Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Team Taz

Team Taz was a in (AEW), managed by veteran wrestler and color commentator Taz, active from its formation in July 2020 until its official dissolution in August 2022. The group, also referred to as Team FTW in reference to Taz's "FTW" (Fuck The World) persona from his days, specialized in a hard-hitting, dominant style that emphasized physicality and intimidation. Initially comprising and , the stable expanded to include in the fall of 2020 and Taz's son in December 2021, with brief involvement from in 2021. The faction quickly established itself as a force in AEW's midcard and tag team divisions, feuding with prominent babyfaces such as Cody Rhodes, Darby Allin, Sting, CM Punk, and the team of Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee. Notable events included a cinematic street fight against Sting and Darby Allin at Revolution 2021, and participation in a triple threat match for the AEW World Tag Team Championship against Jurassic Express and Swerve In Our Glory at Double or Nothing 2022. Hook's debut in December 2021, defeating Fuego del Sol in under a minute, marked a highlight, showcasing the stable's emphasis on building new talent through Taz's guidance; Hook later claimed the FTW Championship—a title revived by Taz—in July 2022. The group also pursued recruitment efforts, such as attempting to enlist Christian Cage in 2021, though these ultimately failed. Team Taz's internal dynamics added depth to its storyline, with tensions culminating in its breakup on the August 3, 2022, episode of , when turned on , leading to a heated between the former allies. Taz confirmed the stable's end during the broadcast, shifting focus to his commentary role while members like Starks and Hobbs continued as solo competitors. Despite its relatively short tenure, Team Taz contributed to AEW's roster development by elevating underutilized talents into key positions, leaving a legacy of gritty, ensemble-driven wrestling narratives.

History

Formation

Team Taz was officially formed on the July 21, 2020 episode of , when Taz, who had been serving as a for , declared the creation of his new stable after weeks of on-air hints about recruiting talent to challenge the promotion's top stars. Following Darby Allin's victory over Robert Anthony, attacked Allin with a German , and joined in by dragging Anthony into the ring post before assisting Cage in delivering a to Allin, solidifying their alliance under Taz's management. Taz, gloating from commentary, teased further developments on the upcoming , positioning the group as a dominant force. The initial lineup consisted of Taz as the outspoken manager, as the physical powerhouse holding the newly revived , and as the ambitious up-and-comer, all united by Taz's "FTW" (Fuck The World) philosophy rooted in his legacy of defying authority and embracing hardcore, unsanctioned competition. This rebellious ethos, originally embodied by Taz's creation of the in in 1998 as a protest against being overlooked for the world title, was reintroduced in AEW to frame Team Taz as outsiders ready to disrupt the established order. Early vignettes and promos emphasized their heel dominance, with Taz hyping Cage's unmatched strength and Starks' cunning as tools to target AEW's elite, including repeated assaults on rising star to assert their supremacy. The group's first on-screen match as a cohesive unit occurred on the July 29, 2020 episode of in a no-disqualification tornado bout, where and Starks, accompanied by Taz, faced AEW World Champion and Allin. Prior to the bell, Team Taz cut an arrogant backstage promo claiming Allin was intimidated and avoiding them, only for Allin to ambush the duo with a Coffin Drop from the entrance tunnel; the match devolved into chaos with weapons like chairs and a thumbtack-laced , ending in a pinfall victory for Moxley and Allin after Allin hit the skateboard-assisted Coffin Drop on Starks. Building on this, Team Taz continued their aggressive push in August, with a notable instance of coordinated interference aiding during an on-air confrontation following Allin's match on the August 22 , where Starks disguised himself as Allin to distract, allowing to ambush and attack the real Allin from behind.

Expansion and feuds

Team Taz began its expansion beyond the initial core of and in late 2020. On the September 16, 2020 episode of , Will Hobbs made the save for against an attack by Cage and Starks. Hobbs officially joined Team Taz on November 18, 2020, after a post-match assault on and , solidifying the group's muscle and enabling multi-man dominance in AEW storylines, leading to partnerships with Starks as "Starks & Hobbs" that showcased their combined power. The stable's prestige received a significant boost with the revival of the , originally created by Taz during his tenure in 1998. On July 8, 2020, during Night 2 of AEW Fyter Fest, Taz reintroduced the "For The Win" title—billed as an "unsanctioned" belt not recognized by AEW—and immediately awarded it to as the inaugural champion, positioning Team Taz as enforcers unbound by standard rules. This move emphasized the faction's outlaw ethos, with Cage carrying the title through several defenses that underscored the group's internal and aggressive style. A pivotal early rivalry for Team Taz emerged against and the debuting , stemming from repeated attacks on Allin dating back to Cage's AEW arrival in May 2020. The feud escalated when Team Taz kidnapped Allin in February 2021, prompting 's intervention and leading to a high-stakes Street Fight at on March 7, 2021. In a cinematic match filmed at an abandoned warehouse, and Allin overcame Cage and Starks in a brutal encounter involving weapons and environmental hazards, marking 's in-ring AEW debut and temporarily humbling the stable. This conflict, spanning late 2020 into early 2021, established Team Taz as primary antagonists while testing their unity under intense scrutiny. The group's 2021 momentum continued with a contentious rivalry against following his AEW debut in March. After Cage rejected Taz's recruitment offer on the April 7 episode of , Team Taz retaliated with an assault led by Hobbs, igniting a series of confrontations that drew in Jungle Boy and as allies to Cage. The feud highlighted Team Taz's recruitment tactics and territorial dominance, culminating in multi-man brawls that positioned the against rising babyface factions, though it exposed early tensions within the group over loyalty. In December 2021, Team Taz integrated a familial element with the in-ring debut of , Taz's real-life son, on the December 10 episode of . Hook quickly asserted himself with a dominant victory over , blending technical precision with the stable's hard-edged persona and adding a layer of personal stakes to their narratives. His early matches served as showcases for variations inherited from Taz, reinforcing the faction's emphasis on expertise. On the November 24, 2021 episode of , briefly joined Team Taz by signing a contract offered by Taz, despite objections from his allies. However, Martin left the group shortly after, turning on by eliminating him from a on the December 8 episode of . Throughout 2021, Team Taz's internal dynamics were amplified by Taz's signature promos and training vignettes, which portrayed the group as a disciplined unit forged in drills and unwavering loyalty. Taz often cut intense backstage segments hyping his charges' dominance, while video montages depicted rigorous sessions focusing on techniques, underscoring the stable's blue-collar toughness and commitment to collective success amid external challenges. These elements cultivated a cohesive identity, making Team Taz a formidable presence in AEW's midcard landscape.

Disbandment

In early 2022, tensions within Team Taz began to surface as individual ambitions increasingly overshadowed group unity. , who had been a key enforcer alongside in pursuits, expressed a desire for personal growth, stating in a May interview that "there's gonna be a point where I'm gonna have to step away on my own" to establish his singles career. Meanwhile, Starks' evolution as a confident , particularly after winning the from on July 14, 2021, shifted focus toward his solo spotlight, subtly straining alliances as Hobbs sought more prominence beyond their partnership. These cracks culminated on the July 27, 2022, episode of , when Starks lost the to in an impromptu match, only for Hobbs to betray him with a brutal post-match attack, effectively dissolving the stable's cohesion. The following week, on the August 3 episode of , Taz addressed the situation from the commentary desk, officially disbanding Team Taz due to "," wishing Hobbs, Starks, and well in their independent paths. This announcement marked the end of the group's nearly two-year run, with Taz transitioning fully to his role as a . In the aftermath, the on-screen fallout manifested as a personal feud between Starks—now positioned as a face—and Hobbs, who embraced a dominant heel persona; their rivalry peaked with a match at All Out in September 2022, followed by a rematch on Rampage. Team Taz's dissolution paved the way for its members to thrive individually, with HOOK quickly rising as FTW Champion and both Starks and Hobbs securing high-profile opportunities in AEW's midcard and tag divisions. The stable's legacy endures in its role elevating AEW's tag team and midcard scenes through compelling feuds and character development that launched multiple stars into prominence.

Members

Managers

Team Taz was founded and primarily managed by Taz (Peter Senerchia) from its inception in July 2020 until its disbandment in August 2022. As a former World Heavyweight Champion, Taz leveraged his authoritative presence to guide the stable's strategy from the sidelines, focusing on psychological dominance and group cohesion without participating in matches. In his managerial role, Taz frequently employed on-screen tactics such as interfering in his stablemates' bouts to ensure victories and overseeing the , a title he originally created in and revived in AEW to symbolize the group's defiant ethos. His involvement extended to high-stakes moments, like directing interferences during FTW title defenses, which reinforced Team Taz's reputation for ruthless teamwork. Taz's microphone skills were central to the stable's identity, delivering signature promos that revived the "FTW" among fans and rekindled his "Human Suplex " persona from , using intense, no-nonsense rhetoric to hype the group and intimidate opponents. These segments often emphasized and supremacy, drawing crowds into chants that echoed the stable's roots. No other individuals served as full-time managers for Team Taz, with Taz handling all leadership duties exclusively during the stable's run.

Wrestlers

Team Taz's in-ring roster primarily consisted of powerhouse wrestlers who embodied the stable's aggressive, dominant style, serving as enforcers in various feuds against opponents like and . The group emphasized physicality and intimidation, with members contributing to key and singles matches that highlighted their individual strengths within the faction dynamic. , known as "The Machine," was one of the founding in-ring members, aligning with Taz as his manager shortly after Cage's AEW debut at in May 2020, and officially forming the core of Team Taz by July 2020. As the group's primary enforcer, Cage utilized his bodybuilder physique for high-impact offense, including signature moves like the Discus Lariat to overpower foes. His tenure ended in July 2021 when internal tensions led to his expulsion from the following a loss of the . joined Team Taz on the July 21, 2020 episode of , attacking alongside to solidify the faction's presence. Portrayed as the charismatic mouthpiece and agile , Starks brought flair to the group with his signature , often setting up devastating follow-ups in multi-man bouts. He remained a key figure until the stable's disbandment in August 2022, after which he transitioned into a prominent singles competitor, capturing the and challenging for the . Will Hobbs, later branded "Powerhouse Hobbs," officially joined Team Taz on the November 18, 2020 episode of by turning on and post-main event. In his role as the towering powerhouse, Hobbs relied on explosive strength, finishing matches with variations like the Hobbslam to assert dominance in the group's assaults. Prior to his full commitment, Hobbs had engaged in early work that hinted at his potential alignment, but internal conflicts, including a betrayal of Starks in 2022, contributed to the stable's eventual split. Hook (Tyler Senerchia), Taz's real-life son, debuted as an on-screen member of Team Taz in late 2020 but made his in-ring debut on the December 10, 2021 episode of , quickly establishing himself as a technical grappler. Specializing in submission holds, Hook's signature —a —became a staple for quick taps in his undefeated streak during the stable's final months. His family connection to Taz added a personal layer to the group's promos and dynamics. Dante Martin briefly joined Team Taz on the November 24, 2021 episode of AEW Dynamite, signing a contract with the group despite protests from allies, but his tenure was short-lived as he departed soon after. While the core lineup drove Team Taz's activities, brief associations included early tag partnerships involving Hobbs before his official heel turn, but no other long-term wrestlers integrated into the stable.

Championships and accomplishments

Stable achievements

Team Taz's primary collective achievement centered on the revival and control of the , which the stable positioned as its exclusive property within . On July 8, 2020, during the Night 2 episode of Fyter Fest, Taz reintroduced the title—originally created during his tenure in 1998—and immediately awarded it to after Cage's victory in the 2020 Casino Ladder Match, establishing it as a symbol of the group's dominance. Members of Team Taz frequently interfered in Cage's defenses to ensure the title remained under the stable's influence, treating successful retainments as group victories that reinforced their mid-card authority. This pattern continued when , a key enforcer, defeated Cage to claim the on July 14, 2021, at Fyter Fest Night 1, extending the stable's uninterrupted hold on the belt until defeated Starks to win the on July 27, 2022, during : Fight for the Fallen. In multi-man and tag team bouts, Team Taz secured several wins that highlighted their unity and intimidation tactics. A representative example occurred on the April 13, 2022, episode of , where and defeated Keith Lee and via pinfall, aided by Taz distracting the referee to allow Hobbs' spinebuster finisher. The also established early dominance on AEW's syndicated programs like and , racking up consistent victories in tag and multi-man matches—such as and overpowering local competitors—to build momentum before transitioning to the main roster on and . Despite these successes, Team Taz never captured a as a complete unit during its active run from 2020 to 2022.

Individual titles

Brian Cage was awarded the inaugural AEW version of the by Taz on July 8, 2020, marking the title's revival after over two decades and solidifying Team Taz's early presence in the promotion. Cage held the championship for 371 days, using it to represent the stable's unbreakable bond and physical supremacy, with defenses that highlighted the group's collective intimidation tactics. On July 14, 2021, at Fyter Fest Night 1, defeated to claim the , keeping the title within Team Taz and advancing the faction's narrative of internal evolution and dominance. Starks' subsequent 378-day reign, the longest in the title's AEW history, included key defenses that extended Team Taz's influence over midcard title pursuits. Amid rising tensions within the group, Hook captured the from Starks on July 27, 2022, during : Fight for the Fallen, a win that underscored his rapid ascent as Taz's protégé and briefly unified the around his success before its dissolution. While Hook did not secure additional singles titles during Team Taz's active period, his FTW victory built momentum toward future opportunities, including the TNT Championship later in his career. Will Hobbs, despite challenging for the FTW early on, did not claim it but contributed to the stable's title defenses through alliances that protected group interests.

References

  1. [1]
    Team Taz Dissolved On AEW Dynamite - Cultaholic Wrestling
    Aug 4, 2022 · Ricky Starks then joined Cage and the two-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion in July 2020, officially forming Team Taz. The faction ...
  2. [2]
    Taz Gives an Update on the Future of Team Taz - SEScoops
    Aug 4, 2022 · Team Taz began in AEW in 2020 when Brian Cage signed a contract with the company. The group would later recruit Powerhouse Will Hobbs, Ricky ...
  3. [3]
    5 Best AEW Moments Featuring Team Taz (& 5 Worst) - TheSportster
    Jan 17, 2023 · One such no-defunct group is Team Taz, a cadre of heels managed and shepherded by retired wrestler turned transcendent color commentator Taz (or ...
  4. [4]
    AEW Criticized For Making Team Taz 'Meaningless' - Ringside News
    Aug 10, 2022 · Team Taz formed in All Elite Wrestling during the pandemic era. Ricky Starks was the first member of the group and soon expanded with Brian Cage ...
  5. [5]
    AEW Double Or Nothing 2022 Results
    May 30, 2022 · Team Taz—Powerhouse Hobbs & FTW Champion “Absolute” Ricky Starks vs. Keith Lee & Shane Strickland! Taz joined the commentary team for this match ...
  6. [6]
    Was Team Taz Able to Recruit Christian Cage? | AEW Dynamite, 4 ...
    Apr 15, 2021 · Was Team Taz Able to Recruit Christian Cage? | AEW Dynamite, 4/14/21 · Comments. 619. Add a comment... 15:03. Go ...
  7. [7]
    AEW Dynamite Results for April 13, 2022
    ### Summary of Match Result: Team Taz vs. Keith Lee & Swerve Strickland
  8. [8]
    AEW Dark recap (July 21, 2020): Ricky Starks joins forces with Brian ...
    Jul 21, 2020 · I wanted Ricky Starks to join Taz and Brian Cage, and AEW followed through with it. Thanks, AEW. That provides an interesting direction for ...
  9. [9]
    AEW: The History Behind Taz's FTW Title, Explained - TheSportster
    Dec 23, 2021 · On May 14, 1998, Taz unveiled the FTW Championship, arguing that if Douglas would not face him, then he would crown himself the world champion.Missing: philosophy | Show results with:philosophy
  10. [10]
    FTW Championship: Surprising History of an Outlaw Title
    May 15, 2023 · On May 14th, 1998, Taz introduced the ECW fanbase with what would be known as the FTW Championship (also referred to as the Brooklyn World ...Missing: philosophy | Show results with:philosophy
  11. [11]
    AEW Dynamite recap & reactions (July 29, 2020): Skate or die
    Jul 29, 2020 · Team Taz cut an arrogant promo claiming Allin was scared. It was all a ruse by Allin to attack with a surprise Coffin Drop off the tunnel as ...
  12. [12]
    AEW DYNAMITE Results for July 29, 2020
    Jul 29, 2020 · AEW DYNAMITE Results for July 29, 2020 · ***CONTAINS SPOILERS*** · Tony Schiavone, Jim Ross, and Taz were the broadcast team for tonight's event.Missing: formation | Show results with:formation
  13. [13]
    AEW Dynamite Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights ...
    Aug 22, 2020 · After the match, Taz addressed Allin, feigning a new member of Team Taz. Instead, it was Ricky Starks dressed as Allin. The distraction ...
  14. [14]
    AEW Dynamite results, live blog (Aug. 22, 2020): Cody vs. Brodie Lee
    Aug 22, 2020 · Naturally, Brian Cage attacked from behind and Starks got in Allin's face while he was laid out and called him a joke. He doesn't need face ...
  15. [15]
    AEW Dynamite Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights ...
    ... Ricky Starks. He and Cage ambushed the champion in the stands and beat him down until Will Hobbs showed up with a chair to make the save.
  16. [16]
    Taz Reintroduces The FTW Championship During Night 2 Of AEW's ...
    Jul 9, 2020 · The Human Suplex Machine reintroduced the title last night during night 2 of AEW Fyter Fest, handing it over to Brian Cage so that The Machine ...<|separator|>
  17. [17]
    Sting, Darby Allin Beat Cage, Ricky Starks in Street Fight at AEW ...
    Mar 7, 2021 · Team Taz eventually made The Icon pay for aiding Allin when he confronted them after the heel group kidnapped Allin. Taz goaded Sting into ...Missing: feud | Show results with:feud
  18. [18]
    Why Team Taz Needs To Win Their Feud With Christian Cage
    Apr 17, 2021 · Team Taz has been around for nearly a year in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). It was on July 21, 2020, that Ricky Starks officially aligned with Taz ...
  19. [19]
    AEW Rampage Results for December 10, 2021
    Dec 11, 2021 · Team Taz's Hook (making his AEW debut) against Fuego Del Sol! “Big time debut here tonight for Team Taz,” said Excalibur. “It had to happen ...
  20. [20]
    Powerhouse Hobbs: There's gonna be a point where I'm gonna ...
    May 15, 2022 · Their latest run-in occurred during Starks' FTW Title defense against Jungle Boy. Hobbs has been a part of Team Taz dating back to late 2020 ...
  21. [21]
    Ricky Starks loses the FTW title, and his tag partner - Cageside Seats
    Jul 27, 2022 · So to summarize, HOOK is a champion, and Starks vs. Hobbs is a feud. Like it? Get complete results and coverage of everything from tonight's ...
  22. [22]
    AEW Dynamite Results for August 3, 2022
    Aug 3, 2022 · From the broadcast booth, Taz said Team Taz was finished! Team Taz is no more! Up next: Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Ren Jones! Hobbs squashed Jones ...Missing: disbandment | Show results with:disbandment
  23. [23]
    Taz ends his team once and for all in AEW - ClutchPoints
    Aug 4, 2022 · After two years, five members, and three FTW Championship runs, Taz has officially disbanded his namesake team in AEW.
  24. [24]
    Shane Douglas vs. Taz - ECW World Heavyweight Title Match - WWE
    Taz looks to dethrone ECW World Heavyweight Champion Shane Douglas in ECW action: Courtesy of the award-winning WWE Network.
  25. [25]
    Taz Fires Back At Fan For Bashing AEW Using FTW Title
    Jul 14, 2020 · Taz brought the FTW Title to AEW and gave it to Brian Cage. Not The Machine will walk into Fight For The Fallen as a champion.
  26. [26]
    OFFICIAL AEW ENTRANCE THEME | "HUMAN SUPLEX MACHINE ...
    Mar 28, 2020 · OFFICIAL AEW ENTRANCE THEME | "HUMAN SUPLEX MACHINE" TAZ. 43K ... "Bring It On" Team Taz AEW Entrance Theme | AEW Music. AEW Music•95K ...
  27. [27]
    Taz On Signing With AEW, Team Taz, Long Island, Create A Pro ...
    Dec 3, 2020 · The former world champion has 2 major roles within AEW, serving as both a commentator on AEW Dark and the leader of the Team Taz faction.
  28. [28]
    Will Hobbs joins Team Taz on AEW Dynamite - Wrestling Observer
    Nov 18, 2020 · Will Hobbs turned on Cody Rhodes and TNT Champion Darby Allin on Wednesday's AEW Dynamite, joining Team Taz. The main event featured Allin and ...
  29. [29]
    Brian Cage is the best example of underutilized talent in AEW
    Oct 11, 2021 · At AEW Double or Nothing on May 23, 2020, Brian Cage made his debut as the secret entrant in the Casino Ladder Match. Taz also became his ...
  30. [30]
    Top 10 Moves Of Brian Cage - Sacnilk
    May 27, 2021 · Here are the top 10 moves of Brian Cage who is currently signed with AEW. Currently, He is a member of Team Taz alongside Ricky Starks, Hook, ...
  31. [31]
    AEW: Splitting Brian Cage from Team Taz is the right move
    Jul 24, 2021 · Brian Cage was kicked out of Team Taz. Writer, Domenic Marinelli, takes a look at just why Cage's removal from the team may just be the best ...
  32. [32]
    Ricky Starks Explains His Decision To Team With Taz and Brian Cage
    Jul 29, 2020 · Ricky Starks spoke about his new alliance with Taz and Brian Cage, revealing Taz recruited him after his AEW debut against Cody...<|control11|><|separator|>
  33. [33]
    Every Big Man In AEW, Ranked Best To Worst - TheSportster
    Aug 19, 2024 · A few months later, Hobbs joined Team Taz. Hobbs is a one-time TNT Champion. The Powerhouse known as Will Hobbs is a younger star in AEW and ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  34. [34]
    Will Hobbs Joins Team Taz In Shock Heel Turn - ITR Wrestling
    Nov 19, 2020 · Will Hobbs joined Brian Cage and Ricky Starks in the dastardly Team Taz faction, turning heel in the process, during the main event of AEW ...Missing: tensions 2022 independence
  35. [35]
    Taz's Son Hook Makes In-Ring AEW Debut During Rampage Taping
    Dec 9, 2021 · Hook (real name Tyler Senerchia) was welcomed into the AEW fold when he was revealed as the newest member of Team Taz on the December 16, 2020 ...
  36. [36]
    Hook To Make AEW Debut On Rampage - Features of Wrestling
    Feb 10, 2025 · The in-ring debut for Hook has been announced by All Elite Wrestling. The Team Taz member will be making his debut on the December 10th ...
  37. [37]
    Inside Hook's AEW rise, Action Bronson team-up at Grand Slam
    Sep 20, 2022 · About 10 years ago with Hook still in middle school, he wanted to show his father, wrestling legend Taz, a New York-based hip-hop artist whose ...Missing: promos | Show results with:promos
  38. [38]
    Will Hobbs Joins Team Taz On AEW Dynamite » TWNP-Wrestling ...
    Will Hobbs finally made his decision and joined Team Taz on AEW Dynamite. Hobbs entered the affray after the AEW Dynamite main event featuring Cody Rhodes.
  39. [39]
    Ricky Starks Wins FTW Championship At AEW Fyter Fest
    Jul 14, 2021 · Ricky Starks is the new FTW champion, after defeating Team Taz stablemate Brian Cage at night one of Fyter Fest in Austin, TX. Late in the match ...
  40. [40]
    This AEW Championship Needs To Be Put Out Of Its Misery
    Aug 28, 2024 · Taz Created The FTW Championship In ECW ; Brian Cage. 377 Days ; Ricky Starks. 378 Days ; Hook. 357 Days ; Jack Perry. 39 Days.
  41. [41]
    Ricky Starks Wins FTW Title At AEW Fyter Fest - Ringside News
    Jul 14, 2021 · Ricky Starks took on Brian Cage with the FTW Title on the line. The match was intense, and it included a swerve and a title change.
  42. [42]
    HOOK Ends Ricky Starks' FTW Championship Reign On AEW ...
    Jul 28, 2022 · The Cold Hearted Handsome Devil known as HOOK is the new FTW Champion following a decisive victory over Ricky Starks on the July 27 ...
  43. [43]
    Powerhouse Hobbs - Online World of Wrestling
    Jun 12, 2020 · October 7, 2020 – AEW Dynamite #54: Brian Cage defeated Will Hobbs to retain the FTW World title. October 27, 2020 – AEW Dark #58: Will Hobbs ...