Serpent Twins

The Serpent Twins, Python and Cobra, slithered their way into the annals of the Great Western Wrestling Alliance with a potent blend of charisma, strategy, and sheer athletic prowess. Emerging from the swamplands of Florida in 1981, they quickly coiled themselves around the heart of the tag team division, transforming it with their cunning and spectacle. Their entrance was a moment, marrying the art of performance with the grit of pro wrestling. As champions, they pushed the stakes and style of tag team wrestling, maintaining a high standard that challenged and changed their peers and the matches that followed.

Beyond the ropes, Python and Cobra's influence extended into pop culture, particularly resonating with the hair metal scene of the late '80s, symbolizing the era’s flamboyance and rebellious spirit. They were champions at blending the theatricality of rock 'n' roll with the raw competitiveness of wrestling. Their legacy is marked not only by the titles and accolades they amassed but also by their enduring impact on the aesthetics and narrative depth of the sport. The Serpent Twins remain a legendary chapter in the GWA history, celebrated for turning the wrestling ring into a stage for some of the most memorable performances in sports entertainment.

Formation of the Team

In the humid, tangled depths of the Florida swamps, the Serpent Twins' journey began not in unity but in rivalry. Born as twins but raised apart after a familial split, Python and Cobra spent their early years unknowingly competing in the same small wrestling circuits across the southeast. Each brother developed a distinctive style—Python using his unmatched strength to dominate opponents, while Cobra honed his agility and cunning in the ring. Their paths finally crossed in a high-stakes match where the eerie similarity in their wrestling styles and physicality stunned both the audience and themselves. Post-match, a heated confrontation turned into a revelatory discussion as they discovered their shared lineage. Resolving past grievances and recognizing their combined potential, they formed the Serpent Twins, weaving their dark allure of the swamp into the fabric of their personas and bound for the GWA.

Team Members' Profiles

Python: Born Markus Blackwell, Python's wrestling journey began in the backwater locales of Florida, where raw physicality was more prized than technique. Standing 6 feet 7 inches tall, his presence alone is enough to command attention. Python's style is rooted in sheer power—slamming opponents with devastating force, his signature bear hug draining the fight from his challengers. Despite his intimidating demeanor, Python has a tactical mind, often strategizing their matches to exploit their opponents' weaknesses from the outset.

Cobra: Samuel Blackwell, or Cobra, brings a stark contrast to his brother. At a swift 6 feet, his approach is all about speed and precision. Before joining forces with Python, Cobra's solo career was marked by an impressive agility that made him a formidable opponent in the ring. His quick strikes and evasion tactics not only complement Python's brute strength but also create openings for their dual assaults. Cobra's sharp wit and sly tactics during promos make him the vocal force of the duo.

Signature Style and Moves

Together, the Serpent Twins embody a terrifying blend of power and agility. Their matches are a spectacle of coordinated dominance, where Python's overwhelming strength sets up Cobra's lightning-fast finishes. Their signature move, the "Serpent's Stranglehold," showcases this synergy perfectly: Python traps an opponent in a crushing bear hug, immobilizing them, while Cobra strikes with a swift neck snap from behind, a move as lethal as it is quick. This combination of raw power and agile strikes makes their matches unpredictable and thrilling, leaving opponents and audiences alike in awe of their serpentine grace and ferocity. The Serpent Twins not only evoke fear but also an undeniable respect for their strategic mastery and in-ring chemistry.

Ring Entrance

As the eerie, suspenseful intro of Red Rider's "Lunatic Fringe" begins to play, a chilling atmosphere descends over the arena. The lights dim to near darkness, punctuated only by sporadic flashes that mimic the flicker of a serpent's tongue. In this shadowy ambiance, the Serpent Twins make their entrance, each step deliberate, feeding into the growing tension among the spectators.

Python, the embodiment of power, leads the way, his eyes locked forward, exuding an aura of undeniable control and dominance. His brother, Cobra, follows with a fluid, stealthy gait that complements the haunting guitar riffs filling the air. Their presence is both an enigma and a threat, encapsulated by the song’s refrain that speaks to hidden dangers and the edge of sanity.

As they approach the ring, the Twins are draped in dark, hooded robes, adorned with subtle, serpentine patterns that shimmer under the intermittent lights, enhancing their mystique. Reaching the ring, they cast off their robes dramatically, revealing their battle gear etched with silver snakes, ready for the fight. The intensity of the music builds, mirroring the crescendo of the crowd's anticipation.

Python steps over the top rope with a heavy thud, claiming the ring with a territorial certainty, while Cobra slips under, quick and precise, his movements syncing with the pulsing beats of the song. Together, they stand at the center, arms raised, their arrival marked not just by the music but by the palpable sense of dread and excitement they stir in the heart of every spectator. "Lunatic Fringe" continues to thrum through the arena, setting the perfect tone for the havoc the Serpent Twins are about to unleash.

Championships and Accomplishments

Throughout their illustrious career in the Great Western Wrestling Alliance, the Serpent Twins accumulated a formidable list of achievements that highlight their dominance and skill in the ring. Here's a recap of their key victories and accolades:

• GWA Tag Team Championships: Captured in 1987 during the Great Western Grand Tag Team Round-up, this victory was a crowning achievement for the Twins. Their strategic mastery and unbreakable teamwork allowed them to outlast the competition in a grueling tournament, securing their place at the top of the tag team division.
• Winners of the Great Western Grand Tag Team Round-up (1987): This tournament victory was particularly significant as it marked the Twins' transition from rising stars to dominant champions. Their win here was not just about securing the belts but also about sending a clear message to all contenders about the new era in tag team wrestling led by Python and Cobra.
• Grapple Gazette Year End Most Hated Tag Team (1983, 1988): This accolade was awarded twice, first in the early days of their career and again after they had firmly established themselves as the top villains of the GWA. It was a testament to their ability to engage and enrage the audience, proving that they were not only exceptional athletes but also masterful entertainers.
• Numerous Title Defenses: Over their careers, the Serpent Twins defended their tag team titles against a slew of formidable opponents, each time showcasing their evolving tactics and undeniable chemistry. Their title reigns were characterized by matches that were as intellectually strategic as they were physically brutal.
• Induction into the GWA Hall of Fame (Post-Career): After retiring from active competition, the Serpent Twins were inducted into the GWA Hall of Fame, a nod to their significant impact on the wrestling world and their enduring legacy as one of the most captivating and successful tag teams in the history of the league.

Each title, victory, and accolade in their storied career not only bolstered the Serpent Twins' legendary status but also enriched the tapestry of GWA's history, leaving an indelible mark on the sport of wrestling. Their journey from the swamps of Florida to the pinnacle of wrestling entertainment is a testament to their prowess, strategy, and the sheer force of their combined wills.

Memorable Matches and Rivalries

Since their explosive arrival in the GWA in 1981, the Serpent Twins have etched a venomous path through the tag team ranks, leaving a legacy of thrilling matches and bitter rivalries. Here are the key confrontations that have defined their storied careers:

Feud with Big Kat Round Bellies: Python and Cobra's first major feud was against the crowd favorites, the Big Kat Round Bellies. The Round Bellies, known for their jovial nature and hefty physiques, initially dwarfed the sinister newcomers in popularity. However, over a series of gritty, no-holds-barred matches, the Serpent Twins won over the crowd with their ruthlessness and strategic prowess, eventually earning their grudging respect. This rivalry climaxed in a brutal cage match where the Twins showcased their merciless nature, securing a decisive victory that put the GWA roster on notice.

Rivalry with The World Renowned Squabble Squad: The Twins' next major challenge came from The Cold and Clean World Renowned Squabble Squad. Known for their on point tactics and psychological games, the Squad proved to be worthy adversaries. The feud was marked by intense psychological warfare and high-stakes matches, including a memorable ladder match where the Twins used their physical and mental coordination to outmaneuver the Squad, solidifying their reputation as a dominant force in the tag team division.

Confrontations with The Midnight Maracas and The Abominables: These rivalries showcased the Twins' adaptability and resilience. The Midnight Maracas, a flamboyant and rhythmically synchronized duo, brought a stark contrast of style to the Twins, leading to a series of matches that were as much dance as battle. Against the monstrous Abominables, the Twins faced sheer physical intimidation but used their serpentine cunning to slither their way to victory, demonstrating that brains could triumph over brawn.

Great Western Grand Tag Team Round-up Tournament, 1987: The pinnacle of the Serpent Twins' career came in 1987 when they won that year's prestigious Great Western Grand Tag Team Round-up. This tournament saw them outlasting multiple other teams in a grueling gauntlet that tested their endurance and teamwork. Their victory in the final match was marked by the debut of their distinctive serpent-like face paint, which became a symbol of their transformed personas and heightened ferocity. This win not only earned them the GWA Tag Team Championships but also cemented their legacy as one of the most formidable tag teams in wrestling history.

Grapple Gazette Year End Most Hated Tag Team Winners: Winning the Grapple Gazette's Most Hated Tag Team award in 1983 and 1988 was a testament to the Twins' ability to captivate and incite the wrestling audience. Their heel tactics, combined with their sinister ring presence, made them the wrestlers fans loved to hate.

Through each of these memorable matches and rivalries, the Serpent Twins not only showcased their wrestling prowess but also evolved their narrative, constantly reinventing their in-ring strategy and persona to stay at the apex of entertainment and competition in the GWA.

Impact on the Tag Team Division

The Serpent Twins not only carved out a formidable legacy through their string of victories but also significantly shaped the trajectory of the tag team division in the Great Western Wrestling Alliance. Their influence was profound and multifaceted, impacting the division in several key ways:

• Revolutionizing Tag Team Tactics: Python and Cobra introduced a more strategic and psychological approach to tag team wrestling. Their matches were meticulously planned, blending Python’s brute strength with Cobra's agility and cunning to create a seamless and devastating force. This strategy forced their opponents and competitors to evolve, shifting the division from straightforward brawling to more nuanced and tactical engagements.
• Maintaining the Prestige of Tag Team Championships: By treating the tag team belts with the utmost importance, the Twins maintained the elevated status of these titles within the GWA. Their reign as champions was marked not just by defenses but by making each match a must-see event. This approach kept the tag team championships into one of the most sought-after and respected titles in the league.
• Memorable Storylines and Feuds: The Serpent Twins were central to some of the most compelling storylines in the GWA. Their feuds with teams like the Big Kat Round Bellies and The World-Renowned Squabble Squad were not only about victories but also about storytelling, which drew fans deeply into the narratives. Their ability to play the heels, drawing the ire and excitement of the audience, added layers of drama and entertainment value to every match.
• Legacy and Lasting Appeal: The lasting appeal of the Serpent Twins lies in their ability to remain relevant and influential even years after their retirement. Their matches are still discussed in fan forums, and their tactics studied by new wrestlers, underlining their lasting impact on the sport.

Through these contributions, their legacy is one of innovation, entertainment, and excellence. The Serpent Twins ensured that they left the division richer than they found it, setting a new standard for what tag team wrestling could be.