On November 22, 2025, at precisely 6:35 PM UTC, Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood, better known as FTR, did the unthinkable: they became the first tag team in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) history to win the AEW World Tag Team Championship three separate times. The moment came during the seventh annual Full Gear Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, where they pinned reigning champions Brodido — Brody King and Bandido — in a match that had the crowd on its feet for nearly 20 minutes. It wasn’t just a title change. It was a coronation.
History Made in Newark
FTR’s win wasn’t just about the belt. It tied them with The Young Bucks for the most reigns in AEW tag team history — and then, with one final roll-up after a brutal Money Maker from Wheeler, they broke the tie. The crowd erupted. Even the commentary team paused. This wasn’t just another title defense. This was legacy-building. Wheeler, at 34, and Harwood, 36, have been wrestling together since their TNA days, and their chemistry has only sharpened with time. They entered the ring that night weighing a combined 443 pounds — a testament to their power and endurance. Their manager, Stokely Hathaway from Asheville, North Carolina, stood at ringside, arms crossed, as if he’d seen this moment coming since the moment they walked into AEW in 2020.
The Road to Full Gear
They didn’t just stumble into this opportunity. FTR earned it. In October 2025, they survived a brutal four-way elimination match at Fright Night Dynamite, defeating JetSpeed, Jurassic Express, and The Young Bucks — all of whom had legitimate claims to being the top tag team in the company. That night, they didn’t just win. They outlasted. They outsmarted. They outwrestled. And when the final bell rang, it was clear: no one else in AEW could match their resilience.
Brodido, meanwhile, had held the titles for 123 days — since winning them at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door on August 24, 2025, in London’s O2 Arena. King, the British brawler, and Bandido, the explosive Mexican high-flyer, were a perfect storm of power and speed. Their reign was defined by dramatic comebacks, including Bandido’s frog splash off the top rope that had fans gasping. But on this night, FTR’s experience and ring IQ won out. When Brody King went for his signature body-targeting offense, Harwood blocked it with a forearm. When Bandido leapt for the frog splash, Wheeler sidestepped — and Harwood delivered the low blow that turned the tide.
A Night of Title Changes
Full Gear 2025 wasn’t just about FTR. It was a night of seismic shifts. Samoa Joe reclaimed the AEW World Championship by defeating ‘Hangman’ Adam Page in a steel cage. Kris Statlander retained her AEW Women’s World Championship against Mercedes Moné. And in the night’s most surprising moment, Ricochet won the inaugural AEW National Championship by pinning Kevin Knight in a chaotic Casino Gauntlet match.
It was the first time AEW’s annual November PPV carried a corporate sponsor — DC Comics — and the branding was everywhere: from the entrance ramps to the broadcast graphics. The partnership, while new, felt natural. Wrestling and comics have always shared DNA. And if AEW wanted to elevate its storytelling, what better partner than the publisher of Superman and Batman?
What This Means for AEW
FTR’s third reign isn’t just a personal milestone — it’s a statement. In a wrestling landscape where younger teams are constantly pushing for the spotlight, FTR proved that experience, discipline, and timing still matter. Their previous reigns — 63 days in 2020 and 185 days in 2023 — were both marked by dominance. But this one? This one feels different. It’s not about longevity. It’s about legacy.
AEW has spent years building a roster of fresh faces. But FTR — two veterans who’ve been through the trenches — are now the standard-bearers for tag team wrestling in the modern era. Their win signals that AEW isn’t just about the next big thing. It’s about honoring the greats who made it possible.
What’s Next for FTR?
With the title now around their waist for the third time, the question isn’t who they’ll defend against — it’s who dares to challenge them. The Young Bucks are waiting. JetSpeed are hungry. And with Brodido’s reign ending so abruptly, both King and Bandido have already hinted at a rematch. But here’s the twist: FTR aren’t just champions. They’re mentors. Dax Harwood has been seen training younger teams in the AEW performance center. Cash Wheeler has taken on a behind-the-scenes role in booking. This isn’t just about holding belts. It’s about shaping the future.
Behind the Scenes: The Prudential Center
The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey — a 19,500-seat arena that’s hosted everything from NHL hockey to Grammy-winning concerts — has become AEW’s November home. This was the third Full Gear held there, following the 2022 and 2024 events. The venue’s intimate feel, combined with its location just 10 miles from New York City, gives AEW access to a massive, passionate fanbase. And judging by the noise level Saturday night, the fans showed up in force.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has FTR won the AEW World Tag Team Championship?
FTR has now won the AEW World Tag Team Championship three times: first from September 5 to November 7, 2020 (63 days), second from April 5 to October 7, 2023 (185 days), and most recently on November 22, 2025. Their third reign makes them the first team in AEW history to achieve this feat, surpassing The Young Bucks and other past champions who held the title twice.
Who did FTR defeat to win the title at Full Gear 2025?
FTR defeated Brodido — the team of Brody King and Bandido — to win the championship. Brodido had held the titles for 123 days after winning them at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door on August 24, 2025, in London. The match ended when Cash Wheeler pinned Bandido after a sequence involving a low blow from Dax Harwood and a Money Maker from Wheeler.
What was significant about the Full Gear 2025 event?
Full Gear 2025 was the first AEW pay-per-view presented by DC Comics, marking a major sponsorship milestone. It also featured four title changes, including Samoa Joe reclaiming the AEW World Title and Ricochet winning the inaugural AEW National Championship. Held at the Prudential Center in Newark, it was the third consecutive year the venue hosted the event, solidifying its status as AEW’s flagship November show.
Why is FTR’s third reign considered historic?
No tag team in AEW history had ever won the World Tag Team Championship three times before. While The Young Bucks tied the record with two reigns each, FTR broke the tie with their November 2025 victory. Their longevity, consistency, and ability to remain relevant across multiple eras of AEW make them the gold standard for tag team excellence in the promotion’s history.
Who is Stokely Hathaway, and what role did he play?
Stokely Hathaway, from Asheville, North Carolina, is FTR’s longtime manager and a former AEW wrestler himself. At Full Gear, he played a psychological role — distracting Brodido with his presence, feeding FTR cues during the match, and celebrating their win with a rare emotional display. His involvement adds depth to their storyline, reinforcing FTR’s identity as a veteran, calculated unit.
Where will FTR defend their title next?
AEW has not officially announced FTR’s next defense, but their reign will likely be tested at the next major PPV, Winter Is Coming, scheduled for December 11, 2025. Rumors suggest The Young Bucks are already negotiating for a rematch, and Brodido have publicly demanded another shot. With FTR’s momentum, expect a high-stakes, multi-team match to crown the next challengers.