Gangstas lost the World Tag Team Championship back to Eliminators on the January 4, 1997 episode of "Hardcore TV", ending their reign at 139 days. Gangstas feuded with Eliminators and The Dudley Boyz over the titles for the next several months. At Heat Wave, Gangstas defeated Dudley Boyz in a steel cage match to capture their second World Tag Team Championship. Mustafa Saed left ECW after the title win, leading to the dissolution of Gangstas. The following month, at Hardcore Heaven, Dudley Boyz were returned the titles via forfeit due to Saed's departure.