biography of the war raiders

 The War Raiders: The Unstoppable Force in Tag Team Wrestling

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The War Raiders, also known by their WWE ring names Erik and Ivar, have emerged as one of the most dominant and feared tag teams in the modern professional wrestling landscape. Known for their brutal, hard-hitting style and larger-than-life personalities, Erik and Ivar have captured the imagination of wrestling fans worldwide, leaving a legacy in the tag team division of WWE, NXT, and beyond. Their unique combination of power, agility, and technical prowess has set them apart as one of the most exciting teams in modern wrestling.

This biography will explore the War Raiders' journey, from their origins in the independent wrestling scene to their rise to prominence in WWE's NXT and subsequent success on the main roster. We will take an in-depth look at the careers of Erik (formerly Raymond Rowe) and Ivar (formerly Hanson), the men behind the War Raiders, their tag team synergy, individual accomplishments, and what makes them such a standout team in professional wrestling.

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Early Lives and Training: The Origins of Erik and Ivar

Erik, born Raymond Rowe on January 20, 1984, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Ivar, born Hans Rudolf Karlsson on September 20, 1984, in Oslo, Norway, both have their own distinct journeys that would eventually lead them to the world of professional wrestling. Despite coming from different parts of the world, their paths to stardom in the ring would eventually converge, and together, they would form one of the most dynamic teams in the sport.

Raymond Rowe (Erik) was an athletic child, engaging in various sports growing up, but it was professional wrestling that ultimately caught his attention. Inspired by the larger-than-life characters he saw on television, Rowe decided to pursue his dream and began training in wrestling in his early twenties. He honed his skills at local wrestling schools, learning the ropes of the business while working his way through the independent circuit. His commitment to fitness and training quickly paid off, and Rowe made his debut on the independent wrestling scene in the mid-2000s.

Similarly, Ivar (Hanson) was drawn to sports and athletic pursuits from a young age. Growing up in Norway, he found his passion for professional wrestling through television broadcasts and eventually decided to follow his dreams in the industry. Like Rowe, Ivar started his career by training with local wrestling schools and competing on the independent circuit. His size, agility, and work ethic helped him establish a strong presence on the scene early in his career, and he soon gained recognition as a rising star.

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Individual Independent Circuit Careers: Building a Foundation

Before the War Raiders were formed, both Erik and Ivar had successful individual careers in the independent wrestling scene. They competed in multiple promotions, including Ring of Honor (ROH), Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), and Northeast Wrestling (NEW), among others. Their individual wrestling styles—Erik’s technical grappling and powerful strikes paired with Ivar’s agility and impressive athleticism for his size—made them stand out as talents to watch.

Raymond Rowe made a name for himself as a tough and technically sound wrestler. His fighting style was characterized by his powerhouse offense and ability to mix in hard-hitting strikes and submissions. Rowe’s career trajectory was on the rise, and he caught the attention of top wrestling promotions, including Ring of Honor (ROH). Over time, Rowe became a familiar face in the world of tag team wrestling, particularly for his work in the War Machine tag team with his future partner Ivar. The War Machine team would eventually become one of the most dominating forces in the independent tag team division.

Meanwhile, Hanson (Ivar) continued to carve out a career for himself in the independent scene. Known for his impressive agility, speed, and incredible strength, Ivar became a fan favorite for his exciting and powerful in-ring style. His size did not hinder his athleticism—he was able to move across the ring with surprising speed and grace. Ivar’s efforts in various promotions, including Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and Northeast Wrestling, allowed him to gain a strong following and solidify his status as one of the most promising wrestlers on the independent circuit.

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The Formation of War Machine: The Partnership Between Erik and Ivar

The eventual partnership of Erik and Ivar as War Machine in the independent wrestling scene was a game-changer. When the two first teamed up, it was immediately clear that they had incredible chemistry and a unique in-ring style. The combination of Rowe’s technical prowess and Ivar’s agility made for an unstoppable force, and they quickly began to dominate tag team divisions in promotions like Ring of Honor (ROH) and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).

In ROH, War Machine quickly made their presence known, and their explosive style caught the attention of fans. They were not afraid to take risks, using powerful moves like the Fallout (a sit-out powerbomb and lariat combination) and the War Drum (a version of the Samoan drop) to devastate their opponents. The duo quickly gained a reputation for their brutal style and ability to perform in high-pressure situations, making them one of the most dominant teams in ROH.

Their success was not limited to just ROH, as War Machine also competed in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). In NJPW, they participated in the prestigious World Tag League tournament, where they showcased their tag team abilities in a global stage. Their time in NJPW further solidified their status as one of the premier tag teams in the wrestling world.

In 2016, War Machine achieved their most significant accomplishment to date when they won the ROH World Tag Team Championship. This victory cemented their place as one of the most dominant forces in tag team wrestling. Their hard-hitting, intense matches with other top teams like The Young Bucks, The Addiction, and The Briscoes became legendary, and they continued to rise in prominence within the wrestling community.

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WWE NXT: The War Raiders Arrive

In 2018, War Machine’s success in the independent wrestling scene caught the attention of WWE, and they were signed to join NXT, WWE’s developmental territory. Upon their arrival, they were renamed Erik and Ivar, and War Machine became The War Raiders. Their name was changed to reflect a more traditional Viking-inspired theme, with their look and presentation being adapted to fit WWE’s larger-than-life persona.

The War Raiders (Erik and Ivar) debuted in NXT in 2018 and quickly made an impact. They immediately established themselves as one of the most dangerous teams in the brand’s tag team division, with their aggressive and no-nonsense style setting them apart from other teams. The War Raiders’ combination of power, agility, and brutal offense made them fan favorites, and their dominant performances earned them a place in the tag team title picture.

Their rise in NXT was meteoric. They began to dominate the tag team division, defeating some of the top teams in the promotion. In 2019, they reached the pinnacle of the NXT tag team division by winning the NXT Tag Team Championship after defeating the team of The Undisputed Era (Roderick Strong and Kyle O'Reilly). Their hard-hitting matches and chemistry as a team made them stand out, and their reign as champions was a testament to their dominance in the division.

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The Main Roster: The War Raiders’ Transition to WWE Raw and SmackDown

In 2019, following their success in NXT, The War Raiders were called up to the main roster and joined WWE Raw. Their main roster debut introduced them to a broader audience, and they immediately became a force to be reckoned with on WWE’s flagship show. They were renamed The Viking Raiders to align with their Viking-themed persona, and WWE continued to promote their intimidating and dominant image.

The Viking Raiders quickly began competing in high-profile matches, with their hard-hitting style remaining a key part of their character. While their time on the main roster was filled with challenges, including transitioning to a new environment, they remained a key fixture in the tag team division. Over the next few years, they engaged in intense rivalries with teams like The Street Profits, The New Day, and The Usos.

Although they faced ups and downs in terms of championship opportunities, The Viking Raiders have remained a consistent and powerful force in the WWE tag team division. They have showcased their versatility in a variety of match types, from traditional tag team matches to Royal Rumble appearances and WrestleMania performances. Their connection with the WWE Universe and their tag team chemistry has kept them relevant and respected in the highly competitive world of tag team wrestling.

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Legacy and Impact: The Viking Raiders in the Wrestling World

The legacy of The Viking Raiders extends beyond their success in championships. Erik and Ivar have made a lasting impact on the world of tag team wrestling, with their hard-hitting, physically demanding style elevating the level of competition in WWE. Their incredible work ethic, commitment to their craft, and ability to adapt to different environments have made them one of the most respected tag teams in the industry.

They have set a new standard for tag team wrestling, blending power moves with high-flying maneuvers, and showing that tag teams can still be as dominant and relevant as their single counterparts. Their influence can be seen in the rise of other powerhouse tag teams in WWE, as well as in their contributions to the overall growth of the tag team division in WWE NXT and beyond.

As of 2023, The Viking Raiders continue to be a vital part of WWE’s tag team scene. Whether competing in high-profile matches or challenging for tag team gold, Erik and Ivar’s journey is far from over. The duo remains one of the most dangerous and exciting teams in professional wrestling, and their legacy is continuing to evolve with each passing year.

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Conclusion: The Viking Raiders’ Continued Journey

The Viking Raiders have become a force in professional wrestling, known for their brutal style, chemistry, and relentless drive to succeed. Erik and Ivar’s journey from independent wrestling to WWE’s main roster is a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and love for the business. As they continue to compete at the highest level, fans can rest assured that the Viking Raiders will remain an unforgettable part of the tag team wrestling landscape for years to come.