The Authors of Pain vs. TM-61: Winner and Reaction from NXT TakeOver: Toronto

The Authors of Pain continued their path of destruction through NXT Saturday at NXT TakeOver: Toronto, as they defeated TM-61 to win the second annual Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.

There was a unique wrinkle involved, as manager Paul Ellering was suspended above the ring in a cage so he could not interfere, as seen in this video courtesy of WWE:

TM-61 used that to their advantage, as Shane Thorne executed some of his high-flying offense from the structure holding the cage in place, per WWE Universe:

While TM-61 gave The Authors of Pain a scare, they proved to be too much, as they sealed the deal and celebrated with the Dusty Classic trophy, per WWE Universe:

Since making their debut on NXT programming at NXT TakeOver: The End in June, Akam and Rezar have established themselves as arguably the most dominant forces WWE's developmental brand has ever seen.

They entered the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic with an undefeated record to their credit, which made them the odds-on favorites to win it all.

In order to reach the top of the mountain, however, they faced a major challenge from the Aussie duo known as TM-61.

Thorne and Nick Miller have been highly impressive since coming to NXT, but Saturday marked their biggest opportunity yet to move up the ladder as part of the yellow brand.

While TM-61 were major underdogs at NXT TakeOver: Toronto, they held a significant experience edge over the Authors of Pain both as a team and as individuals in the wrestling business.

They also made it through the opening rounds of the tournament on their own, whereas Ellering helped Akam and Rezar on multiple occasions.

That led to NXT general manager William Regal ordering that Ellering be suspended in a shark cage during the match to even the odds.

Despite that, Ellering remained confident that his proteges would prevail and establish themselves as the premier pairing in NXT:

"

From the Book of Pain...our agenda is clear. VICTORY. #AOP @WWENetwork @WWENXT #DustyClassic

— Paul Ellering (@PaulElleringWWE) November 10, 2016"

Rezar agreed with that assessment and made it clear that he and Akam intended to hand TM-61 much more than just a defeat:

Not only is the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic a significant prize due to the fact that it honors one of the greatest Superstars of all time, but it can also serve as a launching pad to the next level.

That was true in last year's inaugural edition of the tournament, as then-NXT champion Finn Balor and Samoa Joe teamed up to win.

Samoa Joe experienced an attitude change shortly thereafter that led to him challenging Balor for the title and eventually winning it.

While The Authors of Pain and TM-61 both seem likely to remain teams over the long haul, winning the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic would have been enough to put either team immediately in contention for the NXT Tag Team Championships.

The Authors of Pain may have decided to take the titles by force regardless, but by virtue of Saturday's victory, it is difficult to argue against the notion that they deserve a shot.

Ellering led The Legion of Doom to prominence once upon a time, and while The Authors of Pain have a long way to go before reaching that level, their Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic triumph was the first step in that direction.

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