Axe + Dazzle

Why this works

Trying to burst down an Axe who just initiated is the standard response. That plan falls apart when Dazzle makes him unkillable with Shallow Grave. Axe gets to survive the full duration of his Berserker's Call, guaranteeing maximum Counter Helix spins while the enemy team's damage is completely wasted. Dazzle can further sustain him with Shadow Wave, which also punishes the enemy team for being clumped together by the taunt. It's a simple and brutal combination that turns Axe's aggression into a sure win.

This duo comes online the moment Axe gets a Blink Dagger and dictates the pace of the mid-game. The threat of a perfect, Graved initiation forces opponents to play cautiously and spread out, which often means giving up map control. The main counter is to somehow kill Dazzle before the fight begins, but that's easier said than done. It creates a constant dilemma: focus the immortal spinning Axe in your face, or try to hunt a well-positioned support in the back while your own carries die.