AEW Star Cash Wheeler's Arrest & Trial For Alleged Firearm Assault, Explained

May 2024 ยท 5 minute read

Highlights

AEW star Cash Wheeler is one of half of what is arguably one of the best modern-day tag teams in all of professional wrestling, FTR. Alongside his tag partner and best friend, Dax Harwood, FTR have blazed a trail in AEW as they have become a staple of what tag team greatness is all about. Despite the rocky road they traveled on in NXT and WWE, they managed to rebound and have a terrific run in AEW to the present day. However, outside the ring, legal troubles have reared their ugly head for Cash Wheeler. These charges will be sending Wheeler to trial, where he may end up doing some time behind bars.

Cash Wheeler

Facts & Stats

Height:

5'10"

Weight:

223lbs

Billed From:

Asheville, NC

Age:

36

Finisher(s):

Gory Bomb, Shatter Machine (w/ Dax Harwood)

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Cash Wheeler Was Arrested For Allegedly Assaulting Another Motorist With A Firearm

Cash Wheeler Says He Is Innocent

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According to SEScoops, On July 27, 2023, a road rage incident occurred in Orange County, Florida. There was an apparent dispute between Daniel Wheeler (aka, Cash Wheeler) and the victim, who was identified as Daniel Matta. The official who arrived at the scene, Officer M. Bowhay, charged Wheeler with aggravated assault involving a firearm. According to Matta, he told the officer that Wheeler pulled out his gun and aimed it at Matta while both men were driving on Interstate 4. Later, Matta was able to identify Wheeler from a photo lineup.

Based on the statement given by Matta, this resulted in Cash Wheeler being charged with aggravated assault with a firearm. A warrant was issued for his arrest the following day. Despite the claims made by Matta, Wheeler remains adamant and claimed through his attorney that he is innocent during a court appearance that took place on August 3. It was revealed that any and all firearms that belonged to Cash Wheeler were surrendered over to the local authorities until the case was closed.

Furthermore, Wheeler's attorney reputed the altercation, as he claimed this was not of a domestic nature, believing that Wheeler was in no way, shape, or form acquainted with Mr. Matta or any other individuals involved in the case. By the state of Florida, this charge is considered to be a third-degree felony, which could mean that Cash Wheeler may spend some time behind bars if found guilty.

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AEW President Tony Khan Remained Tight-Lipped Over The Cash Wheeler Arrest

Tony Khan's Statement On The Cash Wheeler Arrest

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During the media scrum from AEW All In last August 2023, AEW President Tony Khan was asked about the charges pertaining to Cash Wheeler. For the most part, Khan remained tight-lipped and kept it as brief as possible when asked about the situation. He said:

"Because of the nature of it, I'll be honest, it's not like I've known for a long time, but on the other hand, I have tried to gather all the facts and information. I still think we don't have all the facts here. I don't want to comment too much on the situation, but we're still gathering information and that's what I've been trying to do for several days." (h/t Fightful )

Tony elaborated a little more about the incident, seemingly taking a wait-and-see approach to see when all the facts come in before making any sudden moves to reprimand Cash Wheeler.

"As for things that have happened outside the ring, I can't comment on the specifics at this time because I still don't know everything. We're still learning facts. Based on the information we have at this time, we're still keeping an eye on that situation. At this time, I think it's a very inconclusive situation. It differs from other times when we've come in and weighed in or acted on a situation based on the evidence because, in this case, with everything we're looking at, I don't think we have those facts right now. At this point, I think it's rather inconclusive. I do very much look forward to the match, and we'll keep an eye out throughout this weekend and as long as it's a pending situation."

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Cash Wheeler's Trial Begins In May

Cash Wheeler Has Been Arraigned

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Based on reports provided by PWInsider, Cash Wheeler was arraigned yesterday. However, Wheeler was absent from court. The trial involving Cash Wheeler and Daniel Matta is scheduled to commence on May 20, 2024, as the pre-trial proceedings will begin on May 7. Wheeler's attendance is mandatory for this date. We are expected to have more information on this story as it develops by the end of May, and what Wheeler's future outside AEW will look like. We remain hopeful that Cash Wheeler can get through this tough time and recover.

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