Impact Wrestling's OGz: A Look Back

Remember the OGz in Impact Wrestling, guys? It was a wild time! Let's dive into what made this faction so memorable, its impact on the wrestling world, and what the main players are up to now. Get ready for a trip down memory lane!

The Genesis of the OGz

The Original Gangsterz (OGz) emerged in Impact Wrestling as a revamped version of LAX (Latin American Xchange), led by Homicide and Hernandez. This wasn't just a simple roster change; it was a complete transformation in character and attitude. The OGz represented a grittier, more violent side of LAX, shedding the flashy colors and high-flying moves for a street-style brawling approach. Their emergence marked a significant shift in the tag team landscape of Impact Wrestling, injecting a dose of old-school aggression and realism into their feuds.

The decision to revamp LAX into the OGz was a strategic move by Impact Wrestling's creative team to capitalize on the established history and reputation of Homicide and Hernandez. Both wrestlers had a long and storied career together, particularly known for their time in TNA (now Impact Wrestling) during the mid-2000s. By bringing them back as hardened veterans with a no-nonsense attitude, Impact Wrestling aimed to tap into the nostalgia of longtime fans while also presenting a credible threat to the rest of the roster. The OGz were not just another tag team; they were a symbol of the streets, bringing a sense of danger and unpredictability to every match they were involved in.

The initial spark for the OGz storyline came from the ongoing rivalry between the then-current LAX, led by Konnan with members Santana and Ortiz, and various other factions within Impact Wrestling. Konnan, a legendary figure in lucha libre and a respected leader in the wrestling world, had guided Santana and Ortiz to numerous tag team championships and established LAX as one of the premier teams in the promotion. However, tensions began to rise as Konnan's leadership was questioned, and the allure of the streets called to Homicide and Hernandez. Their return was not just a challenge to LAX's dominance but also a personal affront to Konnan, setting the stage for a heated and intensely personal feud.

The OGz's arrival was marked by brutal attacks and backstage assaults, immediately establishing them as a force to be reckoned with. They targeted Santana and Ortiz, seeking to dismantle the new LAX and reclaim their position as the true representatives of the streets. These attacks were often unprovoked and vicious, showcasing the OGz's willingness to go to any lengths to achieve their goals. Their actions sent a clear message to the rest of the Impact Wrestling roster: the OGz were not to be trifled with, and they would stop at nothing to assert their dominance. This relentless aggression quickly made them one of the most hated and feared factions in the company.

Key Members and Their Roles

The OGz were built around a core group of wrestlers who each brought a unique element to the faction:

• Homicide: The heart and soul of the OGz, Homicide brought his signature blend of hardcore wrestling and street credibility to the group. His unbridled aggression and willingness to take risks made him a formidable force in the ring.
• Hernandez: The muscle of the OGz, Hernandez provided the raw power and intimidation factor. His imposing physique and devastating moves made him a threat to any opponent.
• King (Eddie Kingston): While not an original member, King (formerly Eddie Kingston) joined the OGz later, adding another layer of intensity and experience to the group. His promo skills and in-ring psychology made him a valuable asset.

Each member played a crucial role in establishing the OGz as a dominant force in Impact Wrestling. Homicide's charisma and hardcore style, combined with Hernandez's brute strength, created a formidable tag team that could brawl with the best of them. King's addition brought a level of strategic cunning and psychological warfare to the group, making them even more dangerous.

Homicide's role as the leader and spokesperson of the OGz was pivotal in defining the faction's identity. He was the one who delivered the scathing promos, laying bare the OGz's disdain for the current state of wrestling and their determination to take back what they believed was rightfully theirs. His promos were raw, unfiltered, and filled with the passion and anger that characterized the OGz's persona. Homicide's ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level, whether they loved him or hated him, made him one of the most compelling figures in Impact Wrestling.

Hernandez complemented Homicide perfectly, providing the physical presence and in-ring dominance that backed up Homicide's words. Hernandez's power moves, such as the Border Toss, were a constant threat to opponents, and his intimidating demeanor often gave the OGz a psychological advantage before the match even began. Together, Homicide and Hernandez formed a tag team that was both technically sound and brutally effective, making them a nightmare matchup for any team in Impact Wrestling.

King's addition to the OGz brought a new dimension to the group. Known for his articulate promos and his understanding of wrestling psychology, King added a layer of depth and complexity to the OGz's storylines. He was able to articulate the OGz's motivations and grievances in a way that resonated with the audience, even if they didn't agree with their methods. King's presence also allowed the OGz to engage in more intricate and strategic feuds, as he was able to outthink and outmaneuver their opponents both in and out of the ring.

Feuds and Storylines

The OGz's primary feud was against the new LAX (Santana and Ortiz), managed by Konnan. This rivalry was intense and personal, filled with heated promos, brutal matches, and shocking betrayals. Other notable storylines included clashes with other top tag teams in Impact Wrestling, as the OGz sought to establish their dominance.

The feud between the OGz and the new LAX was arguably one of the most compelling storylines in Impact Wrestling during that period. It was a clash of generations, a battle for respect, and a fight over the legacy of the LAX name. The OGz saw Santana and Ortiz as pretenders to the throne, believing that they had tarnished the LAX legacy with their flashy style and perceived lack of grit. The new LAX, on the other hand, saw the OGz as relics of the past, clinging to a dated and violent approach to wrestling.

The rivalry was fueled by Konnan's presence as the manager of the new LAX. Konnan had a long and complicated history with Homicide and Hernandez, and their reunion as the OGz brought back old wounds and unresolved issues. The promos between Konnan and Homicide were particularly intense, filled with personal insults and veiled threats. The feud was not just about wrestling; it was about pride, loyalty, and the struggle for control of the LAX name.

The matches between the OGz and the new LAX were nothing short of brutal. They often spilled outside the ring, with weapons being used and bodies flying. The two teams pushed each other to the limit, showcasing their toughness and determination. The feud culminated in several high-profile matches, including a Concrete Jungle Deathmatch, where the ring was surrounded by barbed wire and the only way to win was by knockout or submission. These matches were violent, bloody, and unforgettable, solidifying the OGz-LAX rivalry as one of the most memorable in Impact Wrestling history.

Beyond the LAX feud, the OGz also engaged in storylines with other top tag teams in Impact Wrestling, such as the Lucha Bros and the Rascalz. These feuds allowed the OGz to showcase their versatility and their ability to adapt to different wrestling styles. They proved that they could brawl with the best of them, but they could also hold their own against high-flying and technically gifted opponents. The OGz's willingness to take on any challenge made them a credible threat to the entire Impact Wrestling roster.

The OGz's Impact and Legacy

While their time together was relatively short, the OGz left a lasting impact on Impact Wrestling. They brought a sense of realism and danger to the tag team division, reminding fans of the edgier days of wrestling. Their feuds were intense and personal, drawing viewers in with their raw emotion and physicality.

The OGz's impact on Impact Wrestling extended beyond their feuds and storylines. They also helped to elevate the tag team division as a whole, raising the bar for what it meant to be a top team in the promotion. Their matches were consistently among the most exciting and talked-about on Impact Wrestling, and their presence helped to draw more attention to the tag team scene.

The OGz also had a significant influence on the characters and storylines of other wrestlers in Impact Wrestling. Their willingness to push the envelope and challenge the status quo inspired other performers to take risks and explore new creative directions. The OGz helped to create a more dynamic and unpredictable environment in Impact Wrestling, where anything could happen and no one was safe.

One of the key elements of the OGz's success was their ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level. They were not just wrestlers playing characters; they were portraying real people with real emotions and real motivations. Their promos were filled with honesty and passion, and their actions in the ring reflected their deep-seated beliefs and values. This authenticity resonated with fans, who appreciated the OGz's willingness to be themselves and to speak their minds.

The OGz's legacy can also be seen in the careers of the individual members. Homicide and Hernandez have continued to be successful wrestlers, both as singles competitors and as tag team partners. They have remained true to their roots, staying true to the hardcore and street-style wrestling that made them famous. King has also continued to thrive in the wrestling world, showcasing his skills as a wrestler, commentator, and promoter. The OGz's influence can be seen in their work, as they continue to bring the same intensity and passion to their performances that they brought to the OGz.

Where Are They Now?

• Homicide: Continues to wrestle on the independent circuit, staying true to his hardcore roots.
• Hernandez: Still active in wrestling, often teaming with Homicide for special appearances.
• Eddie Kingston: Has achieved significant success in AEW (All Elite Wrestling), showcasing his promo skills and in-ring talent.

It's awesome to see these guys still making waves in the wrestling world! Each of them has continued to contribute to the sport in their own unique way, and their impact is still felt by fans and performers alike.

Homicide remains a beloved figure on the independent wrestling scene, known for his willingness to take on any challenge and his unwavering dedication to his craft. He continues to wrestle at a high level, thrilling fans with his hardcore style and his charismatic personality. Homicide is also a mentor to younger wrestlers, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of performers.

Hernandez continues to be a formidable presence in the wrestling world, often teaming with Homicide for special appearances and nostalgia shows. He remains in great shape and can still deliver his signature power moves with devastating effect. Hernandez is also involved in training and coaching, helping to develop the next generation of wrestling stars.

Eddie Kingston has achieved significant success in AEW, where he has become one of the most popular and respected wrestlers in the company. His promos are legendary, his in-ring work is consistently excellent, and his passion for the sport is evident in everything he does. Kingston has also been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, using his platform to raise awareness and support for those who are struggling. His success in AEW is a testament to his talent, his hard work, and his dedication to the wrestling business.

Final Thoughts

The OGz were a unique and memorable faction in Impact Wrestling history. Their raw intensity and old-school approach made them stand out, and their feuds were some of the most exciting and personal in recent memory. Whether you loved them or hated them, there's no denying the impact they had on the wrestling world.

So, there you have it, guys! A look back at the OGz and their wild ride in Impact Wrestling. They definitely left their mark, and it's cool to see what they're all up to now. Keep wrestling alive!