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Dax Harwood Celebrates Anniversary Of First Pro Wrestling Match

By Craig Ballantyne • Published 14th August 2023
Dax Harwood

Dax Harwood had his first pro wrestling match almost two decades ago.

The star began his career on the independent scene under the name KC McKnight and wrestled for multiple promotions, including CWF Mid-Atlantic, WCEW, and GOUGE. In 2010, he had his first match in Ring of Honor, teaming with Ernesto Osiris and Scotty Sabre in a losing effort against Grizzly Redwood and The Bravado Brothers.

After several more years in the indies, Harwood signed with WWE in 2012 and began his breakthrough run when he was paired with Cash Wheeler in 2014, forming The Revival. The pair quickly became a popular act in the then-Black & Gold brand with multiple high-profile feuds against the likes of American Alpha, Enzo Amore & Big Cass, and a classic series of matches against DIY’s Tomasso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano.

On the main roster, the pair were multi-time Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Champions, but in 2020 decided it was time to move on and asked to be released from their contracts.

Rebranding themselves as FTR, Harwood and Wheeler joined AEW in May of that year and soon established themselves as one of the top teams in the company with classic matches against The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega & ‘Hangman’ Adam Page.

More recently, the pair captured the AEW Tag Team Championships for the second time and have defended them against Adam Cole & MJF as well as Bullet Club Gold’s Jay White & Juice Robinson.

Dax Harwood reflects on his 19-year career

In a post on social media, Harwood professed his love for pro wrestling despite the negative things it can bring.

“19 years ago, today, I wrestled my very first match. I love professional wrestling. Like LOVE it. To the point of hate, doubt, frustration, insecurity, etc.

“This is sappy, but, if a guy who’s 5’10”, bald, chubby, crazy ass accent can make it, so can y’all. Top Guys out”

FTR’s next challenge will come on the biggest stage AEW has ever seen as they take on the Young Bucks in a rubber match in London’s Wembley Stadium at All In on August 27th.