WWE NXT has existed in some form since 2010, whether as a reality-based TV series or a formal developmental brand for the promotion. In the years since its inception, it has helped launch the careers of some of WWE’s top talent, including Bianca Belair, Sami Zayn, Bayley, Finn Balor, Asuka, and many more. One tag team act that took the yellow and black brand by storm from 2016 until 2018 was The Authors of Pain. Accompanied by legendary pro wrestling manager Paul Ellering, Akam, and Rezer delivered some bangers with acts like The Undisputed Era and SAnitY.
Unfortunately, the duo was released from WWE in 2020, but Fightful reports that several sources they spoke with claim AOP was re-signed by the promotion sometime in 2022. However, they have not been able to independently verify that. The report notes that they were told by one source that they had re-signed before Vince McMahon returned to power and that McMahon has since put a halt on all signings outside of new recruits. With that said, there have apparently been some recent signings.
Adding fuel to the fire that AOP may be back with the company, they were apparently included as part of an internal WWE travel list back in May. When Fightful reached out to WWE and AOP for comment, they did not hear back.
If AOP does return to WWE, they will enter a relatively hot tag team picture that includes Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, Alpha Academy, Imperium, The New Day, The Judgment Day, and The Street Profits. They were last seen on WWE TV as part of the Raw brand, where they served as muscle for current WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freaking” Rollins. During their run with the sports entertainment juggernaut, they captured the WWE NXT and Raw Tag Team Championships.