The year was, for our amnesiac or Alzheimeric readers, 2002, and the first ever WWE draft was in full effect. Billy and Chuck were drafted to SmackDown! as Tag Team Champions, but unfortunately, for fans at least, all the established tag teams in the 'Ent were split up or on Raw as a result of the draft. What two men would step up to the plate and challenge the New Ambiguously Gay Duo?

Rikishi would be those two men. Weighing as much as London and Kendrick combined, the New Ass Man had the physical credentials to step toe to toe with the Original Ass Man and his Ass Pal. But he needed a partner. Sadly, his Headshrinkers partner/cousin/brother/cousin, uh, Snafu, was busy.

Luckily, the Late Great Vince McMahon had a plan. At Judgement Day 2002, the match was set: Billy and Chuck would defend their Tag Team Titles against Rikishi and a mystery partner. Would it be his cousin, The Rock? Perhaps a returning legend, like Bob Backlund or Gangrel? The audience waited with baited breath. They then let out a collective exasperated sigh and rolled their eyes in unison as his partner was announced: Billy and Chuck's stylist, Rico.

The ensuing match became one that is sure to make a "Best of Judgement Day 2002" DVD, as an extra at least. Rikishi seemed to know that tonight was his night, as he wrestled extra slowly to let it all sink in. After Rico inadvertantly hit his actual opponent, Chuck, Rikishi dispensed of the stylist, took a brief nap, then pounced for the cover. 1-2-3, we had new Tag Team Champions.

But sadly there would be little in the way of odd couple hijinx between the championship partners. Eighteen days later on SmackDown!, Ricoshi defended their Tag Team Titles against the New Age Born Thrillers in an elimination match. Rico would succumb to a mighty wristlock, leaving the Quiche to defend his titles solo. Lightning would not strike twice, as despite a valiant effort, Rikishi would prove to be no match for the combined forces of Chuck Palumbo and his own tag team partner. William and Charles regained THEIR Tag Team Titles.

Of course, Rikishi would go on to hold the Tag Team Titles with the Late Great Scotty Too Hotty*, before losing them to, ironically, Rico and, less ironically, Charlie Haas.

Well, until Jerry Lawler takes a cue from Jim Ross and brings the world "Jerry 'The King' Lawler's Famous Clam Juice", I am, in fact, James E. Couture.