW".

At the 1993 Survivor Series on November 24 1993, the Steiners teamed with Lex Luger and The Undertaker as "The All-Americans". The All-Americans defeated their opponents, "The Foreign Fanatics" (Yokozuna, Crush, Ludvig Borga and Jacques), although Luger was the sole survivor. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/survivor.html#93|title=WWF Survivor Series Results (1993)|Date=1993-11-24]

On January 22 1994, both Steiners entered the 1994 Royal Rumble, with Scott entering at number one. After Rick entered at number three, the brothers cooperated until being eliminated by Owen Hart and Diesel respectively. [cite web| url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/rumble2.html#94|title= WWF Royal Rumble Results (1994)|Date=1994-01-22] The Steiners left the promotion in mid-1994.

Extreme Championship Wrestling (1995)

The Steiners debuted in Extreme Championship Wrestling on July 28 1995 in the Orange County Fairgrounds in Middletown, New York, defeating Dudley Dudley and Vampire Warrior. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1995c.html#072895|title=ECW Show Results (1995: July - September)|Date=1995-07-28|quote=Rick & Scott Steiner beat Vampire Warrior & Dudley Dudley] They next appeared with ECW in The Flagstaff on August 4 1995 in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, defeating Dudley Dudley and 2 Cold Scorpio. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1995c.html#080495|title=ECW Show Results (1995: July - September)|Date=1995-08-04|quote=Rick & Scott Steiner beat Dudley Dudley & Too Cold Scorpio] The Steiner Brothers made their debut in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, ECW Arena on August 5 1995 at "WrestlePalooza 1995", teaming with Eddie Guerrero in a loss to Scorpio, Dean Malenko and Cactus Jack. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1995c.html#080595|title=ECW Show Results (1995: July - September)|Date=1995-08-05|quote=Too Cold Scorpio, Dean Malenko, & Cactus Jack beat Eddie Guerrero, Rick & Scott Steiner (21:59) when Malenko pinned Guerrero] On August 25 1995 in Jim Thorpe they defeated Scorpio and Malenko, [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1995c.html#082595|title=ECW Show Results (1995: July - September)|Date=1995-08-25|quote=Rick & Scott Steiner beat Too Cold Scorpio & Dean Malenko] and they went on to defeat Scorpio and Chris Benoit the following evening. On August 28 1995, they defeated Dudley Dudley and Dances With Dudley in the Big Apple Dinner Theater in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. [cite web|url= http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1995c.html#082895|title=ECW Show Results (1995: July - September)|Date=1995-08-28|quote=Rick & Scott Steiner beat Dances with Dudley & Dudley Dudley]

At "Gangstas' Paradise" on September 16 1995, the Steiners joined forces with Taz in a loss to The Eliminators (John Kronus and Perry Saturn) and Jason. [cite web|url= http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1995c.html#091695|title=ECW Show Results (1995: July - September)|Date=1995-09-16|quote=Jason Knight & The Eliminators beat Taz, Rick & Scott Steiner (20:00) when Knight pinned Taz] On September 23 1995 in Middletown, they defeated Raven and Stevie Richards. Scott made one more appearance (teaming with Taz in a losing effort against The Eliminators on October 28 1995) before the brothers departed from ECW.

World Championship Wrestling (1996-1998)

The Steiners re-signed with WCW in 1996. They won the WCW World Tag Team Championship from Harlem Heat on July 24 1996, but Harlem Heat would regain the title just three days later. Following the formation of the New World Order (nWo), the Steiners began feuding with The Outsiders, who had won the WCW World Tag Team Championship from Harlem Heat.

eparation and beyond (1997-1998)

The beginning of Scott's heel turn began in late 1997/early 1998 when he, now with increased muscle mass, having cut his signature long hair, and sporting a goatee, started a feud with Buff Bagwell over who had the better physique. Scott finalized his heel turn and joined the nWo at SuperBrawl VIII on February 22 1998, [cite web|url= http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/s-brawl.html#VIII|title=WCW SuperBrawl Results (VIII)|Date=1998-02-22] by attacking Rick while they were defending the WCW World Tag Team Championship against The Outsiders; Steiner's heel turn enabled the Outsiders to regain the championship. The next night on "Monday Nitro", he adopted a new gimmick that was somewhat reminiscent of "Superstar" Billy Graham, dyeing his hair and beard blond and increasing in muscle mass even further.

The two brothers had a feud that also involved Scott's new partner Buff Bagwell, while Rick teamed with a variety of partners including Lex Luger and Bagwell's mother Judy.

Shortly before WCW's demise, the Steiners reunited, not so much as a tag-team but they were both heels who watched each others backs. When WCW finally closed, the two went their separate ways again.

The Steiner Brothers are highly regarded as one of the greatest tag-teams of all time in professional wrestling.

A Reunion (2006-2008)

The duo would then reunite for the United Wrestling Federation in Wilson, NC. They reunited to defeat the tag-team of Matt Bentley & Frankie Kazarian.They would also go on to defeat Team 3D the very next night in Wilmington,NC. On December 9 2006 they won the NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship.

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2007-2008)

At the Total Nonstop Action Wrestling pay-per-view Sacrifice 2007, Scott Steiner teamed with Tomko in a Triple Threat Tag Team match. They lost the match and the miscommunication between Steiner and Tomko led Tomko to attack Steiner following the match. Rick Steiner made his return and fought off Tomko, thus reuniting the Steiner Brothers. They were set to face Team 3D at Slammiversary 2007 for their TNA Tag Team titles. However an injury to Scott's trachea in Puerto Rico put the match in question, until he was replaced by longtime rival Road Warrior Animal. While Scott was out for his injury, Team 3D developed into arrogant heel characters, demanding his return and teasing his near-death injury. The duo then appeared and attacked Team 3D at Victory Road 2007, costing them their Tag Team titles. The return of the Steiner Brothers involved Scott and Rick becoming face, completing a full circle of development for the team.

At Hard Justice 2007, the Steiner Brothers defeated Team 3D.

On the August 16 edition of "iMPACT!", the Steiner brothers lost in a Handicap match to Kurt Angle after interference from Team 3D, heating up their feud.

At Bound For Glory the Steiner brothers defeated Team 3D in a two out of three falls table match. After that, Rick Steiner got a release from TNA due to budget cuts, while Scott continued to wrestle.

In wrestling

*Double team finishing and signature moves
**"Steiner DDT" (Rick lifts the opponent up and Scott performs the DDT)
**"Super Steiner Drop" / "Steinerizer" (Scott lifts the opponent up and Rick performs the diving bulldog)
**Overhead gutwrench backbreaker rack / Diving elbow drop combination
**"Steiner Device" (Rick holds the opponent in an electric chair hold while Scott hits a flying clothesline)
**"Steiner-Line" / German suplex combination

*Scott's finishing moves
**Double underhook powerbomb
**"Frankensteiner"
**"Steiner Recliner" (Camel clutch)

*Rick's finishing moves
**"Steiner Driver" (Death Valley driver)
**"Steiner Drop" (Diving bulldog)

*Managers
**Ted DiBiase
**Robin Green

Championships and accomplishments

*Jim Crockett Promotions | World Championship Wrestling
**NWA United States Tag Team Championship (1 time)
**NWA (Mid-Atlantic)/WCW World Tag Team Championship (7 times)
**Pat O'Connor Memorial International Cup Tag Team Tournament winners in 1990
**WCW World Heavyweight Championship (1 time) Scott Steiner
**WCW United States Heavyweight Championship (1 time) "Rick Steiner"'

*Mid-Atlantic Wrestling
**NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship (1 time, current)¹

*New Japan Pro Wrestling
**IWGP World Tag Team Championship (2 times)

*Pro Wrestling America
**PWA Tag Team Championship (1 time)

*Pro Wrestling Illustrated
**PWI Tag Team of the Year (1990)
**PWI Match of the Year (1991) – small|vs. Lex Luger and Sting, SuperBrawl, May 19
**PWI Tag Team of the Year (1993)
**PWI ranked them # 2 of the best 100 tag teams of the "PWI Years" in 2003.

*United Wrestling Federation
**UWF Rock 'n' Roll Express Championship (1 time, current)

*World Wrestling Federation
**WWF Tag Team Championship (2 times)

*Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
**5 Star Match (1991) with Sting and Brian Pillman vs. Ric Flair, Larry Zbyszko, Barry Windham and Sid Vicious (February 24, WarGames match, WCW WrestleWar)
**Match of the Year (1991) vs. Hiroshi Hase and Kensuke Sasaki, WCW/New Japan Supershow, Tokyo, March 21
**Tag Team of the Year (1990)¹While this Mid-Atlantic promotion is an NWA affiliated promotion, operates out of the same region as the first Mid-Atlantic promotion, and has revived some of the championships it used, it isn't the same promotion. The original Mid-Atlantic promotion was once owned by Jim Crockett, Jr. and was sold outright to Ted Turner in November 1988. The promotion was then renamed World Championship Wrestling.

References

External links

* [http://www.ddtdigest.com/features/histor04.htm "The History of WCW, Part IV"]
* [http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ Solie's Title Histories]