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Factions have become a significant part of WWE, especially on SmackDown. The show has seen the rise of several groups like The Bloodline, Damage CTRL, Bobby Lashley’s team, the Latino World Order, Santos Escobar’s stable, and The Brawling Brutes.

Now, there’s buzz about another potential faction emerging. Vignettes featuring Karrion Kross hint at a possible alliance with Akam, Rezar, and Paul Ellering—The Authors of Pain—alongside his partner Scarlett. This shift suggests a big push for Karrion, possibly leading to his entry into the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble Match on SmackDown’s New Year’s Evil.

While it makes sense for Karrion to aim for a Rumble win and a WrestleMania headline opportunity against champions like Roman Reigns or Seth Rollins, concerns exist about potential damage to his momentum if he were to lose prematurely in the match. This might lead him to reconsider entering the Rumble.

Karrion’s upcoming appearance on SmackDown could involve further explaining the goals of his stable or expanding it. The combination of Akam, Rezar, Karrion, Scarlett, and Paul Ellering poses a substantial threat to the WWE roster, and potential additions could significantly change the dynamics.

Speculation includes the possibility of Shotzi joining despite her usual heroic persona, given her style and real-life friendship with Scarlett. There’s also talk about NXT’s Joe Gacy or the potential return of Dexter Lumis as potential recruits for this growing stable, indicating immediate expansion.