Dax Harwood Reflects on WWE Challenges, Praises Triple H, and Embraces AEW Future with FTR

FTR, formerly The Revival, became well-known as a top tag team in WWE’s NXT. They were praised for their technical skills and classic wrestling style in matches against teams like #DIY and The Authors of Pain. However, their career took a different direction when they moved up to WWE’s main roster.

In a recent interview on “Power Alphas,” Dax Harwood (formerly known as Scott Dawson) reflected on the challenges they faced on WWE’s main roster, particularly in navigating the creative differences with Vince McMahon, WWE’s chairman and CEO.

Harwood highlighted the disconnect between McMahon’s vision of a successful wrestler—often favoring larger, more muscular performers—and their own style, which focused more on in-ring ability and traditional wrestling skills rather than physical stature.

During their time in NXT, FTR found strong support from Paul “Triple H” Levesque, who oversaw NXT and valued their wrestling ability. This contrasted sharply with McMahon’s preferences, creating a dynamic where FTR felt they had to continually prove themselves and fight against creative decisions that didn’t align with their wrestling philosophy.

Despite Triple H’s influence in NXT, McMahon’s overarching control of WWE’s main roster presented ongoing challenges for FTR. Harwood described their experience as a daily struggle against the established norms and expectations, where they often found themselves at odds with the direction McMahon envisioned for their characters.

Ultimately, these frustrations led FTR to seek new opportunities. In 2023, they made the decision to sign with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where they felt their wrestling style and creative input would be better aligned.

Their decision to sign long-term contracts with AEW, despite WWE’s leadership changes and Triple H’s increased influence, underscores their commitment to a wrestling environment that values their skills and vision.

Looking ahead, Harwood has indicated that their current contracts with AEW will likely be their last in professional wrestling, marking the culmination of their careers on their own terms.

Their journey—from NXT darlings to main roster strugglers to respected figures in AEW—reflects the ongoing evolution and challenges within professional wrestling’s creative landscape, shaped by the contrasting visions of its prominent leaders.