The fallout from WWE’s latest round of releases continues, and Alpha Academy’s Otis has spoken out, sending a heartfelt message to his longtime friends Akam, Rezar, and Paul Ellering.
Taking to Instagram, Otis shared a tribute to AOP and their legendary manager, posting a photo from Madison Square Garden along with a message that read:
“BAD TO THE BONE Babe. LOVE MY BOYS! 😘”
This message comes after AOP and Ellering were officially cut from WWE on February 7, ending their latest run with the company. The trio had a strong history together in NXT, where they dominated the tag team division under Ellering’s leadership. Their main roster stint was less successful, and despite a recent comeback as part of The Final Testament with Karrion Kross, WWE ultimately decided to let them go.
Otis’ reaction highlights just how unexpected some of these releases were. AOP and Ellering weren’t the only ones let go, as the list of departures keeps expanding.
In addition to AOP and Ellering, the latest WWE releases include:
While their time in WWE is over, AOP and Ellering could easily land elsewhere. The duo has strong ties to Japan, making NJPW a viable option, and TNA Wrestling has also been actively signing talent. With a 90-day non-compete clause in place, their next move should be revealed sometime after WrestleMania 41.
Did WWE make a mistake cutting AOP and Ellering? Drop your thoughts in the comments