6-time WWE champion knew he could be fired from AEW over legal troubles
Over the years, AEW has emerged as an incredible alternative to WWE. The Jacksonville-based company now employs several former WWE stars. Some of them have become huge assets, and the promotion does not hold back in pushing them.
One of AEW's biggest assets is FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood). The duo was known as "The Revival" when they were signed to the WWE. In the Triple H-led company, they were a staggering six-time tag champions, the two won titles like the WWE Raw Tag Team Championship, the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship, and the NXT Tag Team Championship. Interestingly, Cash Wheeler considered retirement in 2023.
In August 2023, the 37-year-old was arrested for aggravated assault with a firearm. The case was ultimately dropped earlier this year, however, Wheeler knew that there was a chance Tony Khan was going to fire him. Had he been found guilty and could have been imprisoned for five years.
In a recent conversation with Renee Paquette on Close Up, the FTR member candidly spoke about his legal troubles.
"The maximum, if the judge sees fit, is five years in prison. I knew that, but I also knew that I didn’t do it and I was not going to sit here and be like, ‘I’ll take any charge to not go to jail.’ If I do that, AEW has to get rid of me." he said. [H/T: Inside the Ropes]
AEW star Cash Wheeler did not accept a plea deal in the case against him
In the interview mentioned above, Wheeler revealed that he told his lawyers that he wouldn't take a plea deal in his case. However, this meant that he had no other choice but to face consequences if he was found guilty.
"I told my lawyers when it happened; I would not take any sort of plea deal, I would not plead guilty to any charge. I was not guilty and I would not take any sort of plea. On the flip of that, it means I faced the full repercussions if they do find me guilty." said Wheeler. [H/T: Inside the Ropes]
FTR has held the AEW World Tag Team Championship twice. The fans want to see them win the title once again soon.