Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler Turn on Adam Copeland at AEW Dynasty

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler, the duo formerly known as Rated FTR, shocked wrestling fans during AEW Dynasty on April 6, 2025, as they abandoned their longtime partner, Adam Copeland, after failing to win the Trios titles from the Death Riders.

The highly anticipated match showcased Harwood and Wheeler’s struggle to maintain their partnership in the face of rising tensions. Copeland, a friend and veteran, tried to mediate early in the bout, offering an example of teamwork. Wheeler displayed aggression against his opponents, Claudio Castagnoli, PAC, and Wheeler Yuta, reflecting a commitment to victory—at least early on.

However, the cracks in their alliance began to show when Harwood interrupted a tag that Wheeler intended for Copeland. Although Harwood initially held his own, he soon found himself isolated against the Death Riders’ strategic teamwork.

After executing a compelling series of moves, Harwood was ultimately tagged out, allowing Copeland to re-enter and clean house. The fervor of the match escalated when Wheeler attempted to save Harwood from a dangerous submission hold. Unfortunately for him, the moment led to a decisive sequence where Harwood was caught by Yuta’s knee strike, allowing the Death Riders to capitalize.

In a stunning twist, after sharing a brief hug in apparent solidarity with Copeland, Harwood instead executed a shocking piledriver on his partner. This betrayal escalated as Harwood revealed a pair of steel chairs, using them in a brutal Con-Chair-To on Copeland, who had undergone recent neck surgery.

“What the hell are you doing, FTR?!” exclaimed the announcers, expressing their disbelief at the sudden shift towards villainy. Harwood and Wheeler’s newfound aggression left fans questioning if Copeland would return to the ring after such a severe attack.

The aftermath prompted speculation about the possibility of the alliance breaking down, with the commentary team suggesting this could mark the end of Cooper’s in-ring career. Meanwhile, Kyle Decker from Cageside Seats hinted that a new partner may soon emerge to assist Copeland in battles against the newly reformed FTR.

Harwood and Wheeler’s actions at Dynasty mark their return to villain status, a drastic shift from their previous roles. The questions now remain on how this dynamic will unfold in upcoming AEW storylines and what the future holds for Copeland.