One big thing
AEW star Cash Wheeler of FTR nearly retired from professional wrestling following his arrest in 2022, revealing the emotional toll the incident took on him and his career.
Why it matters
Wheeler’s revelation sheds light on the personal struggles wrestlers face behind the scenes and the potential impact of legal issues on their careers.
The details
• Wheeler and tag team partner Dax Harwood appeared on “Close Up With Renee Paquette” to discuss the incident publicly.
• Harwood revealed he had to talk Wheeler out of retirement, as Wheeler was concerned about subjecting his partner to backlash.
• The arrest occurred in August 2022, with charges dismissed in May 2023.
• Wheeler maintained his innocence throughout, refusing to accept any plea deals.
By the numbers
• Wheeler faced a potential maximum sentence of 5 years in prison if found guilty.
• He paid thousands of dollars out of pocket for a polygraph test, which he passed.
Behind the scenes
• Wheeler kept the arrest secret from most people, including his family, for weeks.
• He struggled with the uncertainty of his future during the legal process.
• The wrestler described the emotional strain of turning himself in and being arrested.
What’s next
Wheeler and Harwood are set to compete in a 10-man tag match on AEW Collision this Saturday, signaling a return to normalcy for the tag team.
The bottom line
Cash Wheeler’s near-retirement highlights the personal challenges wrestlers face and the potential career-altering consequences of legal issues in professional wrestling.
What do you think about Cash Wheeler’s decision to continue his wrestling career despite the emotional turmoil? Leave a comment below with your thoughts on how wrestlers should handle personal challenges in the public eye.
