The story of Erik and Ivar, the Viking Raiders, is unlike any other in WWE. Their journey has seen name changes that sparked debate, title victories that electrified arenas, injuries that nearly ended their careers, and a comeback that left fans cheering with emotion. It is not just about championships; it is about grit, survival, and the spirit of warriors who refused to give up. Keep reading to relive the rise, struggles, and return of one of WWE’s most captivating tag teams.
The Origins of the Warriors: Domination as War Machine
Before joining WWE, Erik (Raymond Rowe) and Ivar (Todd Smith, formerly Hanson) competed worldwide as War Machine. They became one of the most feared tag teams in promotions like Ring of Honor (ROH) and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).
Their hard-hitting style combined brute strength with surprising speed, allowing them to dominate across continents. War Machine collected championships in both the U.S. and Japan, proving they belonged among the world’s best teams.
Arrival in WWE: A Force in NXT
In 2018, the duo signed with WWE and entered NXT with high expectations. Introduced as the War Raiders, they immediately caught attention with their Viking-inspired entrances and explosive offense.
Their breakthrough moment came at NXT TakeOver: Phoenix (2019) when they defeated the Undisputed Era to capture the NXT Tag Team Championship. Their theatrics, combined with raw power, made them instant fan favorites.
Main Roster: Rebranding and Redemption
The jump to WWE’s main roster brought challenges. Initially renamed The Viking Experience in 2019—a change that received criticism—they were soon rebranded as The Viking Raiders.
Despite the rocky start, Erik and Ivar silenced doubters by winning the Raw Tag Team Championships in 2019. With horned helmets, battle chants, and thunderous entrances, they quickly became one of Raw’s most distinctive teams. However, injuries would soon interrupt their rise.
Adversity Strikes: A Battle Beyond the Ring
Both men faced career-threatening setbacks. Erik underwent major neck fusion surgery in 2023, while Ivar suffered a serious spinal injury in 2024. At times, doctors even questioned whether they would ever wrestle again.
But in true Viking spirit, both fought their way back. Months of rehabilitation turned into one of wrestling’s most inspiring comeback stories.
The Triumphant Return: The War Raiders Return
At the end of 2024, WWE teased their return with Viking-themed vignettes. The comeback lived up to the hype. On their first night back, they defeated Alpha Academy on Raw.
Then came the crowning moment: on December 16, 2024, they defeated Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh of The Judgment Day to win the World Tag Team Championship. After five years without gold, Erik and Ivar stood tall once again as champions.
Emotional Victory
Their post-match reflections revealed how much the victory meant. Erik recalled being told he might never wrestle again, while Ivar spoke of the emotional toll during recovery.
“This isn’t just a title to us,” Erik said in an interview. “It proves you can fight back, no matter what life throws at you.”
The WWE Universe embraced their story, celebrating the win as more than just another championship because it was a symbol of resilience.
Forecast These Days – The Anticipated Era of Dominant Tag Teams
The War Raiders’ return has reignited WWE’s tag team division. Rivalries with The Street Profits, Imperium, and rising factions are now on the horizon.
As champions and veterans, Erik and Ivar bring not only strength but also experience and storytelling ability to the ring. Their Viking charisma and relentless in-ring style continue to set them apart, ensuring they remain one of WWE’s most popular and dangerous teams.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Former Name | War Machine |
| WWE Tag Name | The Viking Raiders |
| Championships | NXT Tag Team (1×), Raw/World Tag Team (2×) |
| Other Championships | ROH World Tag Team, IWGP Tag Team (2×) |
| Return to Raw | October 2024 |
Conclusion
The Viking Raiders’ story goes beyond championships. It’s about perseverance, brotherhood, and the will to fight back no matter the odds. From their early days as War Machine to the setbacks of career-threatening injuries, Erik and Ivar have shown the true meaning of resilience. Their 2024 comeback reminded fans that legends are not just built on victories but also on the battles fought outside the ring. As they continue to defend their titles and inspire new rivalries, the Viking Raiders’ legacy as modern-day warriors in WWE is secure. Their saga is far from over—it’s just entering a new chapter. Let’s check out the details of other big WWE Wrestlers like John Cena and other.
FAQs
What was the original name of The Viking Raiders in WWE?
They began as War Machine, became War Raiders in NXT, were briefly called The Viking Experience, and then rebranded as The Viking Raiders.
What tag team titles have they won?
They have won the NXT Tag Team Championship, the Raw/World Tag Team Championship, the ROH World Tag Team Championship, and the IWGP Tag Team Championship (2×).
When did they return to WWE’s Raw brand?
They returned in October 2024, teased through Viking vignettes, and won the World Tag Team Championship in December 2024.
