Ex-WWE Tag Champions Eye In-Ring Return Despite 8-Month Absence

A former WWE tag team is keen to return to in-ring action.

The Authors of Pain, comprising Akam & Razar, along with manager Paul Ellering, had two stints with the World Wrestling Entertainment.

The hard-hitting duo debuted on the NXT brand in 2016.

During the 2017 NXT TakeOver: San Antonio, they won the NXT Tag Team Championship after defeating #DIY.

Due to its success on the developmental brand, AOP made its debut on WWE RAW in April 2018, where it remained undefeated until early November, even winning the RAW Tag Team Championship.

Their title reign lasted only 35 days, and after a series of highs and lows and an injury to Rezar, they were released in September 2020.

AOP’s second stint with WWE came in 2024, where they aligned with Karrion Kross and Scarlett to form The Final Testament.

Despite getting booked at WrestleMania XL, The Authors of Pain achieved less success and were released for a second time in February 2025, along with Paul Ellering.

Paul Ellering Eyes In-Ring Return For The Authors Of Pain After WWE Setback

AOP’s manager, Paul Ellering, recently appeared on The HANNIBAL TV podcast, where he mentioned that the trio was ‘very interested’ in returning to the squared circle, though not necessarily with WWE.

Well, that’s probably what would it would take. Yeah — is a big company picks up on ‘em, or maybe Japan and does a deal with them. They’re very interested in continuing in the business. [H/T: Fightful]

Meanwhile, AOP’s former stablemates, Karrion Kross and Scarlett, had their contracts end with the promotion on August 10.

Kross subsequently appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show to discuss his time with the Stamford-based company and why the contract negotiation did not work out.

Since their release, reports have also emerged about the couple charging a very high price for appearances on other promotions.