FTR, formerly known as The Revival, are often hailed by wrestling fans as one of the greatest tag teams of the modern era. While Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler are currently signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), their tenure in WWE’s NXT brand remains some of their most celebrated work, featuring classic matches against tag teams like #DIY and The Authors of Pain. However, their transition from NXT to WWE’s main roster marked a drastic and challenging shift.
In a recent episode of “Power Alphas,” Harwood opened up about the struggles they faced during this transition, describing a daily battle with WWE writers and executives, especially with Vince McMahon.
“Everything that, at the time, Vince McMahon loved about a professional wrestler… Cash and I were the complete antithesis to that,” Harwood explained. “We were not his bodybuilders. We didn’t meet his height requirements… I knew it was going to be a fight on the main roster, and it was. Almost every day it was a fight.”
Harwood highlighted the stark contrast between their time in NXT and their main roster experience. Under the leadership of Paul “Triple H” Levesque in NXT, their wrestling abilities and in-ring work were highly valued.
“[Triple H] admired your wrestling and your work and what you brought to the table in-ring more than Vince did at the time,” Harwood recalled. “Vince had his idea of what a successful professional wrestler is… We were the opposite of that.”
This ongoing conflict took a toll on Harwood and Wheeler, who were accustomed to a more appreciative environment in NXT. Triple H’s respect for their craft provided a sense of validation that they found lacking on the main roster under McMahon’s vision.
Management Styles: Triple H vs. Vince McMahon
Since Levesque took over as head of creative for WWE, many wrestlers have acknowledged the differences in management styles between him and McMahon. Triple H is known for his focus on in-ring performance and storytelling, whereas McMahon has often prioritized a specific look and marketability.
Harwood’s recount of their main roster struggle is a testament to these differing philosophies. Despite Levesque’s rise in WWE’s creative hierarchy, Harwood and Wheeler chose to sign new four-year deals with AEW in 2023, indicating their preference for an environment where they feel more creatively and professionally satisfied.
The Future of FTR
Looking ahead, Harwood and Wheeler have stated their intention to retire once their current AEW contracts expire. This decision underscores the importance they place on their working environment and creative freedom. Their time in WWE, particularly on the main roster, seems to have left a lasting impact on how they view their professional journey and the choices they make.
FTR’s journey from NXT to WWE’s main roster, and eventually to AEW, paints a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs that come with navigating different corporate cultures in professional wrestling. Their story highlights the ongoing tension between creative vision and corporate expectations in the industry.
Stephen’s Insight
Dax Harwood’s candid reflections offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of professional wrestling, shedding light on the personal and professional challenges wrestlers face. His story is not just about the struggle for recognition but also about the quest for a work environment that respects and nurtures true wrestling talent.
