The WWE has significantly reduced talent developmental signing deals this year, thanks to the Endeavor merger. Still, as 2023 comes to a close, looks like a former tag team will return to the company and head to the NXT brand.
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Akam and Rezar, known as Authors of Pain (AOP), were released in 2020. They had a strong NXT run but didn’t have the same momentum once hitting the main roster.
Prior to their departure, Rezar had torn his triceps and was not in action, and Akam was taken off TV as his partner was sidelined due to an injury. While they tried to launch their WES promotion, and organize shows in Europe last year, the venture never took off.
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In addition, AOP hasn’t wrestled since leaving the company. Still, there have been reports earlier this year that there had been talks of AOP returning.
Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp recently stated that sources have said AOP has had a contract with the company since 2022, though they haven’t “confirmed” this. The report notes that AOP was signed “before Vince McMahon returned”, because VKM’s comeback placed a stop to all signings, except new recruits.
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It’s also being said that AOP made sure Paul Ellering, their NXT manager, was closely involved in contract negotiations. The report notes that AOP was on the internal travel list this past May.
According to PWInsider, there’s been talk in the last week about Ellering and the tag team making an appearance soon, likely in NXT. There’s was buzz at Tuesday’s NXT that AOP could be appearing on the brand as early as September.
AOP debuted on NXT in June 2016, and eventually got called up to the main roster in April 2018. During their tenure with the company the had an NXT Tag title run and held the RAW Tag Team Championships.
