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{{short description|Professional wrestling tag team}}
{{Redirect|APA (professional wrestling)|other uses|APA (disambiguation){{!}}APA}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox Wrestling team
|article_name=Acolytes Protection Agency
|type=T
|image=2016 Hall of Fame 2016-04-02 19-06-34 ILCE-6000 8000 DxO (27421109942).jpg 
|caption=[[John Layfield|Bradshaw]] and [[Ron Simmons|Faarooq]] during the [[WWE Hall of Fame (2016)|2016 WWE Hall of Fame]] ceremony.
|members=[[John Bradshaw Layfield|John "Bradshaw" Layfield]]<br />[[Ron Simmons|Ron "Faarooq" Simmons]]
|names=The APA/A.P.A.<br />The Acolytes<br />The Acolytes Protection Agency<br />The Hell's Henchmen 
|heights=Faarooq:<br />{{height|ft=6|in=2}}<ref name="simmonsbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/ronsimmons/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220064210/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/ronsimmons/|archive-date=2007-12-20|access-date=2008-05-19|title=Ron Simmons Bio|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref><br />Bradshaw:<br />{{height|ft=6|in=6}}<ref name="jblbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/jbl/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080110124512/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/jbl/|archive-date=2008-01-10|access-date=2008-05-19|title=JBL Bio|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref>
|weights={{convert|565|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name="simmonsbio"/><ref name="jblbio"/><br />Faarooq (275 lbs), Bradshaw (290 lbs)
|former_members= [[Don Callis|The Jackyl]] (manager)
|years_active=1998–2002<br/>2003–2004<br/>2007–present 
(non-wrestling reunions)
|debut=November 15, 1998
}}
The '''Acolytes Protection Agency''' ('''APA''') was an American [[professional wrestling]] [[tag team]] who consisted of Bradshaw ([[John Bradshaw Layfield|John Layfield]]) and Faarooq ([[Ron Simmons]]). They wrestled in the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment]] (WWF/E) between October 1998 and March 2004.

Before forming the APA, Faarooq and Bradshaw were known simply as '''The Acolytes''' and went on to become a part of [[The Undertaker]]'s [[Ministry of Darkness]].<ref name=APA2>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/a/apa.html|access-date=2007-12-04|title=APA Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071212222209/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/a/apa.html|archive-date=12 December 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> As The Acolytes, they won two [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|World Tag Team Championships]] in 1999, while feuding with [[Sean Waltman|X-Pac]] and [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] and the [[Hardy Boyz]]. After renaming themselves the Acolytes Protection Agency in 2000, they adopted the gimmick of bodyguards-for-hire to other wrestlers, and won a third tag team championship in 2001.<ref name="3WTT">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/3044541321143 |access-date=2008-03-24 |title=The APA's third World Tag Title reign |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080323125059/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/3044541321143 |archive-date=23 March 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2002, the [[WWE Brand Extension|brand split]] also split the duo as the [[2002 WWF draft lottery|2002 draft]] sent Faarooq to [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] and Bradshaw to [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]].<ref name="TagBook">{{cite book | author=Greg Oliver and Steve Johnson | title= The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Tag Teams | publisher=ECW Press | chapter= The A.P.A. | pages= 251–253 | year=2005| isbn=978-1-5502-2683-6}}</ref> As a singles competitor, Bradshaw had an extensive [[hardcore wrestling]] career, winning the [[WWE Hardcore Championship|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 getting ready to retire, and as part of Bradshaw's heel turn Simmons was on-screen released by WWE; Bradshaw continued his singles career before retiring in 2009, and the group has made sporadic appearances afterwards, mostly in a non-competing capacity.

== History ==

=== The Acolytes (1998–2000) ===
As single competitors in the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]], Bradshaw and Faarooq's careers had stalled. WWF management then placed them in a tag team called The Hell's Henchmen managed by [[Don Callis|The Jackyl]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/wwf/wwfstab.htm|access-date=2007-12-04|title=WWF Tag Teams/Stables|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071125080926/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/wwf/wwfstab.htm|archive-date=25 November 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.angelfire.com/oh/nykk/acolytes.html|access-date=2008-05-18|title=The Acolytes Profile|publisher=Angel Fire| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080426132927/http://www.angelfire.com/oh/nykk/acolytes.html| archive-date= 26 April 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> Both men made their first appearance on TV as a team on the November 15, 1998, episode of ''[[WWE Heat|Sunday Night Heat]]'' attacking [[Harris Brothers|8-Ball]], [[Harris Brothers|Skull]] and [[Paul Ellering]] as the [[Disciples of Apocalypse|D.O.A.]] came down to the ring for a match. The following week on ''Sunday Night Heat'', The Jackyl came down to the ring as the duo interrupted a match and proclaimed Bradshaw and Faarooq to be his Acolytes. Both men made their official tag team debut on the November 30, 1998, episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw is War]]'', when they attacked [[Tiger Ali Singh]] and his manager, [[Pablo Márquez (wrestler)|Babu]], after Singh's match against [[Val Venis]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1998/raw113098 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026194257/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1998%2Fraw113098 |archive-date=October 26, 2006 |access-date=2008-03-23 |title=WWF RAW (November 30, 1998) Results |last=Zimmerman |first=Christopher |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/981130.htm|access-date=2008-03-23|title=WWF RAW (November 30, 1998) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080221015629/http://www.pwwew.net/tv/raw/981130.htm| archive-date= 21 February 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> The team was notorious for their [[glossary of professional wrestling terms#stiff|intense and brutal]] beatings done during the ensuing matches. Afterwards, they won tag team matches against the team of Venis and [[The Godfather (wrestler)|The Godfather]] and the team of The [[J.O.B. Squad]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1998/raw120798 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010927184743/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1998%2Fraw120798 |archive-date=September 27, 2001 |access-date=2008-03-23 |title=WWF RAW (December 7, 1998) Results |last=Zimmerman |first=Christopher |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1998/raw122198 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026193913/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1998%2Fraw122198 |archive-date=October 26, 2006 |access-date=2008-03-23 |title=WWF RAW (December 21, 1998) Results |last=Zimmerman |first=Christopher |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead }}</ref>

When The Jackyl left the WWF, the duo joined [[The Undertaker]]'s new [[heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] [[List of professional wrestling terms#S|stable]], the [[Ministry of Darkness]].<ref name=APA2/><ref name="wmm">{{cite book|title=Wrestling's Made Men: Breaking the WWE's Glass Ceiling|last=Keith|first=Scott|year=2006|publisher=Citadel Press|isbn=0-8065-2771-4|page=80}}</ref> They debuted in Undertaker's Ministry on the January 11, 1999, episode of ''Raw'', recruited [[Dennis Knight]] into the Ministry, giving him the name Mideon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/raw011199 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010929162821/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999%2Fraw011199 |archive-date=September 29, 2001 |access-date=2008-03-23 |title=WWF RAW (January 11, 1999) Results |last=Zimmerman |first=Christopher |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/990111.htm|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (January 11, 1999) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080213070301/http://www.pwwew.net/tv/raw/990111.htm| archive-date= 13 February 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> After Undertaker's Ministry merged with [[The Corporation (professional wrestling)|The Corporation]] to form the [[Corporate Ministry]], the Acolytes began a feud with [[Sean Waltman|X-Pac]] and [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] over the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|WWF World Tag Team Championship]]. The feud began on the May 30, 1999, episode of ''Sunday Night Heat'' with the Acolytes attacking X-Pac after his match against [[Big Boss Man]].<ref name="SNH53099a">{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/990111.htm|author=Ultimo|access-date=2008-03-23|title=WWF Sunday Night HEAT (May 5, 1999) Results|publisher=The Other Arena| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080213070301/http://www.pwwew.net/tv/raw/990111.htm| archive-date= 13 February 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="SNH53099b">{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/heat053099 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010927184412/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999%2Fheat053099 |archive-date=September 27, 2001 |access-date=2008-03-23 |title=Sunday Night HEAT (May 30, 1999) Results |publisher=PWWEW.net |url-status=dead }}</ref> Their attack was to no avail, however, as Kane, X-Pac's tag team partner, came down to the ring to attack the Acolytes.<ref name="SNH53099a"/><ref name="SNH53099b"/> Later that night, the Acolytes challenged X-Pac and Kane for a WWF Tag Team Championship match on the following ''Raw'' broadcast.<ref name="SNH53099a"/><ref name="SNH53099b"/> 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.<ref name="RAW53199a">{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/raw053199 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026211111/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999%2Fraw053199 |archive-date=October 26, 2006 |access-date=2008-03-23 |title=WWF RAW (May 31, 1999) Results |last=Zimmerman |first=Christopher |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="RAW53199b">{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/990531.htm|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (May 31, 1999) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080313014542/http://www.pwwew.net/tv/raw/990531.htm| archive-date= 13 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> The situation allowed Bradshaw to hit X-Pac with a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Clothesline from Hell|Clothesline from Hell]] into a pinfall, allowing the Acolytes to win their first WWF Tag Team Championship.<ref name="RAW53199a"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132111123 |title=APA First World Tag Title Reign |access-date=2007-12-04 |publisher=WWE |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211150508/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132111123 |archive-date=11 December 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The Acolytes then began a feud with the [[Hardy Boyz]], who had defeated [[The Brood (professional wrestling)|The Brood]] at [[King of the Ring (1999)|King of the Ring]] to become the number one contenders to the Acolytes' WWF Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/wwf062799 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051030163949/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999%2Fwwf062799 |archive-date=2005-10-30 |access-date=2008-03-23 |title=WWF King of the Ring (1999) Results |author=Ultimo |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/kingofthering99.html |access-date=2008-03-24 |title=WWF King of the Ring (1999) Results |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080417185952/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/kingofthering99.html |archive-date=17 April 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The feud intensified on the July 3, 1999, episode of ''[[WWF Shotgun Saturday Night|Shotgun Saturday Night]]'', when the Acolytes attacked the Hardy Boyz during a [[promo (professional wrestling)|segment]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/shotgun/9907.htm#03|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF Shotgun Saturday Night (July 3, 1999) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> On the July 5, 1999, episode of ''Raw'', however, the Acolytes lost the WWF Tag Team Championship to the Hardy Boyz, after [[Jeff Hardy|Jeff]] attacked Bradshaw with [[Michael Hayes (wrestler)|Michael Hayes]]'s, the Hardy Boyz's [[manager (professional wrestling)|manager]], cane, and Matt delivered a [[DDT#Tornado DDT|Tornado DDT]] on Bradshaw into a pinfall.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/raw070599 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026211104/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999%2Fraw070599 |archive-date=October 26, 2006 |access-date=2008-03-24 |title=WWF RAW (July 5, 1999) Results |last=Zimmerman |first=Christopher |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/990705.htm|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (July 5, 1999) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080213070416/http://www.pwwew.net/tv/raw/990705.htm| archive-date= 13 February 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> The Acolytes regained the WWF Tag Team Championship at [[Fully Loaded (1999)|Fully Loaded]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#No Disqualification match/No Holds Barred match|No Disqualification]] [[Professional wrestling match types#Handicap match|Handicap match]] against the Hardy Boyz and Hayes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/wwf072599 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026193736/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999%2Fwwf072599 |archive-date=2006-10-26 |access-date=2008-03-24 |title=WWF Fully Loaded (1999) Results |author=Ultimo Wrestling |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/30445413213113 |access-date=2008-03-24 |title=Second World Tag Title reign |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327034129/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/30445413213113 |archive-date=27 March 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

After regaining the championship, the Acolytes began another feud with Kane with various partners. On the August 8, 1999, episode of ''Sunday Night Heat'', Kane teamed up with [[Road Dogg]] to face the Acolytes for the WWF Tag Team Championship, in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/heat080899 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010927182704/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999%2Fheat080899 |archive-date=September 27, 2001 |access-date=2008-03-24 |title=WWF Sunday Night HEAT (August 8, 1999) Results |author=Ultimo |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/heat/990808.htm|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF Sunday Night HEAT (August 8, 1999) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080303045701/http://www.pwwew.net/tv/heat/990808.htm| archive-date= 3 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Kane then teamed up with X-Pac to face the Acolytes in another championship match, in which X-Pac delivered an [[Facebuster#Sitout facebuster|X-Factor]] to Faarooq into the pinfall, which meant that the Acolytes lost the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/raw080999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026211130/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999%2Fraw080999 |archive-date=October 26, 2006 |access-date=2008-03-23 |title=WWF RAW (August 9, 1999) Results |last=Zimmerman |first=Christopher |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132144 |access-date=2008-03-24 |title=X-Pac and Kane's second World Tag Title reign |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331100626/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132144 |archive-date=31 March 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The following week, they lost a rematch for the WWF Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/990816.htm|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (August 22, 1999) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080418024800/http://www.pwwew.net/tv/raw/990816.htm| archive-date= 18 April 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> After losing their rematch, they won a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Four corners tag team elimination match|Tag Team Turmoil match]] at [[SummerSlam (1999)|SummerSlam]] to become number one contenders for the WWF Tag Team Championship<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/wwf082299 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026194301/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999%2Fwwf082299 |archive-date=2006-10-26 |access-date=2008-03-24 |title=WWF SummerSlam (1999) Results |author=Ultimo |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/1999/results|access-date=January 7, 2013|title=WWE SummerSlam (1999) Results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> but their title match against The [[Big Show]] and [[The Undertaker]] ended in a [[Professional wrestling#Draw|no-contest]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/raw082399 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209120929/http://otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999%2Fraw082399 |archive-date=December 9, 2007 |access-date=2008-03-23 |title=WWF RAW (August 23, 1999) Results |last=Zimmerman |first=Christopher |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/990823.htm|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (August 23, 1999) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080213070636/http://www.pwwew.net/tv/raw/990823.htm| archive-date= 13 February 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> After this, they feuded with the [[Dudley Boyz]] and defeated them at [[Unforgiven (1999)|Unforgiven]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/unforgiven99.html|access-date=2008-03-23|title=WWF Unforgiven (1999) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080320002405/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/unforgiven99.html| archive-date= 20 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/history/1999/results/|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWE Unforgiven 1999 Results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080329101554/http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/history/1999/results/| archive-date= 29 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> The Acolytes then developed a [[List of professional wrestling terms#G|gimmick]] as [[card player]]s and [[Alcoholic beverage#Uses|beer drinkers]], [[hustling]] many wrestlers and WWF employees out of their money.<ref name="OWoW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/a/apa.html|access-date=2008-03-24|title=The APA Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320110352/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/a/apa.html|archive-date=20 March 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>

After sporadic feuds, the Acolytes won a tag team [[battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] at [[Armageddon (1999)|Armageddon]] against seven other tag teams to win a WWF Tag Team Championship match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/summerslam99.html|access-date=2008-03-23|title=WWF Armageddon (1999) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080417190110/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/summerslam99.html| archive-date= 17 April 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/history/1999/results/ |access-date=2008-03-24 |title=WWE Armageddon (1999) Results |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319104738/http://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/history/1999/results/ |archive-date=19 March 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> They were unable to win the championship at the [[Royal Rumble (2000)|Royal Rumble]], as the [[New Age Outlaws]] defeated them, after [[Billy Gunn]] performed a [[Leg drop#Leg drop bulldog|Fame-ass-er]] on Bradshaw, after interference from X-Pac.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/wwf012300 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060508034704/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000%2Fwwf012300 |archive-date=2006-05-08 |access-date=2008-03-23 |title=WWF Royal Rumble (2000) Results |author=Ultimo Wrestling |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/198811411/results/|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWE Royal Rumble (2000) Results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080331202616/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/198811411/results/| archive-date= 31 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>

=== Acolytes Protection Agency (2000–2002) ===
[[File:Acolytes Protection Agency (promo pic).jpg|thumb|left|Farooq and Bradshaw as the APA.]]
According to Layfield, he got drunk during a party for his birthday in Baltimore, and Vince and Shane McMahon saw him. They found it funny, so they asked both of them to portray a similar, beer drinking character on TV, just sitting around, playing cards, drinking beer and getting into fights backstage and in bars. Upon being told this, Simmons said it was “the best idea I’ve ever heard”, as both Layfield and Simmons liked to participate in the APA's social activities in real life, so both talents felt at home.<ref>[https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jbls-long-and-winding-road/id1483233538?i=1000493200145 WWE After The Bell with Corey Graves: JBL's Long and Winding Road on Apple Podcasts<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/jbl-vince-mcmahon-apa-the-undertaker/|title = 411Mania}}</ref> On the January 31, 2000, episode 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).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/raw013100 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026190312/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000%2Fraw013100 |archive-date=October 26, 2006 |access-date=2008-03-23 |title=WWF RAW (January 31, 2000) Results |last=Zimmerman |first=Christopher |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/000131.htm|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (January 31, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> Behind the scenes, the [[List of professional wrestling terms#G|gimmick]] of the tag team was also created by John Layfield.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_3_2/ai_65858903 |access-date=2008-05-18 |title=Five minutes with The Acolytes |work=Wrestling Digest |publisher=Findarticles.com |year=2000 |first=Thomas |last=Chamberlin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071226012748/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_3_2/ai_65858903 |archive-date=2007-12-26 |url-status=dead }}</ref> To further enhance their mercenary gimmick, the APA began to appear weekly backstage in an "office," dubbed the ''APA Office''.<ref name="wmm"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/smackdown021700 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060115203811/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000%2Fsmackdown021700 |archive-date=January 15, 2006 |access-date=2008-03-23 |title=WWF SmackDown (February 17, 2000) Results |last=Zimmerman |first=Christopher |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead }}</ref> The office was a free-standing door and frame, with the letters 'A.P.A.' written in magic marker on a piece of typing paper. A running gag consisted of Faarooq and Bradshaw seated at a table playing cards with the door open. When a wrestler would appear to hire their services, they would admonish the potential customer for either not knocking on the door, walking around the door frame or not closing the door on the way out. The APA would only accept cash or beer in payment for protection work. After protecting many WWF superstars, the APA began a feud with [[Barry Buchanan|Bull Buchanan]] and [[Ray Traylor|Big Bossman]]. On the April 10, 2000, episode of ''Raw'', the APA protected [[Kai En Tai]] during a match, when they were attacked by Buchanan and Bossman.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/000410.htm|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (April 10, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> The APA, however, was unsuccessful in winning a tag team match against them at [[WWE Backlash#2000|Backlash]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/backlash00.html|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF Backlash (2000) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080320115411/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/backlash00.html| archive-date= 20 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlashresults|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWE Backlash (2000) Results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080325090650/http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlashresults| archive-date= 25 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> On the May 18, 2000, episode of ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'', the APA were hired to protect [[Crash Holly]] for an hour, to prevent him from losing his [[WWE Hardcore Championship|WWF Hardcore Championship]]. After the hour was up, the APA left, allowing [[Gerald Brisco]] to pin Holly for the Hardcore Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/smackdown051800 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026193919/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000%2Fsmackdown051800 |archive-date=October 26, 2006 |access-date=2008-03-24 |title=WWF SmackDown (May 18, 2000) Results |last=Zimmerman |first=Christopher |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/000518.htm|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF SmackDown (May 18, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> The situation resulted in Holly challenging Bradshaw in a [[Hardcore wrestling|Hardcore match]], which Bradshaw won.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/000522.htm|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (May 22, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> Later that week on ''SmackDown!'', Faarooq defeated Holly in a Hardcore match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/smackdown052500 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060115204132/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000%2Fsmackdown052500 |archive-date=January 15, 2006 |access-date=2008-03-24 |title=WWF SmackDown (May 25, 2000) Results |last=Zimmerman |first=Christopher |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/000525.htm|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF SmackDown (May 25, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref>

[[Image:Acolytes Protection Agency (logo).png|left|thumb|The A.P.A. logo]]
On the June 26, 2000, episode of ''Raw'', the APA won a Tag-Team Battle Royal against seven other teams to earn an opportunity at the WWF Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/000626.htm|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (June 26, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080311120150/http://www.pwwew.net/tv/raw/000626.htm| archive-date= 11 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> During the weeks leading up to [[Fully Loaded (2000)|Fully Loaded]], [[Edge and Christian]] avoided defending the Tag Team Championship against the APA by challenging their opponents to one-on-one matches: on the July 10, 2000, episode of ''Raw'', Edge defeated Bradshaw,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/000710.htm|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (July 10, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> while on ''SmackDown!'' later that week, Christian was defeated by Faarooq.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/000713.htm|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF SmackDown (July 13, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> At Fully Loaded, the APA defeated Edge and Christian by [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualification]] but due to WWF rules, Edge and Christian retained the Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/fullyloaded00.html|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF Fully Loaded (2000) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080310205538/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/fullyloaded00.html| archive-date= 10 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/wwf072300 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026205718/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000%2Fwwf072300 |archive-date=2006-10-26 |access-date=2008-03-24 |title=WWF Fully Loaded (2000) Results |author=UltimoWrestling |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On the September 7, 2000, episode of ''SmackDown!'', the [[Dudley Boyz]] and the APA formed an alliance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/smackdown090700 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060115204502/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000%2Fsmackdown090700 |archive-date=January 15, 2006 |access-date=2008-03-24 |title=WWF SmackDown (September 7, 2000) Results |last=Zimmerman |first=Christopher |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/000907.htm|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF SmackDown (September 7, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080505083843/http://www.pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/000907.htm| archive-date= 5 May 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', the APA faced [[Right to Censor]] ([[Barry Buchanan|Bull Buchanan]] and [[Charles Wright (wrestler)|The Goodfather]]) in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/000911.htm|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (September 11, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> Then, on the September 18, 2000, episode of ''Raw'', the APA come out to help the Dudley Boyz against an assault by all the members of the Right to Censor.<ref name="RAW91800a">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/00.htm|access-date=2015-12-19|title=WWF WWF 2000|last=Cawthon|first=Graham|publisher=The History of WWE}}</ref><ref name="RAW91800b">{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/000918.htm|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (September 18, 2000) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080505083828/http://www.pwwew.net/tv/raw/000918.htm| archive-date= 5 May 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> At [[Unforgiven (2000)|Unforgiven]], The Dudley Boyz and the APA lost an  [[Tag team#Tag team match and rules|Eight-man Tag Team match]] against Right to Censor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/history/2000/results/ |access-date=2008-03-24 |title=WWE Unforgiven (2000) Results |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331223246/http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/history/2000/results/ |archive-date=31 March 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoffco-inc.com/wwe/ppv/ppv/uf00.html|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF Unforgiven (2000) Results|publisher=Hoff Co, Inc.: CompleteWWE.com| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080325141522/http://www.hoffco-inc.com/wwe/ppv/ppv/uf00.html| archive-date= 25 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>

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, episode of ''Raw'', Bradshaw pinned [[Devon Hughes|D-Von]] to win their third WWF Tag Team Championship.<ref name="3WTT"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/010709.html|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (July 9, 2001) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080308161255/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/010709.html| archive-date= 8 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> The following month on ''SmackDown!'', however, the APA lost the WWF Tag Team Championship to [[Chris Kanyon|Kanyon]] and [[Diamond Dallas Page]], one of the invading WCW wrestlers in [[The Alliance (professional wrestling)|The Alliance]] stable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/3044541321323 |access-date=2008-03-24 |title=Kanyon and DDP's first World Tag Title Reign |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224000853/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/3044541321323 |archive-date=24 February 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/010809.html|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF SmackDown (August 9, 2001) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080320013008/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/010809.html| archive-date= 20 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> After losing the Tag Team Championship, Faarooq was briefly absent, while Bradshaw pursued singles championships: on the September 27, 2001, episode of ''SmackDown!'', Bradshaw lost a [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|WWF Intercontinental Championship]] match against Christian.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2001/raw102201 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026201338/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2001%2Fraw102201 |archive-date=October 26, 2006 |access-date=2008-03-24 |title=WWF SmackDown (September 27, 2001) Results |last=Zimmerman |first=Christopher |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/010927.html|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (September 27, 2001) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080312085456/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/010927.html| archive-date= 12 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> On the October 22, 2001, episode of ''Raw'', Bradshaw defeated [[Gregory Helms|The Hurricane]] to win the [[WWE European Championship|WWF European Championship]].<ref name="Euro">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/011022.html|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF RAW (October 22, 2001) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080420102503/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/011022.html| archive-date= 20 April 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2001/raw102201 |access-date=2008-03-24 |title=WWF SmackDown (October 22, 2001) Results |last=Zimmerman |first=Christopher |publisher=The Other Arena |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026201338/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2001%2Fraw102201 |archive-date=October 26, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref> When Faarooq returned, Bradshaw lost the European Championship to [[Christian (wrestler)|Christian]] on the November 1, 2001, episode of ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/011101.html|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF SmackDown (November 1, 2001) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080422035323/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/011101.html| archive-date= 22 April 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/euro/358732|access-date=2008-03-24|title=Christian's first European Title reign|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080331100316/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/euro/358732| archive-date= 31 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> At [[No Way Out (2002)|No Way Out]], the APA won a Tag Team Turmoil match to win a WWF Tag Team Championship match at [[WrestleMania X8]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2002/results/ |access-date=2008-03-24 |title=WWE No Way Out (2002) Results |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080309220538/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2002/results/ |archive-date=9 March 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoffco-inc.com/wwe/ppv/ppv/nwo02.html|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF No Way Out (2002) Results|publisher=Hoff Co, Inc.: CompleteWWE.com| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080325144049/http://www.hoffco-inc.com/wwe/ppv/ppv/nwo02.html| archive-date= 25 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> The APA were unsuccessful in winning the Tag Team Championship on two occasions: on the February 28, 2002, episode of ''SmackDown!'' and at WrestleMania X8.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2002/smackdown022802 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026194142/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2002%2Fsmackdown022802 |archive-date=October 26, 2006 |access-date=2008-03-24 |title=WWF SmackDown (February 28, 2002) Results |last=Zimmerman |first=Christopher |publisher=The Other Arena |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/020228.html|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWF SmackDown (February 28, 2002) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080330073931/http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/020228.html| archive-date= 30 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm18/ |access-date=2008-03-25 |title=WWE WrestleMania X8 Results |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319101052/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm18/ |archive-date=19 March 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoffco-inc.com/wwe/ppv/ppv/wm18.html|access-date=2008-03-23|title=WWF WrestleMania X8 Results|publisher=Hoff Co, Inc: CompleteWWE.com| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080325142355/http://www.hoffco-inc.com/wwe/ppv/ppv/wm18.html| archive-date= 25 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>

=== Initial separation (2002) ===
[[Image:Bradshaw.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[John Layfield|Bradshaw]] in 2002 after the A.P.A. split]]
On March 25, 2002, the APA were split up when the [[WWE Brand Extension#RAW and SmackDown|WWF roster was divided]] into the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] and [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown!]] brands.<ref name="TagBook"/><ref name="Draft1">{{cite web|url=http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/draft.html#2002|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWE Brand Extension Draft Results|publisher=Pro Wrestling History}}</ref><ref name="Draft2">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/wwfdraft.htm|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWE Brand Extension Draft Results|publisher=PWWEW.net| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080317001239/http://www.pwwew.net/wwfdraft.htm| archive-date= 17 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> Bradshaw was drafted to Raw, while Faarooq was drafted to SmackDown!.<ref name="Draft1"/><ref name="Draft2"/> On the Raw brand, Bradshaw won the [[WWE Hardcore Championship|WWF Hardcore Championship]] [[List of WWE Hardcore Champions|eighteen times]],<ref name="Hardcore">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/hard/|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWE Hardcore Championship History|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080319104413/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/hard/| archive-date= 19 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> and went back to his Blackjack Texan gimmick, while Faarooq – now wrestling under his real name – had a brief stint with the SmackDown! brand, teaming with [[Devon Hughes|Reverend D-Von]] in a tournament to determine the newly created [[WWE Tag Team Championship (2002–2010)|WWE Tag Team Champions]].<ref name="RonOWoW">{{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, Jr.|Rey Mysterio]] & [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] defeated D-Von & Ron Simmons in the 2nd round of the Tournament.|access-date=2008-03-24|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080406025457/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/r/ron-simmons.html| archive-date= 6 April 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> In September 2002, Bradshaw was injured and was inactive for six months.

=== Return to SmackDown (2003–2004) ===
After their brief single careers, Bradshaw and Simmons reunited in WWE's former farm territory, [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] in March 2003, winning the [[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship]] on April 10, 2003.<ref name="OVW">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ky/ovw/ovw-t.html|access-date=2008-03-24|title=OVW Southern Tag Team Championship History|publisher=Wrestling-Title.com| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080226094950/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ky/ovw/ovw-t.html| archive-date= 26 February 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="varsallone">Jim Varsallone. "Actions speak louder than looks," ''The Miami Herald'' (FL), March 5, 2008.</ref> They vacated the OVW title when they returned to WWE television on the June 19, 2003, episode of ''SmackDown!'' to assist [[The Undertaker]] in an ambush from the [[The Full Blooded Italians|F.B.I.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030619.html|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWE SmackDown (June 19, 2003) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080421103831/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030619.html| archive-date= 21 April 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/030619.htm|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWE SmackDown (June 19, 2003) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> During their return, they revived their former gimmick of beer drinking and card playing segments in backstage areas. Bradshaw had a new look as he had a shorter hair style, debuted a clean shaven look and went to his natural hair color. At [[Vengeance (2003)|Vengeance]], the APA hosted a [[Professional wrestling match types#Backstage Brawl|Bar Room Brawl]], which Bradshaw won.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/vengeance03.html|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWE Vengeance 2003 Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080320115602/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/vengeance03.html| archive-date= 20 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/history/302480|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080101015853/http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/history/302480|archive-date=2008-01-01|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWE Vengeance (2003) Results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> On the September 4, 2003, episode of ''SmackDown!'', the APA were booked in a [[WWE Tag Team Championship (2002-2010)|WWE Tag Team Championship]] match against the defending champions, [[World's Greatest Tag Team|Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin]], which the APA lost.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030904.html|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWE SmackDown (September 4, 2003) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080421094501/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030904.html| archive-date= 21 April 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/030904.htm|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWE SmackDown (September 4, 2003) Results|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> After sporadic tag team matches, the APA was once again booked in a WWE Tag Team Championship match at [[WrestleMania XX]], in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|Fatal-Four way]] tag team match also involving Haas and Benjamin, [[Too Cool|Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty]], and the [[Basham Brothers]], which Rikishi and Scotty won to retain the Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm20/results/ |title=WWE WrestleMania XX Results |access-date=2008-03-24 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319101057/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm20/results/ |archive-date=19 March 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoffco-inc.com/wwe/ppv/ppv/wm20.html|title=WWE WrestleMania XX Results|access-date=2008-03-24|publisher=Hoff Co, Inc.: CompleteWWE.com| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080325141538/http://www.hoffco-inc.com/wwe/ppv/ppv/wm20.html| archive-date= 25 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> On March 18, 2004, the APA angered SmackDown! [[Professional wrestling authority figures#SmackDown brand authorties|general manager]] [[Paul Heyman]] by mocking his being [[Stunner (professional wrestling)|Stunned]] by [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] the previous week; Heyman ordered them to face Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty with the APA's jobs on the line.<ref name="fireda">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040318.html|access-date=2008-03-24|title=WWE SmackDown (March 18, 2004) Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080422075547/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040318.html| archive-date= 22 April 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> After the APA was defeated, Heyman only fired Faarooq and told Bradshaw to worry about his own career, calling him a valued asset to the company and noting his role as a published author and a [[Fox News Channel|Fox]] [[financial analyst]]. While Bradshaw stayed, Faarooq left in disgust.<ref name="fireda"/> The angle covered Simmons' real-life retirement from professional wrestling.

=== Non-wrestling reunions and legacy (2007–present) ===
Two years later in 2006, Layfield was injured and became a [[Sports commentator|commentator]] for SmackDown. Bradshaw returned to wrestling in 2007, on the Raw brand, while Simmons began cutting [[Promo (professional wrestling)|promos]] with his trademark catchphrase, "[[Damnation|Damn]]!".<ref name="RonOWoW"/><ref name="JBL">{{cite web |title=John Layfield's OWoW Profile |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/j/john-bradshaw-layfield.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320110959/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/j/john-bradshaw-layfield.html |archive-date=20 March 2008 |access-date=2008-03-24 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>

The APA had an in-ring reunion on the December 3, 2007, episode of ''Raw'' when [[Hornswoggle]] hired their protection services for his [[Professional wrestling match types#Handicap match|handicap match]] against [[Jonathan Coachman]] and [[Carly Colón|Carlito]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12032007/|title=Leprechaun-job|access-date=2008-03-24|last=Adkins|first=Greg|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331202155/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12032007/|archive-date=31 March 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12032007/articles/aparetrospective|access-date=2008-03-24|title=Back in Business|last=Robinson|first=Bryan|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080213110413/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12032007/articles/aparetrospective|archive-date=13 February 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Simmons and Layfield reunited for ''[[Raw 1000]]'' on July 23, 2012, when they provided protection for [[Lita (wrestler)|Lita]] during her brief match with [[Heath Slater]]. Layfield attacked Slater with a Clothesline from Hell, and after the match, Simmons simply said his trademark catchphrase, "Damn."<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3Jgx2TuEks Lita and APA return to Raw's 1000th episode]</ref>

The APA again reunited on the January 19, 2015, episode of ''Raw'' (dubbed ''Raw Reunion'' due to numerous special appearances by various [[WWE Hall of Fame]]rs and [[List of WWE personnel#Ambassadors|Legends]]), alongside the [[New Age Outlaws]], saving the [[New World Order (professional wrestling)|New World Order (nWo)]] members from [[The Ascension (professional wrestling)|The Ascension]], during which Layfield attacked Ascension member [[Viktor (wrestler)|Viktor]] with a ''Clothesline from Hell''.

On April 2, 2016, the APA inducted [[The Godfather (wrestler)|The Godfather]] into the [[WWE Hall of Fame]]. They returned the following year, on March 31, 2017, to induct [[Theodore Long]] into the WWE Hall of Fame.

On January 22, 2018, the APA appeared backstage hosting a [[poker]] game during ''[[WWE Raw 25 Years]]''.

On the October 23, 2020, episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'', both Simmons and Layfield, along with Hall of Famer [[Theodore Long]] appeared in a court-like segment named ''Law and Otis'' wherein debates are tackled between [[Otis (wrestler)|Otis]] and [[The Miz]] for the Money In The Bank contract.

Since October 17, 2022, Layfield, now a manager for [[Baron Corbin]], had been frequently shown doing poker matches backstage with [[Akira Tozawa]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/amp/wwe/news-baron-corbin-redeemed-lost-money-emerging-victorious-current-wwe-star | title=Baron Corbin redeemed his lost money after emerging victorious over current WWE star | date=15 November 2022 }}</ref>

On January 23, 2023, Layfield and Simmons once again appeared backstage for [[WWE Raw is XXX|Raw is XXX]] to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Monday Night Raw, the pair once again hosted poker matches.<ref>{{Cite web |title=List Of WWE Legend Appearances At WWE Raw XXX {{!}} Fightful News |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/list-wwe-legends-who-popped-wwe-raw-xxx |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=www.fightful.com |language=en}}</ref>

On the 2023 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, Layfield and Simmons appeared to award Tim White with the Warrior Award. White's brothers, Tom and Pat, accepted the award.

Layfield and Simmons reunited again on Night 2 of the 2024 WWE Draft, with Layfield selecting draft picks for the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] brand, and Simmons selecting draft picks for the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] brand.

== Championships and accomplishments ==
* '''[[Memphis Championship Wrestling]]'''
** [[MCW Southern Tag Team Championship]] ([[MCW Southern Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/memphis/mcw/mcw-s-t.html|access-date=2008-03-24|title=MCW Southern Tag Team Championship History|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080219133506/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/memphis/mcw/mcw-s-t.html| archive-date= 19 February 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>
* '''[[Ohio Valley Wrestling]]'''
** [[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship]] ([[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="OVW"/>
* '''[[WWE|World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment]]'''
** [[WWE European Championship|WWF European Championship]] ([[List of WWE European Champions|1 time]])<ref name="Euro"/> – Bradshaw
** [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|WWF Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE)|3 times]])<ref name="3WTT"/>
** [[WWE Hall of Fame]] ([[WWE Hall of Fame (2012)|Class of 2012]]) – Faarooq (as Ron Simmons)
** [[WWE Hall of Fame]] ([[WWE Hall of Fame (2020)|Class of 2020]]) – Bradshaw (as John "Bradshaw" Layfield)

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wwealumni/ronsimmons/ Ron "Faarooq" Simmons' WWE Alumni Profile]
* [http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wwealumni/jbl/ John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL)'s WWE Alumni Profile]

{{World Tag Team Championship (WWE)}}
{{OVW Tag Team Championship}}

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