

Pro wrestlers are known to have specific phrases and words that are synonymous with them. The Big Red Machine is for Kane, while The Rattle Snake is for Stone Cold Steve Austin in the WWE. Similarly, other promotions like AEW have stars that coined phrases for themselves. This is where the WWE got into hot water recently with the ‘Dem Boyz’ phrase.
However, while the controversy continues, one WWE legend swoops in with a history lesson no one saw coming.
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Mickie James explains the history of ‘Dem Boys’
The Briscoes Brothers consisting of Jay and Mark Briscoes earned a name in pro wrestling thanks to their talent and in-ring skills. During their rise in the industry they coined a term for themselves, ‘Dem Boyz.’ This term soon became a signature nickname and a rallying cry for their fans.

via Imago
Image Courtesy: Imago
The official WWE Twitter page took to social media on December 9, 2023, to make a controversial post. While referring to some of the WWE stars, they used the phrase “Dem Boyz.” While casual watchers will find no issue with this use, hardcore AEW fans were quick to call them out. The phrase is still associated with Mark Briscoe, who is signed with AEW.
Actually, Speaking of Ignorance. The birth of “Dem Boys” was created by a comic strip writer, Ralph A. Hershberger, a German, from a news paper in 1915. Pretty sure that’s before any of us were born & almost 100yrs before the hit song. But I digress. https://t.co/HAvDNUUAEp pic.twitter.com/S59cFxtbGh
— Mickie James~Aldis (@MickieJames) December 10, 2023
Mark Briscoe, one-half of The Briscoe brothers tweeted back, “DEM BOYZ ain’t no mystery. We’ve been here. OG DEM BOYZ. Respect the game.” However, WWE legend Mickie James came to the rescue with a history lesson about the origin of the phrase. She claimed that the phrase was used in a comic strip published in 1915.
According to Mark, there term emerged during the brother’s early days. This was during their independent circuit scene. Working in promotions like CZW and Ring of Honor, the term refers to their rough-and-tough upbringing in Delaware.
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Dem Boyz used it even after Jay’s passing
As mentioned above, the use of ‘Dem Boyz’ was for both brothers. However, since the passing of Jay in a tragic car accident in January 2023, the moniker has been used even more.
Fans have been heard chanting the term during Mark’s matches in respect for his brother. The catchphrase has transcended its usage and meaning due to the untimely death of Jay Briscoe. This has made Mark more protective of the phrase and its use. Hence, he understandably tweeted out at WWE for respecting the game.
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What do you think about Mickie James’ tweet? Tell us down below.
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