As AEW continues to build toward its biggest event, All In, every match carries significance. The upcoming bout between FTR and The Outrunners on AEW Collision is no exception
With a surprising stipulation in place, the match promises to be an entertaining and memorable encounter.
Whether FTR secures a victory or The Outrunners pull off an upset, the outcome will have implications for the future of AEW’s tag team division.
For Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler, the match is another step on their journey to reclaiming the AEW World Tag Team Championship. For The Outrunners, it’s an opportunity to make a statement and cement their place in AEW.
Wrestling fans won’t want to miss this match, as it could set the stage for one of the most anticipated tag team matches in AEW history.
The criticism leveled at Dax Harwood by Disco Inferno following Harwood’s admission of wrestling with a hematoma has sparked important discussions within the wrestling community. At the heart of the issue is the balance between a wrestler’s desire to perform and the need to ensure their health and safety.
For AEW, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards and fostering a culture where talent feel supported in prioritizing their health.
As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for wrestling promotions to learn from such incidents, ensuring that the well-being of their performers is always at the forefront of their priorities.
Also Read: WWE Champions Drop Subtle Young Bucks Reference Ahead of AEW Dynamite
Table of Contents
Dax Harwood: Bold Challenge in AEW Collision
In the world of professional wrestling, surprises and unexpected challenges are part of the game. Fans are always on the lookout for what’s next, and it seems that one former WWE Superstar is keeping them on their toes.1
Dax Harwood, one-half of the renowned tag team FTR, recently added an unusual stipulation to an upcoming match on AEW Collision.
This bold move has caught the attention of wrestling enthusiasts and set the stage for what promises to be an entertaining encounter.
FTR’s Journey to AEW Stardom
FTR, consisting of Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler, has had an impressive career in professional wrestling. They first made a name for themselves in WWE, where they captured the RAW, SmackDown, and NXT Tag Team Championships.
Their old-school, no-nonsense style resonated with fans, earning them a reputation as one of the best tag teams in the business.
After leaving WWE, FTR continued to build their legacy in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). The duo has held the AEW World Tag Team Championship twice and is on the verge of making history by becoming three-time champions.
Their success in AEW has solidified their status as a top-tier tag team in the world of professional wrestling.
FTR vs. The Acclaimed: Current Feud Explained
FTR is currently embroiled in a heated feud with The Acclaimed, a popular tag team consisting of Max Caster and Anthony Bowens.2
The Acclaimed, known for their entertaining promos and in-ring skills, have risen to the top of the AEW tag team division and are the number one contenders for the AEW World Tag Team Championship.
Despite earning their shot at the titles, Max and Anthony have yet to cash in on their opportunity, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the showdown.
There is speculation that both teams may be waiting for the biggest show in AEW’s history, All In, to make their move.
All In, set to take place at Wembley Stadium in London, is shaping up to be one of the most significant events in professional wrestling. A clash between FTR and The Acclaimed at this event would undoubtedly be a highlight of the show.
90 minute warning! #AEWRampage pic.twitter.com/I1xLjMll9X
— Uncle Dax FTR (@DaxFTR) August 10, 2024
A Step Closer to All In: FTR vs. The Outrunners
As FTR prepares for their potential showdown with The Acclaimed, they have another challenge ahead of them.
On the upcoming episode of AEW Collision, Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler will face The Outrunners, a team that has been gaining momentum in AEW. The Outrunners have been featured in several matches recently and have impressed with their performances.
This match is more than just a stepping stone for FTR; it’s an opportunity to gain momentum heading into All In. The Outrunners, eager to make a name for themselves, will undoubtedly be looking to score an upset victory over the established veterans.
The Importance of Stipulations in Wrestling
Stipulations are a long-standing tradition in professional wrestling. They add drama and excitement to matches, giving fans something extra to invest in.
Whether it’s a title on the line, a career-ending match, or a simple bet like mustache shaving, stipulations can elevate the stakes and create memorable moments.
For FTR, this stipulation is a way to add a personal touch to the match. It shows that they’re willing to put something on the line, even if it’s something as seemingly trivial as a mustache. It also demonstrates their confidence in their ability to defeat The Outrunners.
For The Outrunners, this stipulation represents an opportunity to make a name for themselves by defeating a top team and leaving a lasting impression on AEW fans.
The Potential Impact on FTR’s Future
The outcome of this match could have significant implications for FTR’s future in AEW. A victory would keep their momentum going as they head into All In, where they may face The Acclaimed for the AEW World Tag Team Championship.
However, a loss could derail their plans and force them to reassess their strategy.
The stipulation also adds a layer of psychological warfare to the match. If The Outrunners manage to win and force Harwood to shave his mustache, it could affect FTR’s confidence heading into future matches.
On the flip side, if FTR emerges victorious, it would reinforce their status as one of the top teams in AEW and set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown with The Acclaimed.
Also Read: Former WWE Star to Make AEW Heel Turn at All In? The Impact on Bryan Danielson’s Match
Dax Harwood’s Revelation: Wrestling Through Pain
Wrestling, a sport and entertainment genre that has captivated audiences for decades, continues to evolve, bringing with it new stars, stories, and controversies.3
This revelation has led to significant backlash, notably from Disco Inferno, who criticized Harwood for potentially jeopardizing the safety standards of AEW. Exploring the perspectives of both Harwood and Disco Inferno, the implications of wrestling with injuries, and the broader context within the wrestling industry.
In the world of professional wrestling, the physical demands placed on athletes are immense. Wrestlers are often expected to perform at their peak, night after night, often without adequate time for recovery.
Harwood, one half of the acclaimed tag team FTR, took to social media in June to reveal that he had been wrestling with the injury. While he downplayed the severity, stating that it was bearable, the admission nonetheless highlighted the lengths to which wrestlers sometimes go to maintain their position and fulfill their commitments.
This revelation, however, was not received positively by everyone, with some in the wrestling community, including Disco Inferno, expressing concerns over the potential risks such behavior could pose to both the individual and the organization.
Disco Inferno’s Criticism: A Veteran’s Perspective
- Disco Inferno, a veteran of the WCW and a well-known figure in the wrestling world, did not mince words when responding to Harwood’s tweet.
- Inferno, whose real name is Glenn Gilbertti, has been a vocal critic of various aspects of the modern wrestling industry, often speaking from his experience in the business during the 1990s and early 2000s.
- In response to Harwood’s admission, Inferno tweeted, “You just ruined your boss’ narrative that he will put their safety record up against anyone. If talent is working hurt and not telling the office, then it’s not a safe work environment. Bad look Dax.”
- This comment highlights a critical issue within the wrestling industry—the balance between maintaining a wrestler’s health and ensuring the integrity of the organization’s safety standards.
- Inferno’s critique is rooted in the idea that by wrestling with a serious injury without informing the appropriate parties, Harwood not only endangered himself but also undermined the efforts of AEW to present itself as a company that prioritizes the safety and well-being of its talent.
- For Inferno, the situation presents a “bad look” for both Harwood and the company, potentially calling into question the effectiveness of AEW’s safety protocols.
Dax Harwood: Risks of Wrestling with Injuries
The decision to wrestle while injured is not a new phenomenon in professional wrestling.
Throughout the history of the sport, countless wrestlers have pushed through pain and injury, often out of a sense of obligation to the fans, the company, or even their personal pride. However, the risks associated with such decisions can be severe, both in the short and long term.
Wrestling with an injury like a hematoma can lead to complications, including exacerbating the injury or causing long-term damage. Moreover, the physical toll of wrestling while injured can affect a performer’s ability to deliver at their best, potentially leading to a decline in performance quality and, in some cases, further injury.
From an organizational standpoint, allowing or unknowingly permitting wrestlers to perform while injured can have serious consequences. Not only does it pose a risk to the individual, but it also sets a dangerous precedent within the locker room, potentially encouraging other wrestlers to downplay or hide their injuries.
This can create a culture where the physical well-being of the talent is compromised in favor of maintaining appearances or meeting booking obligations.
The Role of AEW in Ensuring Talent Safety
- AEW, as one of the leading wrestling promotions in the world, has a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of its talent.
- This includes implementing stringent protocols for injury assessment and management, encouraging open communication between wrestlers and management regarding health issues, and fostering a culture where the health of the performers is prioritized over the demands of the business.
- In recent years, AEW has positioned itself as a company that values its talent, with various initiatives aimed at providing support and resources for wrestlers.
- However, incidents like Harwood’s admission of wrestling with a hematoma without informing management can undermine these efforts, casting doubt on the company’s commitment to safety.
- The criticism from Disco Inferno, while harsh, serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability when it comes to the health and safety of wrestlers.
- For AEW, this incident could serve as a catalyst for re-evaluating its policies and procedures, ensuring that all talent feel empowered to speak up about injuries and health concerns without fear of repercussion.
Dax Harwood: New Match
Dax Harwood announced by shared a post on his instagram account about their upcoming match ticket and more.
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The Culture of Toughness in Wrestling
Professional wrestling has long been associated with a culture of toughness, where showing vulnerability or admitting to injury is often seen as a sign of weakness.
This mentality, while ingrained in the fabric of the industry, can be detrimental to the health and well-being of performers.
Wrestlers, driven by a desire to maintain their position, fulfill obligations, and entertain the fans, may feel pressured to push through pain and injury. This culture can be perpetuated by both peers and management, creating an environment where the long-term health of the talent is secondary to the immediate demands of the business.
However, as the industry evolves, there is a growing recognition of the need to shift away from this mentality.
Promoting a culture where health and safety are prioritized, and where wrestlers feel supported in taking the necessary time to recover from injuries, is essential for the long-term sustainability of the sport.
The Impact on FTR and AEW’s All In London Card
As one of the top tag teams in AEW, FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) plays a crucial role in the company’s programming and storytelling.
Harwood’s injury and the subsequent controversy could have implications for the team’s future, particularly concerning their involvement in major events such as the upcoming All In London card.
The All In event, set to take place in London, is one of AEW’s most anticipated shows of the year, and fans are eager to see if FTR will be featured prominently on the card. However, with Harwood’s injury now public knowledge, questions may arise about his readiness to compete at such a high level.
AEW will need to carefully assess the situation, balancing the need to deliver a top-quality event with the imperative of ensuring Harwood’s health and safety.
Whether FTR will be featured on the All In London card remains to be seen, but the situation highlights the challenges that wrestling promotions face in managing talent injuries while maintaining the quality of their product.
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