Wrestling Life Online has announced that the tag team Demolition, comprised of Bill “Ax” Eadie and Barry “Smash” Darsow, will be the first inductees into the 2026 class of the Wrestling Life Hall of Fame. The induction will celebrate their careers both as a team and as individual performers.
Ben Veal, founder of Wrestling Life Online, commented on the announcement in a press release. “It gives me enormous pride to announce that Demolition’s Ax and Smash, Bill Eadie and Barry Darsow, will be the first inductees into the 2026 Wrestling Life Hall of Fame class,” Veal stated. “Demolition weren’t just champions: they were bonafide trailblazers who set the standard for what a tag team could achieve. Both men had remarkable singles careers as well that brought unforgettable characters and performances to fans around the world”.
Formed in the late 1980s, Demolition stood out with an intimidating look that included face paint and spiked leather gear, and an uncompromising in-ring style. Their finishing move, the “Demolition Decapitation,” became one of the most well-known finishers of the era.
The duo captured the WWF Tag Team Championship three times. Their first reign lasted 478 days, a company record for a tag team championship run that stood for over two decades. During their time in the WWF, they had notable feuds with teams such as The Hart Foundation, The Brain Busters, The British Bulldogs, and The Powers of Pain.
Later in their run, Brian Adams was introduced as a third member, Crush, allowing the team to defend the titles under the “Freebird Rule.” This change occurred due to health issues concerning Bill Eadie. Eventually, the team would consist of Smash and Crush before disbanding.
The induction also recognizes the individual careers of both men. Before forming Demolition, Bill Eadie achieved fame as The Masked Superstar, competing against top names of his era, including Hulk Hogan, Bob Backlund, and Dusty Rhodes.
Prior to becoming Smash, Barry Darsow was known as Kruscher Kruschev in Jim Crockett Promotions, where he won the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship. He later gained further recognition in the WWF with his portrayal of the Repo Man character.
The Wrestling Life Hall of Fame was launched in 2025. The inaugural class of inductees included The British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith, Marc Mero, Candice Michelle, Mike Chioda, The Dynamite Kid Tom Billington, and Marcus “Buff” Bagwell. Special episodes celebrating the new class of inductees will be released on the @wrestlinglifeonline YouTube channel and on the “Wrestling Life with Ben Veal” podcast in January and February 2026. More inductees for the 2026 class will be revealed over the coming months, and fans can learn more at wrestlinglife.online/halloffame.
