The Missed Opportunity: Cash Wheeler, Randy Orton, and the What-Ifs of Wrestling
There’s something profoundly human about the way wrestlers talk about missed opportunities. It’s not just about the matches that never happened; it’s about the stories that could have been told, the moments that could have defined careers. When AEW star Cash Wheeler recently revealed that Randy Orton is the WWE performer he ‘misses the most,’ it wasn’t just a nostalgic aside—it was a window into the intricate world of professional wrestling, where timing, politics, and ambition collide.
The Chemistry That Never Was
Personally, I think what makes Wheeler’s comments so compelling is the way they highlight the fragility of creative partnerships in wrestling. FTR (Wheeler and Dax Harwood) are known for their ability to elevate anyone they work with, from CM Punk to Adam Copeland. But Orton, with his legendary status and natural charisma, feels like the one who got away. Wheeler’s words on Late Night Grin (credit where it’s due) reveal a deep sense of ‘what if?’—a question that lingers not just for him, but for fans who’ve long imagined what an FTR-Orton alliance could achieve.
What many people don’t realize is how much these missed opportunities shape the narrative of wrestling. It’s not just about the in-ring action; it’s about the stories we tell ourselves as fans. FTR and Orton could have been a dominant force, a trio that redefined tag team wrestling. Instead, we’re left with a tantalizing ‘what could have been,’ a reminder that even in a scripted world, real-life decisions have consequences.
The Breaking Point
One thing that immediately stands out is Wheeler’s admission that the separation of FTR and Orton was a ‘final straw’ in their decision to leave WWE. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes frustrations that wrestlers face. FTR were drafted to SmackDown, Orton to Raw—a move that effectively killed any chance of them working together. This raises a deeper question: how often do creative decisions in wrestling stifle potential greatness?
From my perspective, this isn’t just about FTR or Orton. It’s about the systemic issues in wrestling promotions that prioritize short-term booking over long-term storytelling. FTR saw the writing on the wall: if WWE wasn’t willing to invest in their vision, why stay? Their decision to leave was bold, but it’s also a testament to the power of artistic integrity in a business that often undervalues it.
The Hiatus and the Future
A detail that I find especially interesting is FTR’s recent announcement of a hiatus from wrestling. With their contracts expiring in 2027, it’s hard not to speculate about what comes next. Will WWE come knocking once they’re free agents? Could we still see an FTR-Orton reunion down the line? What this really suggests is that wrestling is a long game—careers may pause, but legacies endure.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the psychological aspect. FTR’s hiatus feels like a moment of reflection, a chance to reassess their journey. For Wheeler, the missed opportunity with Orton is clearly still a sore spot, but it’s also a motivator. It’s a reminder that even in a world of scripted outcomes, the human element—regret, ambition, hope—always shines through.
The Broader Implications
If you zoom out, Wheeler’s comments are part of a larger trend in wrestling: the rise of performers who prioritize creative freedom over corporate constraints. AEW has become a haven for wrestlers like FTR, who want to tell their stories on their terms. Meanwhile, WWE’s booking decisions often feel like missed opportunities, not just for the wrestlers, but for the fans.
In my opinion, this tension between creativity and control is what makes wrestling so compelling. It’s a sport, an art form, and a business all rolled into one. FTR’s journey—from WWE to AEW, from missed opportunities to new horizons—is a microcosm of this larger struggle.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on Wheeler’s words, I’m struck by how much they resonate beyond the wrestling ring. We’ve all had moments where we’ve wondered ‘what if?’—whether it’s a missed opportunity at work, a relationship that never blossomed, or a dream left unpursued. FTR’s story is a reminder that while we can’t change the past, we can shape the future.
Personally, I think the missed FTR-Orton alliance will go down as one of wrestling’s great ‘what ifs.’ But in a way, that’s what makes it so powerful. It’s a story that lives on in our imaginations, a testament to the enduring allure of professional wrestling. And who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll get to see what could have been.
Credit: Late Night Grin. H/T: Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
