Latest Update On AOP's Potential WWE Return

Akam and Rezar, the Authors of Pain, have been speculated for WWE comebacks.

Aop Confused
WWE

Former WWE tag team the Authors of Pain have been linked with a return to the market leaders in recent months, though it sounds like the situation has started quietening down.

Fightful Select reported in January that WWE had at least discussed the idea of bringing AOP, Akam and Rezar, back, with former manager Paul Ellering also considered. Now, the same outlet notes that aside from word of Ellering leading negotiations between WWE and the former NXT Tag Team Champions, "things have been quiet on that front."

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Authors of Pain were let go from their WWE contracts in September 2020. Prior to this, the tag team had effectively been put on ice when Rezar suffered an injury that March, with WWE opting against running Akam as a singles wrestler.

Neither AOP member has wrestled since.

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The duo were set to mount a comeback as Legion of Pain last year, announcing their ambitious Wrestling Entertainment Series promotion. WES was to debut with a big-time arena show in Nottingham, England, featuring such names as Nia Jax, Braun Strowman, and Lana on the billing. A slew of talent cancellations led to that being scrapped. Currently, there is no word of a WES relaunch.

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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.