In a recent interview with WrestleZone, Dax Harwood of FTR reflected on the trio’s previous alliances with CM Punk and Randy Orton, comparing those experiences to their current partnership with Adam Copeland (aka “The Rated R Superstar”) in AEW. Harwood noted that while there are similarities between these collaborations, there are also some distinct differences.
When discussing his time working with CM Punk, Harwood acknowledged that their potential run was altered by injuries. In June 2022, Punk and FTR had a memorable victory over Max Caster and The Gunn Club, but shortly after, Punk suffered a foot injury that sidelined him for a while, putting their alliance on hold until 2023. Harwood expressed that while he believed the CMFTR alliance could have been very successful, the timing and injuries prevented it from fully reaching its potential. However, Harwood also pointed out that he and Punk, as well as Cash Wheeler, were close friends, which made their partnership even more special.
As for FTR’s brief run with Randy Orton in WWE, Harwood shared that the team had great chemistry with the veteran superstar. After the 2019 SummerSlam event, FTR (then known as The Revival) teamed with Orton against The New Day. However, their run was short-lived, lasting only two months before the WWE Draft separated them, with Orton heading to Raw and FTR staying on SmackDown. Harwood reflected on how the run could have been much longer and more successful, given their natural connection in the ring.
Now, with Adam Copeland in AEW, Harwood feels that their current partnership is different. The camaraderie between the three members of Rated FTR extends beyond wrestling, with Harwood emphasizing their daily communication and like-mindedness. The group is not only goal-oriented but also values their family lives, which Harwood believes has created a stronger bond compared to his past runs with Punk and Orton. This deeper connection with Copeland seems to be setting the stage for a more fulfilling and potentially long-lasting partnership in AEW.