What if The Shield added two members?

#4 The Authors of Pain

The Authors of Pain could offer a shield for The Shield.

Of all of the talents available to join The Shield, The Authors of Pain would, if nothing else, need the least aesthetic modification to fit with The Shield. Their signature gear already closely resembles that of the established stable.

More than just a pair of guys who wear similar clothes, The Authors of Pain, Akam and Rezar, are young talents who would benefit from the association and could make logical sense as storyline additions to the group. Particularly with Braun Strowman and company getting the better of the group in recent showings, the Authors of Pain could be sold as calling in back up—a sort of protective shield to the Shield as big, imposing guys to have the original trio’s back. Best of all, The AOP proved themselves nicely across their NXT run as more than just a generic big man team.

Whether they’re working heel or face, they proved themselves as more than capable of delivering in big match situations opposite opponents ranging from The Revival to DIY to the Undisputed Era. That adaptability could serve them well if The Shield stayed face, turned heel, or even eventually splintered.