WWE Superstars Who Had the Most Unexpected Tag Team Title Reigns

Tag team wrestling has always been a thrilling part of WWE, but sometimes the most surprising moments happen when two superstars — often with little in common — come together and win tag team gold. Whether due to rivalries, mismatched personalities, or makeshift alliances, these teams defied expectations and found success. Fans never saw these reigns coming, and that’s what made them so memorable.

From bitter enemies forced to work together to single stars stepping into tag team action, these title reigns prove that anything can happen in WWE. Here are four of the most unexpected WWE Tag Team Championship reigns that left fans talking and added a unique chapter to each superstar’s career.

1. John Cena and The Miz — WWE Tag Team Champions (2011)

John Cena and The Miz may be two of WWE’s biggest names, but seeing them win tag team gold together was a moment nobody anticipated. Their reign was short-lived, but what made it so surprising was the timing. At the time, Cena and Miz were embroiled in a heated rivalry heading into WrestleMania XXVII, where they were set to face off for the WWE Championship. Despite this tension, they managed to defeat The Corre on Raw to win the titles — only to lose them minutes later in an immediate rematch. This moment remains one of the most unexpected twists in the buildup to WrestleMania and a rare example of enemies holding tag team gold.

2. Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels — WWE Tag Team Champions (1997)

In 1997, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels were two of the biggest singles competitors in WWE — and far from a natural pairing. Known for their rebellious and egotistical personas, few thought these two would ever find common ground. But when they defeated Owen Hart and The British Bulldog for the WWE Tag Team Championships, the wrestling world was left stunned. Their reign was filled with tension, as both superstars were more focused on their own ambitions than teamwork. Though their time as champions didn’t last long, it produced unforgettable moments, including wild brawls and reluctant cooperation that added layers to their legendary careers.

3. Kane and Daniel Bryan — WWE Tag Team Champions (2012-2013)

Kane and Daniel Bryan’s reign as WWE Tag Team Champions might be one of the most entertaining and unlikely partnerships in WWE history. Formed through a series of anger management segments that became fan favorites, “Team Hell No” combined Kane’s monstrous persona with Bryan’s fiery underdog attitude. What started as a dysfunctional duo turned into a highly successful team, capturing the titles at Night of Champions 2012 by defeating Kofi Kingston and R-Truth. Their constant bickering, comedic therapy sessions, and eventual teamwork made them stand out in a tag team division filled with more traditional pairings. Their reign lasted for eight months, proving that even the most mismatched team can thrive with the right chemistry.

4. Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt — SmackDown Tag Team Champions (2016)

Randy Orton aligning with Bray Wyatt was a twist that left fans unsure of what to expect. Known for being a loner and “The Viper,” Orton didn’t seem like a natural fit for Wyatt’s eerie cult-like faction. Yet, in late 2016, Orton joined The Wyatt Family and soon teamed with Bray to capture the SmackDown Tag Team Championships at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs by defeating Heath Slater and Rhyno. This alliance brought a fresh dynamic to both superstars’ careers and added legitimacy to the Wyatt Family as a dominant force. Though their reign was short and ended in betrayal, it was a powerful storyline that made a lasting impression on the WWE Universe.

Unexpected tag team title reigns remind fans that WWE is full of surprises. These unique pairings show that success can come from the most unlikely alliances, creating moments that are remembered long after the titles are lost. Whether it’s rivals forced to cooperate or personalities that clash, these reigns stand as a testament to the unpredictable nature of WWE storytelling.