Dax Harwood, who is one part of the highly praised duo FTR (previously known as The Revival), recently talked about the tough switch from WWE’s NXT to the primary roster. Acknowledged for their remarkable skills in the ring and unforgettable tag team battles against #DIY and The Authors of Pain, Harwood and Cash Wheeler faced a markedly different environment upon moving to WWE’s flagship shows, RAW and SmackDown.
Battle of Titans: Triple H versus Vince McMahon
Harwood’s retelling illustrates the sharp differences in leadership approaches between Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Vince McMahon. Under the leadership of Triple H in NXT, FTR flourished. “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 explained. The NXT environment was one where wrestling prowess was paramount, and FTR’s talents were celebrated and nurtured.
However, this supportive atmosphere vanished when they moved to the main roster. “Everything that, at the time, Vince McMahon loved about a professional wrestler… Cash and I were the complete antithesis to that,” Harwood remarked. McMahon’s vision favored larger-than-life personalities with imposing physiques, a stark contrast to FTR’s technical wrestling style. This philosophical clash created a daily struggle for recognition and respect.
The Daily Struggle for Acceptance
Harwood described the transition as a relentless battle, one that tested their patience and resolve. “I knew it was going to be a fight on the main roster, and it was. Almost every day it was a fight,” he revealed. This constant friction stemmed from McMahon’s insistence on a particular image and style, which often sidelined FTR’s wrestling abilities in favor of more marketable traits.
The frustration was palpable. Despite their proven track record in NXT, Harwood and Wheeler found themselves at odds with WWE’s main roster’s creative direction. The lack of appreciation for their in-ring contributions was a stark contrast to the respect they enjoyed under Triple H’s leadership. This ongoing tension not only affected their professional satisfaction but also took a personal toll.
FTR’s AEW Exodus
By 2023, the wear and tear of these battles led Harwood and Wheeler to sign new four-year contracts with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a company where they felt their wrestling ethos was better understood and appreciated. This decision marked a significant shift in their careers, one that emphasized their desire for creative freedom and professional respect.
Harwood and Wheeler have since stated their intention to retire once their AEW contracts expire. This declaration underscores the profound impact their WWE experience had on their perspective. They seek an environment where their skills are not only recognized but also celebrated, a stark departure from their tumultuous time on WWE’s main roster.
A Reflection on Corporate Wrestling Culture
FTR’s transition from NXT to WWE’s main roster and later to AEW reflects the larger struggles wrestlers encounter in the industry. It emphasizes the clash of artistic vision and business demands, which can greatly impact a wrestler’s professional trajectory. Harwood’s honest reflections provide a unique insight into the personal and professional aspects of action, revealing the hidden challenges behind the flashy world of professional wrestling.
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