FTR has publicly pushed back against a recent claim made by former AEW talent Jake Hager, who suggested the tag team once refused to appear at a television taping.
During a new episode of Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Hager recalled a talent-only meeting following the 2022 incident involving CM Punk. He alleged that AEW President Tony Khan entered the room and angrily told the roster, “Listen, I’ll put you in a six-man, six minutes before the show and you’re going to do it.” Hager stated this outburst was prompted by a talent’s refusal to come to TV that day over creative differences, speculating that it was FTR.
Dax Harwood directly refuted Hager’s account on social media. “Cash and I were at the all-talent only meeting that was called by Bryan, Jericho, and Mox. Tony never interrupted,” Harwood tweeted. “Cash and I have NEVER refused to show up to work and, I’d dare say, if you look at our schedules since Collision started, we’re the most consistent talent that make BOTH shows EVERY WEEK. Im not really sure where all this is coming from, but it’s mostly not true.”
Cash Wheeler also denied the allegation, sharing a direct message exchange he had with Hager today to address the comments.
Hager’s claims come shortly after he has been vocal about his frustrations with AEW following his departure last year. He has criticized Khan’s leadership, labeling him unprofessional and unreceptive to feedback from talent.
The former champion stated he felt “jaded” by the experience, particularly citing a contract extension offer in 2022 that he considered disrespectful. Hager ultimately re-signed but felt his contributions were undervalued, signaling to him that Khan no longer wanted him in the company. His contract expired in 2024, leading to a mutual departure.