The Blackjacks: A Tag Team for the Ages

In the realm of professional wrestling, few tag teams have left as indelible a mark as the Blackjacks. This stalwart duo, comprised of Blackjack Lanza and Big Machine, forged an unyielding bond that translated into unparalleled success in the ring.

Their journey began in 1971, when the Blackjacks first took to the mat. The partnership was born out of necessity, as Lanza and Mulligan (later replaced by Big Machine) joined forces to compete against the dominant tag teams of the era. Initially wrestling under the banner of the American Wrestling Association (AWA), the Blackjacks quickly made a name for themselves through their unyielding tenacity and cohesive teamwork.

As they honed their skills, the Blackjacks began to reap the rewards of their hard work. They claimed multiple championships across various promotions, including the World Tag Team Championship, NWA American Tag Team Championship, World Class Texas Tag Team Championship, and WWA World Tag Team Championship. Their impressive résumé served as a testament to their dedication and talent.

Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, the Blackjacks were a mainstay of the professional wrestling landscape. They competed in various organizations, including the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), facing off against some of the era's most formidable tag teams.

Their final match took place on June 2, 1984, capping an illustrious career that spanned over a decade. Though their individual paths would diverge in the years to come, the Blackjacks' legacy remained intertwined, forever etched as one of the greatest tag teams in professional wrestling history.
Members: Blackjack Lanza and Big Machine
Promotions: AWA, Independent, NWA, WWWF

Facts

Fascinating Facts About Blackjack's Tag Team Legacy

• The Blackjacks, comprised of Blackjack Mulligan and Blackjack Lanza, were one of the most dominant tag teams in professional wrestling history, holding multiple championships across various promotions.

• Their first match together took place on October 14th, 1971, marking the beginning of a successful partnership that would span over a decade.

• The duo's unique blend of brawling styles made them a fan favorite, with Mulligan's intense powerhouses and Lanza's rugged technicality creating an unbeatable combination.

• During their time in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), the Blackjacks won the World Tag Team Championship on two occasions (1975-1976 and 1980).

• In addition to WWE, the team also held championships in National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) American Tag Team Championship, World Class Texas Tag Team Championship, and WWA World Tag Team Championship.

• Their impressive résumé earned them a spot among the top tag teams of all time, with many considering them one of the greatest duos in professional wrestling history.

• The Blackjacks' reigns were marked by intense rivalries with other notable tag teams, including the Von Erich Brothers and the Fabulous Freebirds.

• Despite their success, the team's partnership was not without its challenges, as they faced numerous injuries and creative differences that eventually led to their disbandment in 1984.

• The Blackjacks' legacy extends beyond their in-ring accomplishments, with both Mulligan and Lanza going on to have successful solo careers and mentoring younger talent.

• Although the team's time together was marked by periods of turmoil, the Blackjacks remain an iconic part of professional wrestling history, celebrated for their rugged, no-nonsense style and unmatched tag team prowess.