WWE NXT: All 26 Champions in Brand’s History, Ranked
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19. The Authors of Pain
We’re still in the infancy of the Authors of Pain as NXT Tag Team Champions. They only won the belt at NXT TakeOver: San Antonio, so the book is far from done on what these two monsters will do as champions.
Akam and Rezar have that intimidating look about them, similar to but larger than the Ascension. They can barrel through opponents with ease, or take out the stronger competition, most of whom are smaller in stature. That has been the case in matches against DIY and the Revival, which have turned out to be phenomenal.
An argument can be made that this was more about the combined three-time NXT Tag Team Champions, as they are dynamic tag team performers and have shown the ability to put on something special every time. It takes two (in this case, three) to tango, however. The Author’s played their role as the brute forces and the heels you’re supposed to jeer at, taking down the fan-favorites (DIY) and the in-betweeners that the crowd is ready to go wild for (the Revival).
So far, WWE NXT’s Tag Team Division has seen a strong reign out of the Author of Pain. Once their time on top ends, we’ll be able to judge them better.