FTR wrestlers credit Stokely Hathaway for team success

Dax Harwood has emphasized the vital role manager Stokely Hathaway plays in the ongoing success of the tag team FTR. Since their partnership began in April 2025, the duo—consisting of Harwood and Cash Wheeler—has achieved significant momentum in AEW, including a 183-day reign as tag team champions and victories over teams such as The Rascalz, Brodido, and the Bang Bang Gang.

In an interview with SB Nation, Harwood revealed that he had previously suggested Hathaway to AEW President Tony Khan in late 2021 or early 2022, envisioning him as a ‘Jim Cornette’ figure for the team. Cash Wheeler added that Hathaway is a ‘slick businessman’ behind the scenes and a versatile performer in front of the camera, capable of shifting between comedic and serious roles.

Harwood expressed how integral the alliance has become, stating, ‘I don’t know if we could ever go for the rest of our careers without FTR and Stokely being together.’