AEW fans may have noticed that FTR has been absent from the ring for the past month, and it appears that break is going to continue for the foreseeable future.
Dax Harwood recently revealed on Instagram that he and Cash Wheeler have decided to step away from wrestling for a period of time after years of maintaining a demanding schedule. According to Harwood, the decision comes after both men reached a point of physical and mental exhaustion following more than a decade of consistently being on the road.
Harwood also opened up about the injuries he has been dealing with while continuing to perform. He disclosed that he worked through a torn bicep, a hip labral tear, a significant shoulder injury, and multiple hematomas in his lower back while remaining active in the ring.
In his statement, Harwood explained that this marks the first time in 12 years that the longtime tag team has chosen to take a meaningful break to focus on themselves and their families. While he did not provide a timetable for a full-time return, he acknowledged that neither he nor Wheeler are certain what the future holds for the team or how much longer they intend to compete.
Despite announcing a hiatus, FTR is not disappearing entirely. The duo is still advertised for a pair of upcoming independent wrestling appearances later this summer. They are scheduled to face The Good Brothers for Appalachian Mountain Wrestling on August 22 in Corbin, Kentucky, before heading to Wembley Arena on August 29 to challenge The Young Guns for the Undisputed British Tag Team Championship at a Revolution Pro Wrestling event.
Wheeler recently shared similar thoughts regarding where he and Harwood currently stand in their careers. While he believes his mental approach to wrestling remains as strong as ever, he admitted that the physical toll of the profession has become increasingly difficult to ignore.
The veteran tag team wrestler also hinted that FTR may be entering the final chapter of its run. Wheeler suggested that the team’s most recent reign as AEW World Tag Team Champions could end up being their last, though he emphasized that both members remain passionate about helping elevate younger talent and contributing to the wrestling industry.
For now, FTR appears focused on recovery and spending time away from the grind of weekly competition. Given the lengthy list of injuries Harwood revealed and the comments from both men about their future, the break may prove to be an important one as they evaluate what comes next in their careers.
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