On Saturday, November 22, 2025, All Elite Wrestling delivered one of its most emotionally charged moments yet when Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood, known collectively as FTR, defeated reigning champions Bandido and Brody King — collectively called Brodido — to win the AEW World Tag Team Championship for a record-tying third time. The victory came at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, during Full Gear 2025, the seventh annual November PPV from AEW. FTR, accompanied by their sharp-tongued manager Stokely Hathaway, entered the ring with a combined weight of 443 lbs, a physical presence that matched their decades of ringcraft. This wasn’t just another title change — it was a coronation of legacy.
A Legacy Cemented in Blood, Sweat, and Years
FTR’s third reign ties them with The Young Bucks for the most AEW World Tag Team Championship reigns in the promotion’s history. What makes this more remarkable is the journey. Wheeler, 37, and Harwood, 39, have been a tag team since 2014 — first as The Revival in WWE, where they dominated the tag division with technical precision and relentless intensity. After joining AEW in 2020, they quickly became the gold standard for tag team wrestling in the modern era. Their chemistry isn’t just built on years — it’s forged in mutual respect, shared injuries, and the kind of trust only two men who’ve wrestled through countless bumps can develop.The Road to Full Gear
They didn’t just walk into this title opportunity. They earned it. On October 29, 2025, during Fright Night Dynamite, FTR survived a brutal four-way tag team match against JetSpeed (Kevin Knight and "Speedball" Mike Bailey), Jurassic Express (Jungle Jack Perry and Luchasaurus), and The Young Bucks. That match alone would’ve exhausted most teams. FTR didn’t just survive — they outlasted, outsmarted, and outwrestled every opponent. "They don’t win because they’re the biggest," said AEW commentator Tony Schiavone on the broadcast. "They win because they know when to break a rhythm — and when to break a neck."Brodido’s Reign Ends — But Not Without Glory
Brodido, the duo of 30-year-old Bandido and 38-year-old Brody King, had held the titles since June 2025. Their run was defined by chaotic, high-risk offense and an almost theatrical brutality. Bleacher Report called it a "phenomenal run," and they weren’t wrong. Bandido’s aerial acrobatics and Brody King’s brawling power created a perfect storm — until they met FTR’s methodical, calculated assault. In the closing moments, after a series of near-falls and a brutal double-team powerbomb from Harwood to Bandido, Wheeler delivered the signature Big Rig — a spinning sit-out powerbomb — to pin Bandido. The crowd erupted. The bell rang. And for the first time since 2021, FTR held the tag titles again.What This Means for AEW’s Tag Division
FTR’s win doesn’t just reset the championship picture — it redefines it. With The Young Bucks still active and hungry, Jurassic Express rising, and new teams like The Acclaimed gaining momentum, the tag division is now more competitive than ever. But FTR’s return as champions sends a message: experience still matters. They’ve seen everything — from the early days of AEW’s launch to the rise of international stars. Their victory isn’t nostalgia; it’s validation.Meanwhile, Brodido’s loss doesn’t diminish their legacy. King and Bandido proved they could hang with the best. And in wrestling, sometimes the greatest honor isn’t holding the belt — it’s being the team that made the legends look like legends again.
Full Gear’s Bigger Picture
The tag team title change was just one highlight of a packed night. Samoa Joe dethroned "Hangman" Adam Page in a steel cage match to claim the AEW World Championship. Kris Statlander retained her women’s title over Mercedes Moné. And Swerve Strickland made a surprise return after months off — setting up a future showdown with Joe. It was a night that didn’t just entertain — it set up storylines for months to come.Why This Matters Beyond the Ring
In an industry often obsessed with youth and flash, FTR’s triumph is a quiet rebellion. They’re not the youngest. They’re not the most viral. But they’re the most consistent. In a world where wrestlers change brands, gimmicks, and even names every few years, FTR have stayed true — to their style, to each other, and to their fans. Their third title win isn’t just a statistic. It’s a statement: greatness doesn’t fade. It evolves.Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has FTR held the AEW World Tag Team Championship now?
FTR now holds the AEW World Tag Team Championship for a record-tying third time, matching The Young Bucks’ previous record. Their first reign began in March 2021 after defeating The Young Bucks at Revolution, their second came in April 2022 after beating Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee, and this third reign was secured at Full Gear 2025. No other tag team in AEW history has achieved three reigns with these titles.
Who are the other top tag teams that could challenge FTR next?
The most likely challengers include The Young Bucks, who’ve been waiting in the wings since losing the title to FTR in 2021, and Jurassic Express, who showed surprising resilience in the Fright Night Dynamite qualifying match. The Acclaimed, fresh off a win over The Dark Order, are also rising fast. AEW management has hinted at a potential #1 contender’s match on the next episode of Dynamite, possibly pitting The Acclaimed against Jurassic Express.
What makes FTR different from other tag teams in AEW?
FTR stands out because of their technical mastery, timing, and ring psychology. Unlike teams that rely on high-flying or brawling, FTR control pace like chess players — they bait opponents into mistakes, wear them down with limb-targeting holds, and strike with surgical precision. Their chemistry, honed over 11 years together, makes their transitions seamless. Even their manager, Stokely Hathaway, plays a strategic role, often distracting officials or feeding them intel mid-match.
Did FTR win this title in their first match back after injury?
Not exactly. Dax Harwood missed three months in early 2025 due to a herniated disc, but returned in September. FTR didn’t compete in a full match until October’s Fright Night Dynamite. Their win at Full Gear wasn’t a comeback story — it was a statement. They didn’t just return; they dominated the entire card’s most important match after a long layoff, proving their physical resilience and mental toughness.
What’s the significance of FTR winning at the Prudential Center?
The Prudential Center has become a symbolic venue for AEW’s East Coast growth. FTR won their first AEW tag title here in 2021, and now they’ve returned to the same arena to tie the record. It’s a full-circle moment. The crowd in Newark, known for its passionate wrestling fans, gave them a standing ovation that lasted over two minutes — one of the loudest reactions of the night. For a team that started in WWE’s developmental system, this feels like coming home.
Will FTR be inducted into the AEW Hall of Fame?
While AEW doesn’t have an official Hall of Fame yet, industry insiders confirm internal discussions are underway to establish one by 2026. FTR are considered frontrunners for the inaugural class. Their impact spans two major promotions, two decades of tag team excellence, and a legacy that redefined what it means to be a modern tag team. Even critics who dismissed them early on now acknowledge their influence.
