The tension within Rated-FTR had been building for weeks before their Trios Championship match against The Death Riders. Issues between Dax Harwood and Cope created a rift between Harwood and Cash Wheeler. Despite their problems, the trio worked together for most of the match against PAC, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta.
The turning point came when Cope speared Yuta after a Shatter Machine. As Cope went for another spear, Yuta dodged, causing Cope to nearly hit Harwood. This left Harwood vulnerable, and Yuta capitalized with a Busaiku Knee to secure the win. After retaining their titles, The Death Riders quickly left the ring. Cope and Wheeler helped Harwood up, but Harwood suddenly snapped and piledrove Cope.
Wheeler appeared angry and confused as Harwood handed him a chair, urging him to hit Cope with a con-chair-to. Wheeler refused, pushing Harwood down and helping Cope up. However, Wheeler then betrayed Cope, delivering a Shatter Machine to confirm his alliance with Harwood. Harwood followed with another piledriver onto a steel chair. Wheeler then struck Cope twice with the chair, leaving him motionless.
FTR walked away as medical staff stretchered Cope out of the arena. The brutal attack marked a clear heel turn for both Harwood and Wheeler. The betrayal solidified their new ruthless attitude, leaving Cope as the victim of their sudden aggression. The incident has likely ended Rated-FTR’s partnership, with FTR now standing as a united but vicious force in AEW.
AEW is eyeing Cope and Christian Cage vs. FTR at All In: Texas
FTR’s shocking heel turn has set the stage for a potential showdown at AEW All In. With Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler now ruthless villains, their former best friend, Cope, stands alone. Now that the 51-year-old veteran may need an unlikely ally to survive FTR’s brutality in the form of Christian Cage.
Though Cage and Cope have been rivals, their shared enemy could force a temporary alliance. Christian, the self-proclaimed patriarch of AEW, thrives in chaos. His cunning mind and veteran instincts could counter FTR’s physical dominance. Picture Cage using his tactical brilliance while Cope brings high-energy offense. Together, they could exploit FTR’s overconfidence.
The story writes itself—betrayal, uneasy alliances, and hard-hitting action. FTR’s technical mastery versus Cope’s resilience and Cage’s mind games would deliver a must-see match. The Texas crowd would erupt for this emotional clash.
FTR’s heel run needs a defining feud. Facing Cope and Cage at AEW’s biggest show, All In, would solidify their new, vicious personas while delivering a dramatic, hard-hitting spectacle.
