In August 2023, Cash Wheeler, a member of FTR, faced charges of aggravated assault with a firearm. It was alleged that he brandished a firearm at another individual. Despite these legal troubles, Wheeler managed to appear on AEW TV until his case was dismissed in May the following year.
In a recent discussion with Renee Paquette, Wheeler confessed that he had briefly considered retiring from wrestling in the wake of his arrest.
Below are some highlights from Wheeler’s conversation with Paquette:
About his legal ordeal: “It was an extremely difficult time. From when I was informed in August, to when it was all dismissed in May, as it should have been from the start. That duration was quite long. There were moments when I couldn’t envision life beyond May as my fate hinged on it. That was the ultimate decision point. I was adamant with my lawyers that I wouldn’t accept any plea deal or guilty plea for any charge. I was innocent and I wasn’t going to accept any plea deal. If found guilty, I was prepared to face the full wrath of the law.”
About the possible outcomes had he been convicted: “It’s hard to determine because it depends on past records, which I don’t have. The harshest punishment—if the judge deemed it appropriate—would be five years in prison. But I was certain of my innocence and I wasn’t going to accept any charges to avoid jail time. Doing so would imply guilt, and that would result in AEW letting me go. It would also ban me from ever leaving the country. All my life’s work would be for nought, and over something that didn’t happen. I don’t understand how it got to that point. The evidence against me was solely based on one person’s statement. I was issued an arrest warrant without ever being pulled over or having my house searched.”
About working during this period: “There might have been rumors and whispers at work when I was not around, but I didn’t let that bother me too much. I had to compartmentalize. The fact that I knew I was innocent was a big reason why I didn’t stress too much. I took every necessary precaution. Even knowing there was a chance I could be found guilty if it went to trial, I did everything I could. I paid thousands of dollars from my pocket to take a polygraph test in Tampa the day I landed from Wembley, which I passed. The public will have their opinions. The ones who believed me, trusted me all the way.”
Dax Harwood on Wheeler’s disclosure: “I don’t want to put words in his mouth. From what I know, after it all happened, he told me, we have separate contracts. He said, ‘I think I’m going to retire to spare you any unnecessary stress.’ He was aware of the potential backlash on Twitter. ‘I’m just going to retire. You don’t need to worry about your contract because it’s with you only. I’m leaving wrestling.’ I had to persuade him not to retire.”
Below is the interview with Renee Paquette featuring FTR: