FTR Announces Break from AEW: Upcoming Plans and Reflections

Pro wrestling’s renowned tag team, Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler, known as FTR, recently declared their intention to take an extended break from All Elite Wrestling (AEW). This decision follows their defeat by Adam Copeland and Christian Cage in an ‘I Quit’ match at the Double or Nothing event. During the match, FTR also gave up the AEW World Tag Team Championship, marking the end of their third reign. Since then, they have been absent from AEW television.

Dax Harwood wrote a detailed post on Instagram, indicating their need for a break ‘to rest their bodies and their minds.’

He shared how since 2014, the team, through their various performances as The Revival, FTR, Dawson & Dash, have been constantly engaged in their wrestling career. Except for a break due to Harwood’s bicep injury in 2017, the duo has not taken significant time off. Harwood cited multiple injuries, such as back hematomas and a labrum tear, which indicated the physical toll wrestling had taken on them.

For the first time in 12 years, Harwood emphasized their need to prioritize themselves and their families, acknowledging the uncertainty about their return or future plans. Despite this pause from AEW, Harwood noted that FTR would face Ken Anderson and Doc Gallows in Kentucky at the end of August. Until then, he plans to spend time in Hawaii.

In a separate interview, Cash Wheeler mentioned their interest in potentially participating in New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s (NJPW) World Tag League. Although scheduling conflicts had initially hindered this opportunity, Wheeler expressed the desire to try completing a World Tag League event before possibly ending their wrestling careers. He humorously mentioned the unpredictability of their performance, underlining their eagerness to fulfill this long-time aspiration.

FTR’s legacy is affirmed by their success over the years, including winning the AEW Tag Team titles three times. Their decision to step back reflects the demands and sacrifices inherent to professional wrestling, providing them an opportunity to recharge and evaluate future endeavors.