WWE released several names from its roster in recent weeks, but those cut from the company aren’t entirely gone just yet. Instead, several names who’ve been given the dreaded pink slip will still be playable as part of WWE 2K25.

Released talent who will be playable in WWE 2K25 include:

• Duke Hudson
• Akam
• Rezar
• Blair Davenport
• Cedric Alexander
• Luke Gallows
• Karl Anderson
• Giovanni Vinci
• Sonya Deville
• Isla Dawn
• Elektra Lopez

Paul Ellering was also among those released from WWE. While the Hall of Famer/Final Testament alum won’t be a playable character in WWE 2K25, he will be a non-playable manager in the game.

The inclusion of these released Superstars demonstrate how quickly things can change in WWE. While these talents hoped that WWE 2K25 would just be the latest in a series of games they would be a part of, next month’s instalment will most likely be the last time they are playable in a WWE video game.

These released talents will be part of the largest roster in the history of WWE video games with stars from the past and present. With over 300 names confirmed for the game, in addition to Wyatt Sicks-themed DLC, fans will be able to recreate their favorite matches or create never-before-seen contests in the upcoming game.

WWE 2K25 will release on March 14, with the Deadman and Bloodline Editions of the game launching a week earlier on March 7. With WWE 2K Mobile also announced, this year is shaping up to be a massive one for wrestling fans and gamers alike.

Paul Ellering and the AOP had been a part of the Final Testament since the faction came together, working alongside Karrion Kross and Scarlett. Now, the trio’s time with WWE is seemingly over with reports that they have been released.

Mike Johnson of PWInsider first reported the news that Ellering had been let go from WWE. Sources who spoke to Fightful Select later confirmed news of his exit. PWInsider were also the first to report that AOP have been released from WWE.

Ellering is known for his run with the Legion of Doom, which earned himself and the tag-team a Hall of Fame induction in 2011. In 2016, Ellering returned to WWE to align with AOP (Akam and Rezar) who debuted in NXT by attacking American Alpha. When AOP returned to WWE in 2023, Ellering returned with them.

Ellering’s exit from WWE raises questions as to what’s next for the WWE Hall of Famer. Ellering’s daughter Rachael is signed to AEW and also competes for Ring of Honor, so fans can’t count Paul being brought in to manage his daughter. Rachael is also a former Impact Knockouts Tag Team Champion, and previously worked in WWE as Rachael Evers.

The exit of AOP also brings an end to the Final Testament who had been regulars on TV during their feud with the Wyatt Sicks. It remains to be seen if the trio’s exit will be referenced on WWE TV.

Faction warfare is set to unfold on WWE SmackDown with the groups led by Bobby Lashley and Karrion Kross both getting names this week. 

Last year, Lashley returned to WWE programming and immediately aligned himself with the Street Profits. The faction has proven to be a force to be reckoned with on SmackDown though have so far been unable to capture championship gold so far. The All Mighty is seeking to bring out a new level of aggression from Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins. 

Bobby Lashley’s Faction Name

Before this week’s SmackDown, it was reported that The Pride was the expected name of Lashley’s faction. On Twitter, Lashley confirmed this new name for the group, as he stated in his Twitter bio that he was the leader of The Pride. Interestingly though, Lashley would change his bio shortly after to remove all references to The Pride. His bio currently reads as: 

#SmackDown’s All-Mighty | Former WWE Champion. MMA Fighter | Professional Wrestler | Business Professional | Nutrabolics Athlete

Karrion Kross’ New Faction

Lashley’s faction didn’t confirm its new name on this week’s SmackDown, but Karrion Kross’ group did. On last week’s Smackdown, Kross and the returning AOP attacked Lashley, while Scarlett and Paul Ellering watched on. 

During this week’s show, Lashley called out AOP and Kross but only received Ellering. The legendary manager pointed to the titantron where a video promo from Kross played. In it, the two-time former WWE NXT Champion confirmed his group’s name as The Final Testament.

Things didn’t go exactly according to plan during this week’s SmackDown… 

WWE brought New Year’s Revolution for fans on SmackDown on January 5th. The show also marked the return of a pair of former Tag Team Champions.

AOP Returns To WWE

During WWE SmackDown this week, Akam and Rezar made their long-awaited return to WWE television. This went down in Vancouver, and fans were very excited to witness WWE history first-hand.

The Authors of Pain were paired up with Karrion Kross and Scarlett. They will battle Bobby Lashley and the Street Profit’s new trio to start things out for themselves in the WWE landscape once again.

AOP made their return during SmackDown, as they interrupted a promo from Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits. After revealing Paul Ellering on the entrance ramp, Akam and Rezar laid waste to Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits. Karrion Kross then joined them in the ring to finish Lashley off.

The segment concluded with Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits laid out in the middle of the ring. Karrion Kross and the newly returned AOP stood tall.

WHAT?!?! AOP IS BACK??? ? ? ?

Just moments after @fightbobby declared for the #RoyalRumble match, @realKILLERkross and @Lady_Scarlett13 were joined by AOP's Akam, Rezar and Paul Ellering who took out The #StreetProfits and Lashley! #SmackDown: New Year's Revolution pic.twitter.com/I2pzXdftNA

— WWE (@WWE) January 6, 2024

Who are AOP?

Authors of Pain achieved the WWE NXT Tag Team Championship once, and also secured the WWE Raw Tag Team Championship on one occasion. Additionally, they clinched the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic in 2016.

Hints About AOP’s WWE Return

Hints about the Authors of Pain’s return to WWE have been impossible to avoid at this point. Akam and Rezar were teased to join Karrion Kross.

AOP’s return is a long time coming, as rumors of their comeback have been going around for a while. Now they are back on WWE television, so Triple H can book them in his vision. 

WWE started off 2024 for RAW in a huge way with Day 1. That included The Rock’s return. It is SmackDown’s turn now, as they have New Years Revolution ready to go. That may include a long-awaited return.

Possible Spoiler for 1/5 WWE SmackDown

PW Insider reports that Paul Ellering has been spotted in Vancouver, the site of WWE’s New Years Revolution SmackDown. Naturally, an AOP return is expected for tonight’s show.

WWE Hall of Famer Paul Ellering was spotted in Vancouver this morning. 

The expectation, as PWInsider.com reported previously several weeks ago, is that he and The Authors of Pain will return to WWE on tonight’s Smackdown as part of an alliance with Karrion Kross and Scarlett.

Authors of Pain Future in WWE

Many WWE Fans expect that Karrion Kross will be aligned with the Authors of Pain upon their return. That could be a powerful faction with Kross, Scarlett, Paul Ellering and AOP.

I was told that Authors of Pain were quietly signed to new deals well over a year ago. It’s been the plan to pair them back up with Paul Ellering as well. That trio was a favorite of Triple H’s, one that Vince McMahon disbanded upon AOP’s entry onto the WWE main roster.

Vince McMahon wanted someone younger, and an active wrestler, to lead AOP to the ring. That is why Paul Ellering was replaced by Drake Maverick. Now, Ellering is getting back with AOP.

This week’s SmackDown will be their New Years Revolution show. They have a loaded card planned, which you may find below.

Second Possible Spoiler For 1/5 WWE SmackDown

Pretty Deadly has a match against Butch this week on SmackDown. Butch needs to find a partner for that match. It was also noted on PW Insider that Sheamus is expected to fill that slot.

Sheamus, whose WWE contract expires this year, has been out of action with a shoulder injury. He sat on the sidelines while other members of the Brawling Brutes carries on without him. This week may see the Celtic Warrior’s return.

WWE SmackDown January 5th New Years Revolution Card:

• Roman Reigns returns LIVE to SmackDown 
• AJ Styles, Randy Orton and LA Knight to collide in Triple Threat Match 
• Kevin Owens battles Santos Escobar in the United States Championship Tournament Final 
• Logan Paul comes to SmackDown
• Butch must find a partner to take on Pretty Deadly

WWE dropped a bombshell on fans during the pre-taped December 22nd episode of SmackDown. Karrion Kross teased the return of AOP during his promo, and fans won’t have to wait much longer to see the former Tag Team Champions return.

SPOILER On AOP’s WWE Return

According to PW Insider, AOP will make their return to WWE television during the January 5th episode of SmackDown. That New Year’s Revolution will see the start of their regular return to the company.

The trio will officially return to WWE at the 1/5/24 Smackdown episode and will be back regularly at that point, PWInsider.com is told by WWE sources.

Akam, Rezar, and Paul Ellering were all at the WWE Performance Center in September. They were also around for an NXT taping, but Triple H had other plans for them.

WWE’s Creative Plan For AOP’s Return

Karrion Kross has been mostly absent from WWE since his return to the company. He had his segments pushed back in the past, but he has recently started getting promo time on the blue brand.

During the December 22nd, 2023 episode of WWE SmackDown, Karrion Kross cut another promo, where he said that this next chapter of his story needs “authors.” Then they flashed the silhouettes of three men.

AOP and Paul Ellering will be joining Karrion Kross and Scarlett. Kross also said “vision” in a way that makes us wonder if that will be a part of their new possible faction’s name.

Exclusive Insight into AOP’s WWE Return

I was told earlier this year that Akam and Rezar were re-signed in late 2022. They were just waiting for the right moment to make their return. Sean Ross Sapp and Mike Johnson also reported the same over the year.

Over the last year, I’ve asked multiple times about AOP’s status and was told the same thing, that they are waiting with no immediate word on their return. Now, it appears that they will debut in 2024, or at least that is the new current plan.

Paul Ellering will return alongside AOP as well. Vince McMahon made the call to nix him as their manager and put Drake Maverick in his place. Triple H put that original trio together in the first place years ago in NXT, so he knows how well it works.

Akam and Rezar will apparently be aligned with Karrion Kross in some way, and that will be a good ally for them. It will be interesting to see how they mix things up in the tag team division, because AOP could have championship gold in their future.

WWE signed a long list of talent after Triple H took over the creative reins of the company. While some of them returned with great fanfare, one pair of signings haven’t been seen yet, but things are expected to change for AOP soon enough.

WWE’s Plan For AOP’s Return

Sean Ross Sapp reported on Fightful Select that word is that AOP is making their return to WWE television sooner than later. It was also specifically noted that their home is expected to be on the SmackDown brand.

Fightful Select has learned that the Authors of Pain aka AOP are planned for a return to WWE TV soon. Specifically, we’re told that the working plan for them as of now is for them to appear on the Smackdown brand, though that could always change.

Akam and Rezar were spotted at the WWE Performance Center in August 2022 as well. Hopefully, fans will see them again soon.

The report from Sean Ross Sapp also confirmed that, “Paul Ellering has been expected to join the two, which had long been an important factor to them.” 

Insight Into AOP’s WWE Return

I was told that AOP was signed in late 2022, but they never debuted. I was also able to confirm reports about Paul Ellering’s involvement a long time ago. He was also involved in talks to bring them back.

AOP was around the WWE Performance Center last year, and they were even backstage during NXT one week. That didn’t translate into their return, but they apparently inked deals.

There have been rumors about their on-screen return for a while now. It wouldn’t be a big surprise to see them return as a big surprise to create the biggest moment possible. 

AOP burst onto the WWE scene with an impactful debut in 2016. Hailing from the world of mixed martial arts, they quickly made a name for themselves with their powerful and dominating presence in the ring. They were also a favorite of Triple H’s NXT during their time, and now Triple H will apparently get a chance to book them on the main roster. 

Paul Ellering recently appeared on the Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling podcast where he claimed that he was set to return to WWE programming with The Authors of Pain before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

This was around the time that Rezar suffered a bicep injury in March. This injury put the team on the shelf once again and halted their push on the RAW brand alongside Seth Rollins and Buddy Murphy. 

Dave Meltzer reported in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that a source told him that Ellering’s name was never brought up for a return with the AOP before the pandemic. It was noted that Vince McMahon didn’t like Ellering, which is why he booked for the AOP to turn on Ellering when they were moved from NXT to the main roster. 

Ellering’s claims wouldn’t have been around the time when RAW Executive Director Paul Heyman had plans to give AOP a big push as his top heel tag team. Ultimately, the push fell apart due to Rezar’s injury. That’s when the decision was made to keep Akam off TV until Rezar was able to return.

Regarding when fans can expect to see the tag team back on television, it was noted that they will not be working with Rollins when they return. AOP is expected to be back sometime between late September and the end of this year.

Seth Rollins Comments On Turning Heel, Alliance With AOP & Murphy

Former NXT stars The Authors Of Pain have been called up to the main roster, but after having a successful first outing on RAW they decided to drop longtime manager Paul Ellering from their ranks.

Much speculation began to swirl as to why this decision was made, the most common assumption being Ellering no longer wants to travel as much nowadays given his age. Ellering recently ditched that rumor on Twitter with an explanation of his own:

For the record…I love traveling.
I have seen this road before. My ♞ Algorithm for greatness stands the test of time. @WWENXT @WWENetwork @WWEUniverse #Champions pic.twitter.com/QbU5MZ252F

— Paul Ellering (@PaulElleringWWE) April 14, 2018

PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reports that the Ellering/Authors Of Pain split had nothing to do with travel. WWE reportedly wants the Authors Of Pain on their own now and would prefer Ellering to stay on NXT and help younger talent.

Johnson added Ellering would’ve done anything WWE wanted, even if it meant traveling, but they decided to go this route instead.

Discussion: Was it a mistake to have Ellering split from the Authors Of Pain?

The main event of this week’s NXT was a women’s championship 3-way elimination match. Asuka would once again defend her title against Ruby Riot and Nikki Cross.

NXT
June 14th 2017
Full Sail University

1. Drew McIntyre vs. Rob Ryzin

• No highlights of this match were posted.
• This was a showcase match for Drew.
• McIntyre wins a quick bout, finishing him off with a Yakuza kick.

Winner: Drew McIntyre

2. Authors of Pain vs. Anthony Dominguez & William Freyday

• Only Akam wrestled for AOP in this match. Rezar just stayed on the outside and talked with Paul Ellering.
• Akam finished off the local talent, and his partner finally came into the ring after the match to deliver the Super Collider.
• They cut a promo about how Heavy Machinery were foolish to challenge them.
• This brought out Heavy Machinery and the 2 teams stared each other down for a moment.
• Paul Ellering got in between the four of them and ordered his team to back away.

Winners: Authors of Pain

3. The Velveteen Dream vs. Raul Mendoza

• The Velveteen Dream does not appear to be going by Patrick Clark anymore.
• He wins clean here with a very Macho Man-esque flying elbow drop.

4. NXT Women’s Championship Match
3-Way Elimination Match
Asuka (c) vs. Ruby Riot vs. Nikki Cross (Sanity)

• Cross picked up the first pin by eliminating Riot with a corkscrew neck breaker while Riot was draped on the top rope.
• Asuka and Cross then just started to have a wild brawl.
• They brawled to the back and the ref waved the match off.
• In the final move of the brawl Cross hit Asuka with a cross body that took both of them through a table.

The Authors of Pain defeated DIY to win the NXT Tag Team Championships at tonight’s TakeOver: San Antonio event. This is the first reign for The Authors, Rezar and Akem.

Want something done right? #DIY! Can @JohnnyGargano & @ProjectCiampa SOMEHOW overcome @PaulElleringWWE"s #AOP here at #NXTTakeOver? pic.twitter.com/2m7MnVZiZU

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) January 29, 2017

The #AuthorsOfPain are about to be let LOOSE on @JohnnyGargano and @ProjectCiampa… #NXTTakeOver @Akam_WWE @Rezar_WWE pic.twitter.com/tNsaEar4ow

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 29, 2017

GERMAN SUPLEXES FOR DAYS!!!!!! @ProjectCiampa is on fire. #NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/hSKurYLkce

— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2017

Give a round of applause for your NEW @WWENXT Champions…. AUTHORS OF PAIN!!!!!!!! #NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/t6cqiwiY8F

— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2017

– Last Wednesday at NXT TakeOver: The End…, legendary wrestling manager Paul Ellering made a surprise appearance moments after a massive duo clad in camouflage viciously attacked American Alpha. The WWE Hall of Famer seemingly aligned himself with the pair, who are known as The Authors of Pain, as he commanded them to the backstage area.

Speaking to Bill Apter on Saturday at the semi-annual Legends of the Ring convention in Monroe, New Jersey, Ellering discussed his appearance, daughter Rachael’s career on the independent circuit, and more.

– Former WWE Superstar Ted DiBiase was backstage at WWE’s live event in Jackson, Mississippi. Here he is with Natalya and Kofi Kingston.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGiW-Gyy1Af/

• 7 Things You Should Know About The Authors of Pain

It looks like WWE Hall of Famer Paul Ellering of Road Warriors fame is now managing “The Authors of Pain” Sunny Dhinsa and Gzim Selmani in NXT.

The two have been wrestling at house shows for a while but debuted at Takeover and laid out American Alpha tonight, right after their NXT Tag Team Championship loss to The Revival.

Here are photos and video from tonight:

After losing the Tag Titles, #AmericanAlpha was attacked by a mystery pair, led by Paul Ellering. #NXTTakeOver https://t.co/lPZPktMnOq

— WWE (@WWE) June 9, 2016

Wait a minute…
That's the infamous manager of the #RoadWarriors Paul Ellering! #NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/oG6NlF0QYg

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) June 9, 2016

WHAT IS THIS?! #NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/zZMClT7ZHv

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) June 9, 2016

Did the legendary #PaulEllering just unleash this monstrous duo on @WWENXT at #NXTTakeOver? pic.twitter.com/AegjAhGdBK

— WWE (@WWE) June 9, 2016

A pair of MONSTERS are laying waste to @JasonJordanJJ & @WWEGable! #NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/XHM5mryj4I

— WWE (@WWE) June 9, 2016

– There has been talk within WWE recently about the company being interested in signing Ring Of Honor star Michael Bennett and his partner Matt Tavern as a tag-team when their deals are up with the promotion. Bennett’s wife, former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis, noted her ROH deal is up after the end of this year. Whether or not WWE has interest in Kanellis returning remains to be seen.

– As noted, Rachel Ellering, daughter of WWE Hall Of Famer Paul Ellering, has been training with Lance Storm at his Storm Wrestling Academy out of Canada. The second generation competitor is scheduled to make her professional debut in a tag-team match with Storm at the Prairie Wrestling Alliance event on November 21st.

• Ronda Rousey Getting Heat For Controversial Sex Comments, Rousey Responds

(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– Regarding the Camp WWE adult cartoon, the episodes that were shot had to be redone because Hulk Hogan had to be taken out. In the past, CM Punk had to be removed as well.

– Rachel Ellering, daughter of WWE Hall Of Famer Paul Ellering, is currently training at the Lance Storm Wrestling Academy. Ellering is a bronze modelist in powerlifting and is a big pro wrestling fan. Below is a recent photo:

'Merica yo. 💪🏼 Trying to get guns like @BeckyLynchWWE but I can't part ways with peanut butter. #Struggles #Gainz pic.twitter.com/Wv6lMRRikm

— Rachael Ellering (@RachaelEllering) August 13, 2015

– Below are some recent WWE attendance figures:

* September 11th in Edmonton drew 4,000 fans (Roman Reigns tour)
* September 12th in Gainesville for NXT was sold out
* September 12th in Huntsville, AL drew 3,000 fans (Randy Orton tour)
* September 12th in Calgary drew 3,000 fans (Reigns tour)
* September 13th in Tupelo, MS drew 3,500 fans (Orton tour)
* September 13th in Jonesboro, AR drew 1,200 fans (Reigns tour)
* September 14th in Memphis for RAW drew 7,500 fans

• VIDEO: UFC President Dana White & TOP UFC Star Nearly Get Into FIST-FIGHT!

(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)