THE BROOD
STRENGTHS
Gangrel, Edge and Christian's mix of youth, speed and intimidation make them one of the most sinister groups in sports entertainment. Prior to a bout, the trio takes part in a macabre ritual in which Gangrel spews an ominous red liquid into the air. On occasion the apparent leader of the group has been known to blind his opponents with it. Their unexplained pasts are also a strength, as these once feuding superstars have grown more powerful since aligning with each other. They seem to communicate without speaking, and just when one member of the trio seems to be down another makes the save with amazing catlike moves.
WEAKNESSES
Inexperience. With just a little over a year in the sport combined, the Brood are still relative newcomers to the World Wrestling Federation. And while Gangrel, Edge and Christian draw strength from each other, they are vulnerable in singles matches. Christian, the youngest of the Brood, seems to be the most affected by this. Without the support of his macabre comrades, Christian is often at a bigger loss against bigger and more powerful foes.
KEY WINS
In just his first match in the Federation, Christian pulled off a major upset at October 1998's "Judgment Day" when he defeated long-time title holder Taka Michinoku for the gold. Edge also has had his share of impressive victories, including his Summerslam tag team match with Sable wherein he helped the femme fatale beat Marc Mero and Jacqueline. Gangrel has also notched several impressive wins in his fresh career. It's in six-man or tag matches that the Brood really excel, beating tandems such as the Legion of Doom, the Oddities and the Headbangers.
KEY LOSSES
Christian's Light Heavyweight Title loss to Duane Gill on a November Raw was a major blow to the psyche of the Brood. As of this printing, the youngest member has been unable to recapture the gold on subsequent rematches. Also, the trio was nearly decimated by Kane when the Big Red Machine almost engulfed the trio in a blaze. Despite three-on-one attacks against the Undertaker's brother, the Brood was unable to faze the monster!
FINISHER
The Brood can finish off their enemies in a number of ways. Edge's Downward Spiral is a reverse face plant in which the superstar uses the weight of his body to drive an opponent's cranium into the canvas. Gangrel possesses one of the most lethal finishers in the Federation, dubbed the implant DDT. After lifting a victim into the air, Gangrel hammers his foe head-first into the mat. Christian's aerial assault has yet to be matched. With a flurry of daredevil maneuvers, opponents are often grounded before they can begin to attack.
STRATEGY
Against the Freebirds, the Brood would be at a loss to counter their strength and size. However, Gangrel, Edge and Christian have proven that they can down larger foes such as the Oddities in the past. Also, Hayes, Gordy and Roberts never encountered a trio like the Brood on Badstreet USA. The trio that spent the 80s intimidating opponents would surely have the tables turned on them today. To be most effective, the Brood would be wise to concentrate their attack on Roberts and hope that the larger Gordy doesn't go on the warpath.
THE FABULOUS FREEBIRDS
STRENGTHS
The Freebirds' fighting tactics were unmatched during their wrestling careers. With "PS" calling the shots, Terry and Buddy could mow down any foe. The trio's wild ways outside the ring often found a home in their strategy -- they used belt buckles, steel chairs and whatever else they could get their hands on to secure a win. Along the way, the Freebirds evolved into three of the most popular stars in the sport and received top billing wherever they competed. In their mid twenties, the Southern rebels were able to make demands that the promoters couldn't refuse.
WEAKNESSES
The Freebirds were perhaps unable to successfully manage their instant fame early in their careers. In 1984, the group had a short run in the Federation but then simply walked away from the spotlight. Like the Brood, the Freebirds didn't fit the corporate mold. Also, the strength of their brawling tactics could also be a chink in their armor. The Freebirds were prone to getting themselves disqualified after taking their aggression to unacceptable levels. Finally, personal differences between the 'Birds nearly split their alliance on several occasions.
KEY WINS
The Freebirds' list of victims is lengthy. They were most well known for their wars against the Von Erich family in Texas, one of which sold out Texas Stadium in 1984 for the David Von Erich memorial show. Together, they claimed five six-man title reigns in World Class Championship Wrestling! They also set precedents with their battles against the Legion of Doom in the AWA. Individually, they were just as successful. Hayes gained fame for a bitter war with the Junkyard Dog that resulted in the Freebirds blinding JYD with an abrasive powder that forced the superstar out of action for months. On his own, Gordy amassed several singles and tag team titles. Later, Hayes and the unofficial forth Freebird - Jimmy Garvin - snared tag team gold in the NWA and WCW.
KEY LOSSES
As a cohesive unit the Freebirds were nearly unstoppable. However, the trio went their separate ways in the late 80s fueding with each other briefly. Roberts subsequently bowed out of the sport and sadly developed throat cancer; Gordy competed sparingly across the country, most recently under the guise of "The Executioner"in the Federation in 1996. Perhaps the biggest loss to a possible Freebirds reunion was Hayes' back injury which sidelined his career in 1993. Today Dok "PS" Hendrix still entertains fans in the Federation, and he hope that one day he can regroup the Freebirds for another attack.
FINISHER
What makes the Freebirds' legendary status most impressive is that they never relied on a single finisher to batter opponents. During their stellar careers, they utilized a proven mix of power and brutality to squash foes. Hayes and Roberts would simply wear down the enemy before "Bam Bam" lowered the boom for the victory.
STRATEGY
The Brood's speed is the one trait the Freebirds lacked. In their heyday, high-flying tactics were uncommon. Going into the bout, the Southerners would be unaccustomed to facing such an offense. Their best bet would be to concentrate on a potential Gordy/Christian mismatch. Although the Freebirds' brawling tactics were their greatest strength, the Brood have proven they can take such punishment and also dish it out. If the Freebirds can keep the Gothic superstars separated, they may hold the key to victory. But if the Freebirds make a mistake in that game plan, the Brood will most likely swarm their foes and dismantle them piece by piece.
