The Final Testament

The Final Testament is a faction in WWE led by Karrion Kross and includes the tag team Author of Pain and Kross’ wife Scarlett. The group is managed by Paul Ellering and currently performs on Friday Night SmackDown.

History in WWE

On December 22nd, 2023, during a SmackDown episode, Kross and Scarlett debuted a mysterious alliance. They hinted at new partners but kept their identities hidden. Then, in the New Year's Revolution episode, the truth was revealed. Kross and Scarlett attacked alongside the Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) and their manager, Paul Ellering, who made his WWE return on this date. This confirmed the formation of a new faction.

The group received an official name - The Final Testament - the following week on SmackDown. Despite gaining the upper hand on rivals Bobby Lashley, Montez Ford, and Angelo Dawkins in a later SmackDown episode, interference from B-Fab evened the odds.

Members of The Final Testament

Karrion Kross

Karrion Kross, real name Kevin Kesar, is an American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE. He performs on the SmackDown brand alongside his wife Scarlett Bordeaux. Kross is known for his imposing physique and intense in-ring style.

Kross honed his skills on the independent circuit for several years before coming to prominence. He wrestled for various promotions, including Impact Wrestling and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, where he gained valuable experience. In 2020, he signed with WWE and was assigned to their developmental brand NXT.

NXT provided Kross with a national platform, and he quickly established himself as a dominant force. He captured the NXT Championship twice, defeating wrestlers like Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic. However, his first reign was cut short due to a shoulder injury, which forced him to relinquish the title.

His main roster run in 2021 was a failure and was preceded by a release by the company. He made his return and soon build the faction Final Testament.

Scarlett

Scarlett (formerly Scarlett Bordeaux) is an American professional wrestler, model, and singer currently signed to WWE alongside her real-life husband Karrion Kross. While primarily known as a manager, Scarlett possesses a background in wrestling herself.

Before joining WWE, she wrestled for several independent promotions, showcasing charisma and in-ring ability. Scarlett also has experience as a ring announcer and interviewer, highlighting her well-rounded skillset in the wrestling world. Debuting in WWE in 2020, she became Kross's valet during his dominant run in NXT. Known for her captivating presence and gothic persona, Scarlett enhances Kross's entrance and adds another dimension to their on-screen dynamic.

Authors of Pain

The Authors of Pain are a professional wrestling tag team in WWE. The team consists of Akam, whose real name is Sunny Dhinsa, and Rezar, known as Gzim Selmani. Akam and Rezar debuted in NXT in 2016, quickly establishing themselves as a dominant force. They were aligned with a manager, Paul Ellering, who further amplified their aura of unstoppable destruction.

The Authors of Pain went on to become a two-time NXT Tag Team Champion. During their reign, they defeated well-respected teams like The Undisputed Era and SAnitY, solidifying their place at the top of the NXT tag team division.

In 2019, The Authors of Pain were called up to the main roster of WWE. They became the disciples of The Monday Night Messiah Seth Rollins and soon Covid struck. They eventually disbanded in 2020. They returned to WWE in January 2024 aligning themselves with The Final Testament.

Paul Ellering

Paul Ellering, the mastermind behind The Authors of Pain, is a veteran wrestling figure with a mind for domination. Before managing, Ellering competed as a wrestler himself and even dabbled in powerlifting. However, his true calling lies in strategizing victory. Ellering's association with The Road Warriors in the 80s and 90s cemented his legacy as one of wrestling's most impactful managers.

His return to WWE saw him guide The Authors of Pain to NXT Tag Team Championship glory twice. Now leading "The Final Testament" stable on SmackDown, Ellering's cunning guidance and ruthless edge ensure his clients remain a force to be reckoned with.