On October 19, 2012, _WWE SmackDown_ delivered one of the most exciting tag team matchups of the year: _Justin Gabriel & Tyson Kidd_ vs. _Team Rhodes Scholars_. This match featured a clash between two incredibly talented tag teams, each bringing their own unique style to the table. As the stakes were high and the action intense, this contest showcased the best of WWE’s tag team division.
_Team Rhodes Scholars_—comprising _Cody Rhodes_ and _Damien Sandow_—had quickly become a dominant force in the division, known for their combination of strength, technical skills, and intellectual personas. On the other side, _Justin Gabriel_ and _Tyson Kidd_ were a dynamic and high-flying duo, known for their incredible agility and aerial offense. This match was sure to be an exhilarating encounter filled with fast-paced action, high-flying moves, and hard-hitting spots.
In this article, we will explore the significance of this match, the build-up to it, the key moments of the contest, and what the outcome meant for both teams. Let’s break down what happened on that electrifying episode of _SmackDown_, and why it remains a memorable moment in WWE history.
## **The Teams: Styles, Strengths, and Rivalries**
Before diving into the match itself, it’s important to understand the dynamics of the two teams involved: _Justin Gabriel & Tyson Kidd_ and _Team Rhodes Scholars_.
### **Justin Gabriel & Tyson Kidd: The High-Flying Duo**
_Justin Gabriel_ and _Tyson Kidd_ were a tag team that relied heavily on speed, agility, and aerial maneuvers. Both men had established themselves as talented singles competitors before coming together as a team. _Justin Gabriel_, known for his incredible high-flying skills, had built a reputation for executing beautiful aerial moves such as the _450 Splash_ and various springboard attacks. Meanwhile, _Tyson Kidd_ was known for his technical wrestling ability and his own impressive agility, making him a perfect complement to Gabriel’s more acrobatic style.
Together, Gabriel and Kidd were a force in the tag team division, bringing a unique blend of aerial and technical wrestling. Their ability to work in tandem with quick, high-energy offense made them a fan-favorite team. However, despite their undeniable chemistry and skill, they had been facing challenges from teams with more power-based styles, and their match against _Team Rhodes Scholars_ would be an opportunity to prove themselves.
### **Team Rhodes Scholars: Intellectual Dominance and Technical Prowess**
_Team Rhodes Scholars_ was a tag team that made waves in the WWE tag team division, combining two of the most talented and intellectual competitors: _Cody Rhodes_ and _Damien Sandow_. Both men had been established singles stars, but their pairing created an intriguing dynamic. _Cody Rhodes_ had proven himself as a former _Intercontinental Champion_ and one of WWE’s most decorated competitors. _Damien Sandow_, on the other hand, was a self-proclaimed intellectual savior, known for his over-the-top arrogance and technical wrestling abilities.
Together, _Team Rhodes Scholars_ had a reputation for their technical wrestling ability and their cocky, intellectual approach to every match. Both men were skilled in submission holds, counter-wrestling, and working together as a cohesive unit. Their strategy was often focused on outsmarting their opponents, using their superior technical abilities to dominate in the ring. Their rivalry with teams like Gabriel & Kidd added extra heat to their persona, as they aimed to prove themselves as the best team in the division.
## **The Build-Up to the Match: Tension and Rivalries**
Leading up to the October 19, 2012 _SmackDown_ episode, the rivalry between _Justin Gabriel & Tyson Kidd_ and _Team Rhodes Scholars_ had been building. Both teams had exchanged words, and their contrasting styles—high-flying agility vs. intellectual prowess—created a compelling narrative.
### **The Rising Conflict**
The conflict between the two teams had been brewing for some time. _Team Rhodes Scholars_ had started to show their dominance, regularly mocking and undermining teams they felt were not intellectually up to par. _Cody Rhodes_ and _Damien Sandow_ were vocal about their belief that they were the superior team, not just in terms of wrestling ability but in their understanding of the game.
Meanwhile, _Justin Gabriel_ and _Tyson Kidd_ were focused on proving that skill, agility, and teamwork were more important than the arrogance and smugness of _Team Rhodes Scholars_. This clash of ideologies—brains vs. brawn—set the stage for what would be an action-packed contest.
The intensity of the rivalry continued to build as the teams exchanged victories and confrontations in tag matches and backstage segments. The WWE Universe was eagerly awaiting the inevitable showdown, and when it was announced that _Gabriel & Kidd_ would take on _Rhodes Scholars_ in a match on _SmackDown_, fans knew they were in for a thrilling encounter.
## **The Match: Justin Gabriel & Tyson Kidd vs. Team Rhodes Scholars – SmackDown, October 19, 2012**
When the bell rang for this highly anticipated tag team match, the energy in the arena was electric. Both teams were fully prepared to bring their A-game, and the match quickly escalated into a high-paced, competitive affair.
### **The Early Moments: Gabriel and Kidd’s Quick Offense**
From the beginning, _Justin Gabriel_ and _Tyson Kidd_ showed why they were such a well-coordinated team. Gabriel’s high-flying style was on full display as he hit his signature springboard moves and quick strikes, while _Kidd_ used his technical skill to take down _Cody Rhodes_ and _Damien Sandow_. The duo’s speed and fluidity allowed them to control the tempo early on, keeping _Team Rhodes Scholars_ on their heels.
However, _Team Rhodes Scholars_ wasn’t easily overwhelmed. As the match progressed, _Cody Rhodes_ and _Damien Sandow_ began to use their intellect and teamwork to gain the upper hand. They worked well as a unit, isolating Gabriel and Kidd from one another and employing smart tag strategies to wear them down. _Rhodes Scholars_ utilized double-team moves and submission holds to keep Gabriel and Kidd on the defensive.
### **The Turning Point: Team Rhodes Scholars’ Power Play**
As the match progressed, _Cody Rhodes_ and _Damien Sandow_ took control. Sandow, in particular, showed off his technical wrestling expertise with multiple submission attempts on _Tyson Kidd_. Meanwhile, _Cody Rhodes_ demonstrated his own strength and agility, landing devastating blows to Gabriel and isolating him from his partner.
_Team Rhodes Scholars_ started to target Gabriel’s injured arm, using double-team maneuvers to weaken the high-flyer. At one point, Rhodes hit a _Disaster Kick_ to Gabriel, causing him to tumble out of the ring. _Kidd_ was then tagged in, and the momentum began to shift back toward _Gabriel & Kidd_ as they fought hard to stay in the match.
### **The Final Moments: A Showdown of Speed and Power**
In the final moments of the match, both teams had their fair share of near-falls. _Gabriel & Kidd_ used their fast-paced offense to make multiple comebacks, but _Team Rhodes Scholars_ kept fighting back with their technical expertise. As the action intensified, the WWE Universe was on the edge of their seats.
The turning point came when _Cody Rhodes_ was knocked out of the ring by a _Tyson Kidd_ dropkick. With the ring clear for a brief moment, _Justin Gabriel_ hit a stunning _450 Splash_ from the top rope, securing a pinfall attempt on _Damien Sandow_. Sandow managed to kick out at two, but the momentum had shifted in favor of _Gabriel & Kidd_.
In the final sequence, _Tyson Kidd_ was able to hit his _Dungeon Lock_ submission on _Damien Sandow_, forcing him to tap out. The crowd erupted as _Justin Gabriel & Tyson Kidd_ celebrated their hard-fought victory, proving that their speed, teamwork, and determination could overcome even the most intellectual and powerful teams.
## **The Aftermath: What Did This Victory Mean for Both Teams?**
### **Justin Gabriel & Tyson Kidd’s Ascendancy**
The victory marked a huge milestone for _Justin Gabriel_ and _Tyson Kidd_. Their win over the highly skilled _Team Rhodes Scholars_ was not just a win in the record books but also a statement. Gabriel & Kidd had proven that agility, teamwork, and perseverance could overcome the technical prowess and arrogance of their opponents. The win elevated their status in the _WWE Tag Team Division_, setting them up for future title opportunities and solidifying their place as one of the most exciting and dynamic teams in WWE.
Following this victory, both Gabriel and Kidd continued to rise in WWE’s tag team ranks, gaining even more recognition and fan support. Their chemistry in the ring and their shared passion for tag team wrestling made them fan favorites, and they would go on to challenge for more championships in the months that followed.
### **Team Rhodes Scholars: The Fight Continues**
For _Team Rhodes Scholars_, the loss was a setback, but it didn’t mark the end of their journey. Despite the defeat, Rhodes and Sandow’s partnership remained a force to be reckoned with. They would continue to target the tag team titles and set their sights on other teams in the division. Both men had the talent and charisma to become champions, and their rivalry with Gabriel & Kidd was far from over.
Rhodes and Sandow’s partnership would lead to more memorable moments, and they would continue to play important roles in the tag team division for months to come. Their dynamic and rivalry with other teams ensured that they remained significant players in the division.
## **Conclusion: A Thrilling Tag Team Encounter**
The October 19, 2012, _SmackDown_ match between _Justin Gabriel & Tyson Kidd_ and _Team Rhodes Scholars_ was a thrilling display of tag team wrestling at its finest. With contrasting styles, a heated rivalry, and incredible in-ring action, this match showcased everything fans love about WWE tag team bouts. From the high-flying offense of Gabriel & Kidd to the technical wrestling of Rhodes and Sandow, every moment was filled with excitement.
The victory for Gabriel & Kidd proved that they were more than just a flashy tag team; they were a force to be reckoned with in the tag team division. Meanwhile, _Team Rhodes Scholars_ may have lost the match, but their journey in WWE was far from over. This bout was just one chapter in what would become an ongoing rivalry between these two teams.
As _SmackDown_ continued to deliver exciting matches, this encounter would remain a fan-favorite and a highlight in the careers of both _Justin Gabriel & Tyson Kidd_ and _Team Rhodes Scholars_. It was a perfect example of the talent, athleticism, and storytelling that makes WWE’s tag team division one of the most exciting aspects of the company.