Smackdown Tag Team Champions Crowned

Heath Slater is a tag team champion — and has a job!

Heath Slater, along with Rhyno, were crowned the first ever Smackdown Tag Team Champions at WWE Backlash by defeating the Usos after a Gore. Slater was entered into the Smackdown tag team tournament on the condition that he’d have to win the whole thing to get a WWE contract with the brand. 

The Usos had previously been eliminated from the Smackdown tag team tournament in short order by American Alpha. After their loss, the duo attacked American Alpha, injuring Chad Gable’s leg, and rendering them unable to continue in the tourney. The Usos and fellow eliminated semifinalists the Hype Bros were placed in a match at Backlash to determine opponents for Heath Slater and Rhyno.

The former Undisputed Tag Team Champion Usos also disposed of the Hype Bros in their Backlash qualifying round, taking out Zack Ryder in the same fashion as Gable to move on to the finals. 

After winning the titles, Slater said it was the best day in his life ‘besides a couple of his kids being born,’ and told his wife they’re getting a double-wide. This is Slater’s fourth time being a tag champion.