FTR Announces Extended Absence from AEW

Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler, the renowned tag team known as FTR in professional wrestling, revealed they will be taking a break from All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Their decision follows a loss to Adam Copeland and Christian Cage in an ‘I Quit’ match at the Double or Nothing event last month. This defeat marked the conclusion of their third reign as AEW World Tag Team Champions, and they haven’t been seen on AEW programming since.

Harwood addressed the fans through an Instagram post, detailing the need for both wrestlers to rest physically and mentally. He reflected on their years of relentless effort since 2014, noting that aside from his bicep tear in 2017, they have rarely taken time off from the sport they love. Harwood shared the physical toll on his body, listing multiple injuries, including hematomas, tears, and the need for shoulder replacement.

The team had been active on both AEW’s ‘Collision’ and ‘Dynamite’ shows, amplifying the demands on their bodies. They decided to prioritize their personal lives and families for the first time in over a decade. However, Harwood mentioned an upcoming match against Ken Anderson and Doc Gallows scheduled in Kentucky at the end of August, before he heads to Hawaii for a family vacation.

In a separate interview, Wheeler expressed interest in competing in New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s (NJPW) World Tag League. The schedule previously made participation infeasible, but Wheeler stated a desire to try the league before retiring. He candidly admitted uncertainty about completing the World Tag League, humorously suggesting he may bow out mid-match.

Despite temporarily stepping back, Harwood and Wheeler have established themselves as leading figures in pro wrestling. Holding three AEW tag team titles in seven years attests to their prowess and dedication to the sport.