In the world of WWE, few tag team rivalries have captured the imagination of fans quite like The New Day vs The Bludgeon Brothers. This feud brought together two of the most distinct teams in modern wrestling one defined by charisma, humor, and teamwork, and the other by raw power, intimidation, and destruction. Their clashes not only entertained fans but also showcased the diversity of styles that make professional wrestling so captivating. The rivalry between The New Day and The Bludgeon Brothers remains one of the most memorable storylines in WWE’s tag team history, combining athleticism, storytelling, and intense physicality.
The Rise of The New Day
The New Day, composed of Kofi Kingston, Big E, and Xavier Woods, burst onto the WWE scene in late 2014. At first, their upbeat and gospel-inspired persona divided audiences, but over time, they evolved into one of the most beloved and successful tag teams in WWE history. Through their humor, positivity, and undeniable chemistry, The New Day became multi-time Tag Team Champions and record-setters.
Known for their colorful outfits, creative promos, and energetic entrances, The New Day brought a fresh and entertaining approach to tag team wrestling. They blended comedy with athleticism, showing that charisma and connection with fans could coexist with serious in-ring talent. Their success made them a staple of WWE’s tag team division for years, facing off against top teams from across the brand.
The Emergence of The Bludgeon Brothers
The Bludgeon Brothers, consisting of Luke Harper and Erick Rowan, were the complete opposite of The New Day in style and presentation. Reintroduced to WWE audiences in 2017 after previously being part of The Wyatt Family, the duo took on darker personas wielding massive hammers, wearing intimidating gear, and demolishing opponents with brute force.
As The Bludgeon Brothers, Harper and Rowan became an unstoppable force in the SmackDown Live tag team division. Their combination of size, strength, and aggression made them a dominant presence. Their matches often ended in destruction, as they showcased an almost monstrous intensity inside the ring. This reinvention revitalized their careers and positioned them as one of the most feared tag teams of their era.
The Beginning of the Rivalry
The rivalry between The New Day and The Bludgeon Brothers officially ignited in early 2018. Both teams were among the top contenders in the SmackDown Tag Team division, and their paths inevitably crossed on the road to WrestleMania 34. While The New Day had the fan support and experience, The Bludgeon Brothers were making waves by destroying every team that stood in their way.
The tension grew week after week as The Bludgeon Brothers began interfering in matches between The New Day and The Usos. Their attacks left both teams battered, sending a clear message that Harper and Rowan were coming for the titles. The buildup created the perfect setup for a massive showdown at WrestleMania.
WrestleMania 34 The Showdown
At WrestleMania 34, The New Day, The Usos, and The Bludgeon Brothers clashed in a triple threat match for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship. The match was one of the night’s highlights, combining high-flying action, brutal strength, and dramatic storytelling. The New Day entered the ring in their signature colorful style, while The Bludgeon Brothers made their presence known with a menacing aura.
From the start, The Bludgeon Brothers dominated. Their sheer power overwhelmed both The New Day and The Usos. Despite moments of resilience and teamwork from The New Day, the might of Harper and Rowan proved too much to handle. The Bludgeon Brothers captured the titles decisively, solidifying themselves as the dominant tag team on SmackDown.
Styles in Contrast
The New Day’s Teamwork and Agility
The New Day’s greatest strength lies in their chemistry and versatility. Kofi Kingston brings speed and aerial skills, Big E provides powerhouse moves, and Xavier Woods adds technical ability and strategic thinking. Together, they create a balanced unit capable of adapting to any opponent. Their matches often include creative double-team maneuvers and emotional storytelling that connect with the audience.
The Bludgeon Brothers’ Power and Destruction
The Bludgeon Brothers, in contrast, rely on dominance and destruction. Their wrestling style focuses on brute force, heavy strikes, and overwhelming aggression. Harper’s agility for his size combined with Rowan’s raw power makes them a terrifying duo in the ring. Their goal is not just to win but to destroy anyone who stands in their path.
Memorable Matches and Moments
Following WrestleMania 34, The New Day sought revenge. Their encounters with The Bludgeon Brothers throughout 2018 delivered thrilling moments, filled with intense action and emotional stakes. One of their most memorable battles took place atSummerSlam 2018, where The New Day challenged The Bludgeon Brothers for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles once again.
That match ended in disqualification after The Bludgeon Brothers used their hammers, displaying their unwillingness to lose cleanly. While The New Day technically won the match, they did not capture the titles, further fueling the rivalry. This controversial ending added another layer to their feud, highlighting the difference between The New Day’s sportsmanship and The Bludgeon Brothers’ ruthless tactics.
The End of the Rivalry
Eventually, the rivalry began to fade after The Bludgeon Brothers suffered injuries that kept them out of action for several months. During that time, The New Day reclaimed their place atop the tag team division, adding more championships to their legacy. Although their feud was relatively short-lived, it left a lasting impression on fans who enjoyed the stark contrast between the two teams.
Both teams would later go on to separate paths. Luke Harper and Erick Rowan eventually moved into singles competition before Harper, later known as Brodie Lee, departed from WWE and continued his career elsewhere. The New Day, meanwhile, remained one of WWE’s most iconic and successful factions, continuing to entertain fans across the world.
Fan Reactions and Legacy
The New Day vs The Bludgeon Brothers rivalry received praise for its storytelling and balance between comedy and destruction. Fans appreciated how the feud showcased different styles within tag team wrestling one based on entertainment and unity, and the other on intimidation and dominance. The chemistry between the teams was undeniable, and their matches were often cited as some of the best in the tag team division at the time.
Even though The Bludgeon Brothers’ run was brief, their impact was significant. They added a darker, more menacing tone to the division, contrasting perfectly with The New Day’s lighthearted energy. Their dominance reminded audiences that WWE’s tag team scene could still deliver powerful and engaging rivalries.
Impact on WWE’s Tag Team Division
The rivalry between The New Day and The Bludgeon Brothers helped reinvigorate WWE’s focus on tag team wrestling. It showed that teams with contrasting personalities and styles could tell compelling stories in the ring. The feud’s success opened the door for other teams to gain more spotlight and reminded fans that tag team wrestling could be just as exciting as singles competition.
Moreover, the storyline demonstrated how different characters could coexist within the same division The New Day with their positivity and humor, and The Bludgeon Brothers with their dark, destructive presence. This contrast brought balance and variety, making every match feel unique and memorable.
The New Day vs The Bludgeon Brothers rivalry remains an important chapter in WWE’s modern tag team history. It featured a perfect mix of entertainment, intensity, and storytelling, giving fans unforgettable matches and moments. The New Day’s energy and teamwork clashed beautifully with The Bludgeon Brothers’ power and brutality, creating a dynamic that resonated with audiences worldwide. Even years later, fans still look back on their battles as a showcase of what makes tag team wrestling so special heart, creativity, and the thrill of competition.