Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler, known as FTR in the pro wrestling circuit, have announced an extended break from All Elite Wrestling (AEW). The announcement came after their loss to Adam Copeland and Christian Cage in an ‘I Quit’ match at the Double or Nothing event last month. This loss resulted in them relinquishing the AEW World Tag Team Championship.
After their third reign as champions, the duo has not appeared on AEW programming. Harwood shared a detailed post on Instagram, explaining their decision to step back and prioritize their physical and mental well-being.
“Since the summer of 2014, Dax & Cash, or FTR, have been fully committed to our wrestling careers. With the exception of my bicep tear in 2017, we haven’t taken breaks. We’ve reached a point of physical and mental exhaustion,” Harwood said.
He described enduring multiple injuries, including hematomas, a bicep tear, a labrum tear, and a shoulder that needs replacement. Despite these challenges, FTR were among the few talents performing on both ‘Collision’ and ‘Dynamite’ shows.
Harwood also expressed uncertainty about their return and their future plans. “For the first time in 12 years, we’ve decided to step away, focusing on ourselves and our families. I don’t know when we’ll return or what lies ahead,” he added.
FTR still plans to participate in a match against Ken Anderson and Doc Gallows in Kentucky at the end of August. Until then, Harwood mentioned enjoying a family vacation in Hawaii.
Wheeler, in a separate interview, expressed interest in participating in New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s (NJPW) World Tag League. Despite scheduling conflicts in the past, he hopes to compete in this event before eventually winding down their wrestling careers.
“There were scheduling issues earlier, but after discussing our physical state, I’d like to try a World Tag League once before calling it quits,” Wheeler shared.
FTR, recognized as one of the top tag teams, has achieved significant success with three AEW tag team titles over seven years, marking their excellence in professional wrestling.