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.

Karrion Kross is finding his groove a facilitator of The Final Testament and the former NXT Champion may have gotten inspiration from legendary actor Chazz Palminteri.

Kross was born and raised right out of Hell’s Kitchen so his roots are well-embedded in the lifestyle of New York City and it had to be a big-time pleasure for the WWE Superstar when he got to meet Palminteri. Palminteri is also Big Apple-born and he may be best known for his role as a local Bronx boss Sonny in the Robert DeNiro directed “A Bronx Tale.”

Right before a big weekend took off in New York City for WWE with Saturday Night’s Main Event, Kross ended up sharing a photo-op he got with the actor, noting that it was a “long story” before quoting that very film.

“Long story!

You’ll hear it eventually.

“The saddest thing in life is wasted talent, and the choices that you make will shape your life forever. But you can ask anybody from my neighborhood, and they’ll just tell you this is just another Bronx tale.’”

One could envision Kross pulling a lot of inspiration from “Sonny” as it pertains to his current role in The Final Testament. Much like the charismatic crime boss Palminteri portrays Kross walks the fine line between showing humanity (albeit manipulative) and menace, a trait that made Sonny so fascinating as a character. It’s no secret that Kross is heavily influenced by classic films as he’s picked and pulled from both the dramatic and horror drama to build upon an on-air persona that’s finally getting warranted recognition.

Kross currently finds himself with the upper hand on a feud with The Wyatt Sicks. Karrion captured a pinfall win against Uncle Howdy this past Monday on WWE RAW thanks to interference by a returning Paul Ellering.