Acolytes Protection Agency

Infobox Wrestling team
article_name=Acolytes Protection Agency
type=T


caption= Faarooq (left) and Bradshaw
members=Faarooq
Bradshaw
names=Hell's Henchmen
The Acolytes
Acolytes Protection Agency (A.P.A.)
heights=Faarooq:
height|ft=6|in=2cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/ronsimmons/bio/|accessdate=2008-05-19|title=Ron Simmons Bio|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment]
Bradshaw:
height|ft=6|in=6cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/jbl/bio/|accessdate=2008-05-19|title=JBL Bio|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment]
weights=convert|560|lb|kg st|abbr=on|lk=on
former_members=
debut=October 1998
promotions=WWF/E
disbanded= March 2004|

The Acolytes Protection Agency (APA), was a professional wrestling tag team that consisted of John "Bradshaw" Layfield and Ron "Faarooq" Simmons. They wrestled for the American promotion, World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/E) between October 1998 and March 2004.

Before forming the APA, Faarooq and Bradshaw were known as the Hell's Henchmen and were later a part of The Undertaker's Ministry of Darkness as The Acolytes.cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/a/apa.html|accessdate=2007-12-04|title=APA Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] As The Acolytes they won two World Tag Team Championships in 1999 while feuding with Kane and the Hardy Boyz. After renaming themselves the Acolytes Protection Agency in 2001, they functioned as bodyguards to other wrestlers, and won a third tag team championship in 2001.cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/3044541321143|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=The APA's third World Tag Title reign|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment]

In 2002, the duo was split during the brand extension, where Simmons went to SmackDown!, as Bradshaw went to Raw.cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_1_4/ai_86127527|accessdate=2008-06-14|title=Federation splits in two|author=Wrestling Digest|publisher=Findarticles.com] As a singles competitor, Bradshaw had an extensive hardcore wrestling career, winning the Hardcore Championship on various occasions. The two reunited as a tag team in Ohio Valley Wrestling and then on "SmackDown!" in 2003. The team again split in 2004 when Simmons was released by WWE; Layfield continued his singles career.

History

Hell's Henchmen (1998)

As single competitors in World Wrestling Federation, Layfield (under the name of Bradshaw) and Simmons (under the name Faarooq) careers had stalled. WWF management then placed Bradshaw and Faarooq in a tag team called Hell's Henchmen managed by The Jackyl. [cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/wwf/wwfstab.htm|accessdate=2007-12-04|title=WWF Tag Teams/Stables|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive] [cite web|url=http://www.angelfire.com/oh/nykk/acolytes.html|accessdate=2008-05-18|title=The Acolytes Profile|publisher=Angel Fire] . Both men made their first appearance on TV as a team on the November 15, 1998 episode of Sunday Night Heat attacking 8-Ball, Skull and Paul Ellering as the D.O.A. came down to the ring for a match. Both men would make their official tag team debut on the November 30, 1998 edition of "Raw", where they attacked Tiger Ali Singh and his manager, Babu, after Singh's match against Val Venis. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1998/raw113098|accessdate=2008-03-23|title=WWF RAW (November 30, 1998) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/981130.htm|accessdate=2008-03-23|title=WWF RAW (November 30, 1998) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] Afterwards, they won tag team matches against the team of Venis and The Godfather and the team of the J.O.B. Squad. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1998/raw120798|accessdate=2008-03-23|title=WWF RAW (December 7, 1998) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1998/raw122198|accessdate=2008-03-23|title=WWF RAW (December 21, 1998) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena]

The Acolytes (1999–2000)

When The Jackyl left the WWF, the duo joined The Undertaker's new heel stable, the Ministry of Darkness.cite book|title=Wrestling's Made Men: Breaking the WWE's Glass Ceiling|last=Keith|first=Scott|year=2006|publisher=Citadel Press|isbn=0806527714|pages=pp. 80] They debuted in Undertaker's Ministry on the January 11, 1999 edition of "Raw", where they recruited Dennis Knight into the Ministry, giving him the name Mideon. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/raw011199|accessdate=2008-03-23|title=WWF RAW (January 11, 1999) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/990111.htm|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (January 11, 1999) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] After Undertaker's Ministry merged with the The Corporation to form the Corporate Ministry, the Acolytes began a feud with X-Pac and Kane over the WWF Tag Team Championship. The feud began on the May 30, 1999 edition of "Sunday Night HEAT", where the Acolytes attacked X-Pac after his match against The Big Boss Man.cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/990111.htm|auhtoer=Ultimo|accessdate=2008-03-23|title=WWF Sunday Night HEAT (May 5, 1999) Results|publisher=The Other Arena] cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/heat053099|accessdate=2008-03-23|title=Sunday Night HEAT (May 30, 1999) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] Their attack went to no avail, however, as Kane, X-Pac's tag team partner, came down to the ring to attack the Acolytes. Later that night, the Acolytes challenged X-Pac and Kane for a WWF Tag Team Championship match on the following "Raw" broadcast. The following night on "Raw", X-Pac and Kane accepted the challenge. During the match, however, Shane McMahon, who was also a member of the Corporate Ministry, interfered in the match, causing Kane to chase McMahon to the backstage area.cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/raw053199|accessdate=2008-03-23|title=WWF RAW (May 31, 1999) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/990531.htm|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (May 31, 1999) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] The situation allowed Bradshaw to hit X-Pac with a Clothesline from Hell into a pinfall, allowing the Acolytes to win their first WWF Tag Team Championship. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132111123|title=APA First World Tag Title Reign|accessdate=2007-12-04|publisher=WWE]

The Acolytes then began a feud with the Hardy Boyz, which began at King of the Ring where the Hardy Boyz defeated The Brood to become the number one contenders to the Acolytes' WWF Tag Team Championship. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/wwf062799|accessdate=2008-03-23|title=WWF King of the Ring (1999) Results|author=Ultimo|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/kingofthering99.html|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF King of the Ring (1999) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] The feud intensified on the July 3, 1999 edition of "Shotgun Saturday Night", where the Acolytes attacked the Hardy Boyz during a segment. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/shotgun070399|accessdate=2008-03-23|title=WWF Shotgun Saturday Night (July 3, 1999) Results|author=Ultimo|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/shotgun/9907.htm#03|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF Shotgun Saturday Night (July 3, 1999) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] On the July 5, 1999 edition of "Raw", however, the Acolytes lost the WWF Tag Team Championship to the Hardy Boyz, after Jeff attacked Bradshaw with Michael Hayes's, the Hardy Boyz's manager, cane, and Matt delivered a Tornado DDT on Farooq into a pinfall. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/raw070599|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (July 5, 1999) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/990705.htm|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (July 5, 1999) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] The Acolytes regained the WWF Tag Team Championship at Fully Loaded in a No Disqualification Handicap match against the Hardy Boyz and Hayes. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/wwf072599|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF Fully Loaded (1999) Results|author=Ultimo Wrestling|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/30445413213113|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=Second World Tag Title reign|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment]

After regaining the championship, the Acolytes began another feud with Kane with various partners. On the August 8, 1999 edition of "Sunday Night HEAT", Kane teamed up with Road Dogg to face the Acolytes for the WWF Tag Team Championship, in a losing effort. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/heat080899|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF Sunday Night HEAT (August 8, 1999) Results|author=Ultimo|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/heat/990808.htm|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF Sunday Night HEAT (August 8, 1999) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] The following night on "Raw", Kane then teamed up with X-Pac to face the Acolytes in another Championship match, where X-Pac delivered a X-Factor to Bradshaw into the pinfall, which meant that the Acolytes lost the title. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/raw080999|accessdate=2008-03-23|title=WWF RAW (August 9, 1999) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132144|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=X-Pac and Kane's second World Tag Title reign|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment] The following week, they lost a rematch for the WWF Tag Team Championship. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/raw081699|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (August 22, 1999) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/990816.htm|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (August 22, 1999) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] After losing their rematch, they won a number one contendership for the WWF Tag Team Championship at SummerSlam, where they won a Tag Team Turmoil match. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/wwf082299|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF SummerSlam (1999) Results|author=Ultimo|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam07/history/1999/|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWE SummerSlam (1999) Results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment] They were unable to regain the WWF Tag Team Championship, as their match against The Big Show and The Undertaker went to a no-contest. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/raw082399|accessdate=2008-03-23|title=WWF RAW (August 23, 1999) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/990823.htm|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (August 23, 1999) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] After this, they began a feud with the Dudley Boyz, which ended at Unforgiven where they defeated the Dudley Boyz. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/unforgiven99.html|accessdate=2008-03-23|title=WWF Unforgiven (1999) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/history/1999/results/|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWE Unforgiven 1999 Results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment] After their feud with the Dudley Boyz, the Acolytes began a gimmick as card players and beer drinkers, where they hustled many WWF superstars/employees out of their money.cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/a/apa.html|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=The APA Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling]

After sporadic feuds, the Acolytes won a tag team battle royal at Armageddon against seven other tag teams to win a WWF Tag Team Championship match. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/summerslam99.html|accessdate=2008-03-23|title=WWF Armageddon (1999) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/history/1999/results/|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWE Armageddon (1999) Results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment] They were unable to win the championships at Royal Rumble, where the New Age Outlaws defeated them, after Billy Gunn performed a Fame-ass-er on Bradshaw, after interference from X-Pac. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/wwf012300|accessdate=2008-03-23|title=WWF Royal Rumble (2000) Results|author=Ultimo Wrestling|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/198811411/results/|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWE Royal Rumble (2000) Results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment]

Acolytes Protection Agency (2000–2002)

On the January 31, 2000 edition of "Raw", the Mean Street Posse asked the Acolytes to protect them, which they refused to do, until the Posse offered to pay them. When they did, Bradshaw started the Acolytes Protection Agency (APA). [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/raw013100|accessdate=2008-03-23|title=WWF RAW (January 31, 2000) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/000131.htm|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (January 31, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] In reality, the gimmick of the tag team was created by Bradshaw. [cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_3_2/ai_65858903|accessdate=2008-05-18|title=Five minutes with The Acolytes|author=Wrestling Digest|publisher=Findarticles.com] To further enhance their gimmick, the APA began to appear weekly backstage in an office, dubbed the "APA Office". [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/smackdown021700|accessdate=2008-03-23|title=WWF SmackDown! (February 17, 2000) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] After protecting many WWF superstars, the APA began a feud with Bull Buchanan and The Big Bossman. The feud began on the April 10, 2000 edition of "Raw", where Buchanan and Bossman attacked the APA during a match, where they protected Kaientai. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/raw041000|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (April 10, 2000) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/000410.htm|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (April 10, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] The APA, however, was unsuccessful in winning a tag team match against them at Backlash. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/backlash00.html|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF Backlash (2000) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlashresults|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWE Backlash (2000) Results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment] On the May 18, 2000 edition of "SmackDown!", the APA were hired to protect Crash Holly for an hour, to prevent him from losing his WWF Hardcore Championship. After the hour was up, the APA left, allowing Gerald Brisco to pin Holly for the Hardcore Championship. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/smackdown051800|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF SmackDown! (May 18, 2000) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/000518.htm|accessdate=2008-03-24|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF SmackDown! (May 18, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] The situation resulted in Holly challenging Bradshaw into a Hardcore match, which Bradshaw won. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/raw052200|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (May 22, 2000} Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/000522.htm|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (May 22, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] Later that week on "SmackDown!", Faarooq defeated Holly in a Hardcore match. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/smackdown052500|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF SmackDown! (May 25, 2000) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/000525.htm|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF SmackDown! (May 25, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net]

On the June 26, 2000 edition of "Raw", the APA won a Tag-Team Battle Royal against seven other teams to win a WWF Tag Team Championship match. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/raw062600|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (June 26, 2000) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/000626.htm|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (June 26, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] During the weeks leading up to Fully Loaded, Edge and Christian avoided defending the Tag Team Championship against the APA. On July 10, 2000, the APA were scheduled to face Edge and Christian for the Tag Team Championship, but Edge announced that he would face Bradshaw one-on-one in a match, which Bradshaw lost. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/raw071000|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (July 10, 2000) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/000710.htm|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (July 10, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] Later that week on "SmackDown!", Edge and Christian were scheduled to defend their Tag Team Championship against the APA, but they again made a one-on-one match, where Christian was defeated by Faarooq. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/smackdown071300|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF SmackDown! (July 13, 2000) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/000713.htm|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF SmackDown! (July 13, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] At Fully Loaded, the APA won the Tag Team match by disqualification; due to WWF rules, Edge and Christian retained the Tag Team Championship. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/fullyloaded00.html|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF Fully Loaded (2000) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/wwf072300|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF Fully Loaded (2000) Results|author=UltimoWrestling|publisher=The Other Arena] On the September 7, 2000 edition of "SmackDown!", the Dudley Boyz and the APA formed an alliance. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/smackdown090700|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF SmackDown! (September 7, 2000) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/000907.htm|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF SmackDown! (September 7, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] The following week on "Raw", the APA faced Right to Censor (Bull Buchanan and The Goodfather) in a losing effort. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/raw091100|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (September 11, 2000) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/000911.htm|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (September 11, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] Then, on the September 18, 2000 edition of "Raw", the Dudley Boyz also lost to Buchanan and The Goodfather.cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/raw091800|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (September 18, 2000) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/000918.htm|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (September 18, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] After the match, all the members of the Right to Censor (Buchanan, The Goodfather, Steven Richards, and Val Venis) attacked the Dudley Boyz, which resulted in the APA coming out to help the Dudley Boyz, as a part of their alliance. The Dudley Boyz and the APA were then booked in an Eight-man Tag Team match against Right to Censor at Unforgiven, which Right to Censor won via pinfall. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/history/2000/results/|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWE Unforgiven (2000) Results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment] [cite web|url=http://www.hoffco-inc.com/wwe/ppv/ppv/uf00.html|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF Unforgiven (2000) Results|publisher=Hoff Co, Inc.: CompleteWWE.com]

After sporadic feuds through midway 2001, the APA were awarded a WWF Tag Team Championship match against the Dudley Boyz on the July 9, 2001 edition of "Raw", where Bradshaw pinned D-Von to win the WWF Tag Team Championship. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/010709.html|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (July 9, 2001) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] The following month on "SmackDown!", however, the APA lost the WWF Tag Team Championship to Kanyon and Diamond Dallas Page. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/3044541321323|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=Kanyon and DDP's first World Tag Title Reign|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/010809.html|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF SmackDown! (August 9, 2001) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] After their loss of the Tag Team Championship, Faarooq was briefly absent, while Bradshaw began to pursue singles championships, like on the September 27, 2001 edition of "SmackDown!", where Bradshaw lost an WWF Intercontinental Championship match against Christian. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2001/raw102201|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF SmackDown! (September 27, 2001) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/010927.html|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (September 27, 2001) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] On the October 22, 2001 edition of "Raw", Bradshaw defeated The Hurricane to win the WWF European Championship.cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/011022.html|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (October 22, 2001) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2001/raw102201|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF SmackDown! (October 22, 2001) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] When Faarooq returned, Bradshaw lost the European Championship to Christian on the November 1, 2001 edition of "SmackDown!". [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/011101.html|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF SmackDown! (November 1, 2001) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/euro/358732|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=Christian's first European Title reign|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment] At No Way Out, the APA won a Tag Team Turmoil match to win a WWF Tag Team Championship match at WrestleMania X8. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2002/results/|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWE No Way Out (2002) Results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment] [cite web|url=http://www.hoffco-inc.com/wwe/ppv/ppv/nwo02.html|accessdate=2008-03-24|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF No Way Out (2002) Results|publisher=Hoff Co, Inc.: CompleteWWE.com] The APA were unsuccessful in winning the Tag Team Championship on two occasions: on the February 28, 2002 edition of "SmackDown!" and at WrestleMania X8. [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2002/smackdown022802|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF SmackDown! (February 28, 2002) Results|last=Zimmerman|first=Christopher|publisher=The Other Arena] [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/020228.html|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWF SmackDown! (February 28, 2002) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm18/|accessdate=2008-03-25|title=WWE WrestleMania X8 Results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment] [cite web|url=http://www.hoffco-inc.com/wwe/ppv/ppv/wm18.html|accessdate=2008-03-23|title=WWF WrestleMania X8 Results|publisher=Hoff Co, Inc: CompleteWWE.com]

Drafted apart (2002)

On March 25, 2002, the APA were split up when the WWE roster was divided into the RAW and SmackDown! brands.cite web|url=http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/draft.html#2002|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWE Brand Extension Draft Results|publisher=Pro Wrestling History] cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/wwfdraft.htm|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWE Brand Extension Draft Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] Bradshaw was drafted to RAW, while Faarooq was drafted to SmackDown!. On the RAW brand, Bradshaw won the WWF Hardcore Championship eighteen times, [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/hard/|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWE Hardcore Championship History|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment] [cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/titlehistory.cgi?wwf,,2002|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=Title Changes in the WWF/E in 2002|publisher=The Other Arena] while Faarooq had a brief stint with the SmackDown! brand, teaming with Reverend Devon in a tournament to win the newly created WWE Tag Team Championship.cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/r/ron-simmons.html|title=Ron Simmons OWoW Profile|quote=October 3, 2002 - Smackdown!: D-Von & Ron Simmons defeated Billy and Chuck in the 1st Round of the Tag Team Title Tournament! October 17, 2002 - Smackdown!: Rey Mysterio & Edge defeated D-Von & Ron Simmons in the 2nd round of the Tournament. |accessdate=2008-03-24|publisher=Online World of Wrestling]

Return to the SmackDown! brand (2003–2004)

After their brief single careers, Bradshaw and Faarooq reunited in WWE's former farm territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling, winning the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship on April 10, 2003.cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ky/ovw/ovw-t.html|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=OVW Southern Tag Team Championship History|publisher=Wrestling-Title.com] Jim Varsallone. "Actions speak louder than looks," "The Miami Herald" (FL), March 5, 2008.] They vacated the Tag Team Championship when they returned to WWE television on the June 19, 2003 edition of "SmackDown!", where they assisted The Undertaker in an ambush from the F.B.I. [cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030619.html|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWE SmackDown! (June 19, 2003) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] [cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/030619.htm|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWE SmackDown! (June 19, 2003) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] During their return, they revived their former gimmick of beer drinking and card playing segments in backstage areas. At Vengeance, the A.P.A. hosted a Bar Room Brawl, which Bradshaw won. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/vengeance03.html|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWE Vengeance 2003 Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/history/302480|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWE Vengeance (2003) Results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment] On the September 4, 2003 edition of "SmackDown!", the APA were booked in a WWE Tag Team Championship match against the defending champions, the Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin, which the APA lost. [cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030904.html|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWE SmackDown (September 4, 2003) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] [cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/030904.htm|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWE SmackDown! (September 4, 2003) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net] After sporadic tag team matches, the APA was once again booked in a WWE Tag Team Championship match at WrestleMania XX, in a Fatal-Four way Tag Team match also involving Haas and Benjamin, Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty, and the Basham Brothers, which Rikishi and Hotty won to retain the Tag Team Championship. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm20/results/|title=WWE WrestleMania XX Results|accessdate=2008-03-24|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment] [cite web|url=http://www.hoffco-inc.com/wwe/ppv/ppv/wm20.html|title=WWE WrestleMania XX Results|accessdate=2008-03-24|publisher=Hoff Co, Inc.: CompleteWWE.com] On March 18, 2004, SmackDown! general manager Paul Heyman forced the APA to face Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty after they mocked his being Stunned by Stone Cold Steve Austin the previous week, with the added stipulation that "If you lose, you will be fired".cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040318.html|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=WWE SmackDown! (March 18, 2004) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] After they were defeated, Heyman clarified that he would only be firing Simmons, not both men as he implied. He then informed Bradshaw to worry about his own career, claiming that as a published author and a Fox financial analyst he was a valued asset to the company. Bradshaw opted to stay, and Faarooq left in disgust. In reality, Simmons retired from professional wrestling, which was covered up in the storyline as a kayfabe firing. Three years later in 2007, Layfield retired from professional wrestling, becoming a commentator for "Friday Night SmackDown!".cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/j/john-bradshaw-layfield.html|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=John Layfield's OWoW Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] Though, he returned as an active wrestler in 2008, on the Raw brand, while Simmons began cutting promos with his trademark catchphrase, "Damn".

In ring-reunion (2007)

The APA had an in-ring reunion on the December 3, 2007 episode of "Raw" when Hornswoggle hired their protection services for his Handicap match against Jonathan Coachman and Carlito. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12032007/|title=Leprechaun-job|accessdate=2008-03-24|last=Adkins|first=Greg|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12032007/articles/aparetrospective|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=Back in Business|last=Robinson|first=Bryan|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment]

In wrestling

*Finishing and signature tag team moves:*Aided powerbomb:*Back suplex / Neckbreaker slam combination:*Double spinebuster

*Bradshaw's finishing moves:*"Clothesline from Hell" (High impact clothesline or a lariat, usually bouncing off of adjacent ropes before hitting it):*Standing release powerbomb preceded by a cigar-smoking gesture

*Faarooq's finishing moves:*"Dominator" (Kneeling / Standing inverted front powerslam):*Snap scoop powerslam :*Standing thrust spinebuster

*Managers:*The Jackyl:*Jacqueline

Championships and accomplishments

*Memphis Championship Wrestling:*MCW Southern Tag Team Championship (1 time) [cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/memphis/mcw/mcw-s-t.html|accessdate=2008-03-24|title=MCW Southern Tag Team Championship History|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com]
*Ohio Valley Wrestling:*OVW Southern Tag Team Championship (1 time)
*World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment:*WWF European Championship - Bradshaw (1 time):*WWF World Tag Team Championship (3 times)

References

External links

* [http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/ronsimmons/ Ron "Farooq" Simmons WWE Profile]
* [http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/jbl/ John "Bradshaw" Layfield WWE Profile]
* [http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/a/apa.html OWoW Profile]