AEW Tag Team FTR Taking Time Away From Wrestling

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.

AEW’s Adam Copeland Assisting FEMA Workers In NC, Cash Wheeler Starts Crowdfund For Hurricane Relief In Hometown Near Asheville, NC

As the Gulf Coast prepares for Hurricane Milton, those in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee are still cleaning up after Hurricane Helene ravaged the area, hitting towns like Asheville, NC unprecedentedly hard. On the pre-WrestleDream media call, AEW President Tony Khan says that his booking and travel woes caused by the hurricane were put in stark perspective by a conversation with AEW star and WWE Hall of Famer Adam Copeland.

“I talked to [Adam Copeland]…and I was dealing with a bit of a scramble with those [booking] issues and Adam called me, backstage at ‘Collision’ and he was with the FEMA workers and he was with them and he was helping them and they were digging [dead] bodies out,” Khan said. “Here I am, six cups of coffee and pulling my hair out because people’s flights got canceled.”

Khan said the conversation inspired him to think a little clearer, as realizing how small his problems were in comparison was all he needed to inspire a little creative problem-solving.

Copeland’s own family lives in the area, and his wife, WWE Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix, updated fans on the condition of the family following the storm. The couple’s daughter suffered an infection in the days after the hurricane but were able to navigate the flooded streets to get her medical attention.

Khan has given generously to the town of Asheville, home of AEW’s Cash Wheeler. Wheeler has led relief efforts within the wrestling world, which has seen numerous wrestlers donate to the cause.

Wheeler’s GoFundMe for Hurricane Helene victims has raised over $70,000 as of this writing with 534 donors. Former AEW World Champion MJF donated $1,000 to the campaign and Tony Khan donated $10,000.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Cash Wheeler Arrest Affidavit: AEW Star Allegedly Pointed Handgun At Victim In Traffic

In light of the news of Cash Wheeler’s arrest and his subsequent arraignment on the charge of aggravated assault with a firearm, the Orange County Clerk’s Office has released the sworn affidavit from the complainant in the case. According to the statement made by Daniel Matta, Daniel Wheeler (Cash’s real name) is alleged to have pointed a gun in his direction as part of a road rage incident on July 27.

The statement reads, in part, “[Victim Daniel] Matta stated he was driving west on Interstate 4 north of Exit 83. He noticed a Jeep Gladiator weaving in and out of traffic honking its horn, so he moved over to the far-right lane to let the Jeep pass. Matta said the Jeep took the right shoulder to drive around him on the passenger side of his vehicle. Matta looked over and noticed a white male with a beard pointing a black semi-automatic handgun out of the driver’s window at him with a strong stare. Matta said he feared for his life at this time.”

The victim goes on to explain that he tried to get out of the way and ended up behind the Jeep, taking pictures when it began to drive recklessly and calling 911 to relay the information. Officers created a photo line-up using an online database for investigative purposes, from which Matta identified Wheeler out of a randomized order of potential suspects.

Wheeler had been set to defend the AEW Tag Team Championships alongside partner Dax Harwood against The Young Bucks at All In. AEW has stated that they are aware of the charge and are closely monitoring the situation, making no assessment on Wheeler’s status for the pay-per-view otherwise.

Haus of Wrestling’s Nick Hausman reports he was given the impression that the Young Bucks versus FTR rubber match would still be going ahead at All In on August 27, given that Wheeler was not asked to surrender his passport. AEW World Champion MJF came to Wheeler’s defense and said the match would still be happening.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Breaking News: AEW Star Cash Wheeler Arrested This Morning For Aggravated Assault With Firearm

Daniel Wheeler, who wrestling fans know as AEW star Cash Wheeler, was arrested by the Orlando Police Department on Friday morning, the Orlando Sentinel has learned. Per the report, the 36-year-old is facing one count of aggravated assault with a firearm.  

PWInsider has since provided more information, revealing that the AEW star will have a hearing at 1 p.m. today. The warrant for his arrest was filed on July 28 and he was booked in the Circuit Court of Orange County, Florida. Wheeler has pled not guilty to the charge, which is considered a third-degree felony in the State of Florida. 

Further details about the situation are minimal at the time of this writing. However, AEW has issued a statement to the Orlando Sentinel, noting that the company is aware of the situation.  

“AEW has been made aware of the charge, and we are closely monitoring the situation. He (Wheeler) is fully cooperating with local authorities.”