Dax Harwood Bio
Early Life and Background
David Michael Harwood, known professionally as Dax Harwood, was born on June 30, 1984, in Whiteville, North Carolina, U.S. Growing up in a small town, he developed an interest in wrestling at a young age. Harwood attended the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where he earned a degree in business communication after initially playing college football at East Carolina University.
Harwood’s passion for wrestling led him to pursue a career in the sport, making his professional debut in 2004. His early exposure to wrestling came from watching matches on television and participating in local wrestling events, which laid the foundation for his future success in the industry.
Path to All Elite Wrestling
Harwood began his wrestling career on the independent circuit, performing under various ring names, including KC McKnight. He wrestled for numerous promotions, gaining experience and honing his craft. His notable early achievements included competing in CWF Mid-Atlantic and making an appearance for Ring of Honor in 2010.
In 2012, Harwood signed with WWE, where he adopted the ring name Scott Dawson. He trained at the WWE Performance Center and quickly made his television debut on NXT, marking the beginning of his journey in a major wrestling promotion. His time in WWE would see him become part of a successful tag team that would redefine tag team wrestling in the company.
Dax Harwood Career
Early Career (2004–2012)
Harwood made his professional wrestling debut on August 13, 2004. He spent several years wrestling for various independent promotions, where he built a reputation for his technical skills and in-ring psychology. During this time, he achieved several key victories and developed his persona, which would later resonate with fans on a larger stage.
In 2012, he signed with WWE and began competing in NXT, where he formed a tag team with Dash Wilder. The duo, initially known as The Mechanics, would later become The Revival, a name that would become synonymous with excellence in tag team wrestling.
WWE Breakthrough (2012–2020)
In WWE, Harwood and Wilder quickly made a name for themselves as The Revival. They won the NXT Tag Team Championship twice and became the first team to hold the WWE Tag Team Triple Crown, capturing the Raw, SmackDown, and NXT Tag Team Championships. Their matches against teams like American Alpha and DIY are considered classics, showcasing their ability to tell compelling stories in the ring.
The Revival’s success continued on the main roster, where they captured the Raw Tag Team Championships and the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. Their tenure in WWE solidified their status as one of the top tag teams of their generation, known for their hard-hitting style and dedication to the craft.
All Elite Wrestling Era (2020–Present)
In May 2020, Harwood and Wilder made their debut in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as FTR, quickly establishing themselves as a top tag team. They captured the AEW World Tag Team Championships, making history as the first team to hold tag team titles in both AEW and WWE. Their matches against The Young Bucks and other top teams have been highly praised, further solidifying their legacy in professional wrestling.
FTR’s time in AEW has been marked by significant achievements, including winning the AAA World Tag Team Championship and the ROH World Tag Team Championship. Their ability to adapt and thrive in various promotions has showcased their versatility as performers.
Professional Wrestler Style and Strengths
Dax Harwood is known for his technical wrestling skills, strong psychology, and ability to tell compelling stories in the ring. His partnership with Cash Wheeler has allowed him to showcase his strengths as a tag team wrestler, utilizing a blend of high-impact moves and strategic teamwork.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Harwood has achieved numerous milestones throughout his career, including being a three-time AEW World Tag Team Champion and a two-time NXT Tag Team Champion. His matches against top teams in the industry have left a lasting impact on the wrestling landscape.
Dax Harwood Career Wins
Dax Harwood has accumulated a significant number of wins throughout his career across various promotions, establishing himself as a formidable competitor in the tag team division.
Current AEW Series Highlights
As of 2025, Harwood has secured multiple wins in AEW, including capturing the AEW World Tag Team Championships three times with Cash Wheeler. Their first win in AEW came shortly after their debut, defeating Kenny Omega and Hangman Page at All Out. Their most recent title reign began in November 2024, marking another successful chapter in their careers.
Previous WWE Series Achievements
During his time in WWE, Harwood, as Scott Dawson, achieved significant success, winning the Raw Tag Team Championships twice and the SmackDown Tag Team Championships once. His contributions to the tag team division helped elevate the status of tag team wrestling within the company.
Dax Harwood Family
Family Background and Wrestling Lineage
Dax Harwood is married to Maria Nickolopoulos, and together they have a daughter named Finley Gray, born in 2014. While not directly linked to a wrestling lineage, Harwood’s dedication to the sport and his family’s support have played a crucial role in his success.
Personal Life
Outside of wrestling, Harwood has expressed his love for his family and the importance of balancing his career with personal life. He has faced challenges, including the impact of Hurricane Florence on his family’s home in North Carolina, but remains committed to his profession and family.
2025 Season Performance
As of 2025, Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler continue to be a dominant force in the AEW tag team division. Their recent matches have showcased their resilience and ability to adapt to various opponents. With a strong fan following and a reputation for delivering high-quality performances, FTR remains a key player in the tag team landscape. The upcoming year promises exciting matchups and potential title opportunities as they aim to further solidify their legacy in professional wrestling.
