The Authors of Pain are back, and they are not alone.
Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits came to the ring on the January 5 episode of WWE SmackDown and discussed their goals for the year ahead. They made it clear that they had their sights set on gold, and Lashley declared for the Men’s Royal Rumble. However, they were interrupted by a cryptic video message and the arrival of Karrion Kross, Scarlett, and Paul Ellering.
The trio was then blindsided by the returning Akam and Rezar, collectively known as the Authors of Pain. The powerhouses and Kross left Lashley and the Street Profits laid out, and they stood tall together along with Scarlett and Ellering.
Akam and Rezar are former RAW and NXT Tag Team Champions. WWE released them in 2020, and they had been out of wrestling before their return. They attempted to launch their own promotion, Wrestling Entertainment Series, but it did not take off, as the debut show was canceled.
WWE reportedly re-signed AOP months ago, but they had been waiting for creative.
Catch up on our coverage of WWE SmackDown: New Year’s Revolution here.
