AOP (Akam and Rezar) were officially released earlier today by WWE. Also, Vince McMahon has decided superstars must leave Twitch & Cameo.
WWE Releases AOP
The WWE roster is a bit smaller due to two releases. WWE has confirmed they let go of The Authors of Pain (AOP).
Therefore, like many WWE releases, WWE wished Akam and Rezar the best in their future endeavors.
WWE has come to terms on the release of Akam and Rezar (AOP). We wish them all the best in their future endeavors. https://t.co/26hOhQL2vS
— WWE (@WWE) September 4, 2020
For some, they might not have even realized the two were still part of WWE. The team has been on hiatus since Rezar suffered a bicep tear in March of this year.
At the time, the two were portraying bodyguards or disciples of Seth Rollins. WWE never mentioned the injury and the two were simply removed from TV.
In 2016, AOP debuted on NXT TV with WWE Hall of Famer Paul Ellering has their manger. Ellering was phased out once they were sent to the main roster as Vince McMahon was not a fan.
Their time in NXT saw them have the most success. They quickly captured the NXT Tag Team Championships and also won the 2016 Dusty Rhodes Classic.
By 2018, they were sent to the RAW roster and eventually landed Drake Maverick as their manager. They would capture the tag titles on RAW, but dropped them after only 35 days.
In January 2019, Akam required knee surgery and the team was put to the sides. Upon returning, their gimmick was slightly tweaked and Maverick began chasing the 24/7 Championship.
Due to injuries, the team never got going on the main roster. Whenever one member was hurt, both superstars sat on the sidelines.
Fans React
— Johnathan Holiday #BlackLivesMatter (@DaRealBeezyJay) September 4, 2020
Not a single person on the timeline have talked about AOP in months cuz they always injured but here comes the “man I loved them” or “they were my favorite time.” Sucks when anyone loses their job but you ain’t gotta lie to add some razzle dazzle. pic.twitter.com/ZD9kpBmqmD
— WAB (@Dnellicious) September 4, 2020
Bruh.. wwe did not do AOP wrong.. they getting INJURED.. what good are you if you can’t stay healthy.
— “ COUNT IT BITCH” #RR (@CAliGurl201) September 4, 2020
AOP: goes to AEW
AEW fans: wwe underutilized them
Me: proof of their medical records pic.twitter.com/8BZNavKoba
— “ COUNT IT BITCH” #RR (@CAliGurl201) September 4, 2020
I hope they come to NJPW, I bet AOP vs Kota Ibushi and Hiroshi Tanahashi, Golden Aces could be AOP’s best tag team Wrestling match of their careers
— keenan fisher (@keenanfisher13) September 4, 2020
Vince McMahon Bans Twitch & Cameo
WWE superstars have been using platforms Twitch and Cameo to make some extra. Now, that option is out the window.
Wrestling Inc reports that Vince McMahon sent a letter to talent informing them they can no longer “engage with outside third parties.” Superstars have 30 days to end their relationship with the third party companies.
Below is the letter sent by McMahon.
“Some of you are engaged with outside third parties using your name and likeness in ways that are detrimental to our company,” McMahon wrote. “It is imperative that these activities be terminated within the next 30 days (by Friday October 2). Continued violations will result in fines, suspension, or termination at WWE’s discretion.”
Fightful Select reports that many superstars were not even aware of the change. Several superstars were apparently livid with the decision.
The report continued how “one top name was upset, saying that Cameo definitely cuts into the virtual meet and greet market.” Another superstar said that “WWE is setting themselves up for a rough situation.”
Apparently, WWE believed private information about their product was being leaked via the third party programs.
In conclusion, superstars were losing money due to meet and greats being scratched due to COVID-19. Therefore, they relied on these party platforms to make some extra cash.
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