Enzo Amore, now known as Real 1, revealed a compelling backstage story about how Dax Harwood, one half of the acclaimed tag team FTR, played a crucial role in preserving his WWE NXT career early on. Speaking candidly on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast, Real 1 shared how Harwood stepped in during the high-pressure environment of NXT, helping him navigate one of the most nerve-wracking moments in his rookie days.
The Nerve-Wracking NXT Drill That Tested New Talent
Enzo Amore described his early experience in WWE NXT as “nerve wracking,” particularly recounting a drill where rookies had to wrestle on the fly—a trial by fire designed to test adaptability and in-ring instincts. According to Real 1, this exercise was designed to push the performers to think quickly and perform without the extensive preparation usually afforded to matches.
Real 1 confessed that he found this drill especially challenging, fearing it might jeopardize his place in the company. It was in this moment that Dax Harwood stepped in, helping to ease his nerves and effectively ensuring his performance stayed respectable. This intervention, according to Enzo, “saved my job,” indicating Harwood’s influence went beyond just tag team matches and technical ability—he was helping shape careers behind the scenes[8].
Dax Harwood’s Role as a Mentor and Reliable Ring Veteran
Dax Harwood, known in WWE as Scott Dawson before leaving the company with Cash Wheeler to become FTR, has a reputation for in-ring psychology and meticulous wrestling fundamentals. Sources close to WWE reveal that Harwood’s experience and steady presence in NXT during those years made him a pillar of support for evolving talents, including Enzo Amore, whose unique charisma sometimes overshadowed his technical skills.
WWE insiders say Harwood’s willingness to help new talent adapt to WWE’s demanding style earned him respect backstage, not just for his work with Cash Wheeler but also for supporting other performers pushing their boundaries. His mentorship of Enzo is one example where his guidance behind the curtain helped a raw yet charismatic talent navigate complex situations[8][2].
The Contrast Between Enzo’s Charisma and In-Ring Development
Enzo Amore’s success in NXT and later on WWE’s main roster was largely attributed to his mic skills and natural charisma. However, his in-ring ability often faced criticism. Dax Harwood once acknowledged this dynamic in interviews, highlighting that while Enzo’s technical wrestling might not have been his strongest suit, his connection with the audience was extraordinary. Their rivalry and collaboration taught them the importance of pacing, crowd engagement, and storytelling in the ring[2].
Harwood remarked that working with Enzo and his partner Colin Cassady (Big Cass) helped him better understand the balance between technical proficiency and star power—a lesson that benefited his own wrestling philosophy later as part of the team now widely respected worldwide.
Backstage Perspectives: A WWE Insider’s Take
According to a WWE insider familiar with NXT’s developmental environment during that era, “Dax Harwood was the kind of locker room guy who wouldn’t let someone fall through the cracks. Enzo was talented in his own way, but he was green on the mat. Dax stepped up during those early days, especially in drills and impromptu matches, helping Enzo stay composed and avoid rookie pitfalls. Without that kind of support, some talents would have been discarded too early.”
This insider also pointed out that WWE’s developmental system in that period was extremely unforgiving, making Harwood’s backstage savior role all the more critical for a flamboyant but inexperienced wrestler like Enzo.
How This Relationship Shaped Future Careers
The story of Harwood helping save Enzo Amore’s job illustrates how camaraderie and veteran guidance in WWE’s NXT can make or break a wrestler’s trajectory. Although their career paths eventually diverged—Harwood becoming a cornerstone of tag team wrestling worldwide as part of FTR, and Enzo carving out a unique post-WWE independent career—their shared past remains significant.
Real 1 himself has expressed gratitude for that phase, acknowledging that “NXT was a special place where talents were forged and sometimes saved,” a credit to not only the system but also to peers like Harwood who stepped in during critical moments[8].
Final Thought: A Reminder of the Crucial Backstage Bonds
This revelation from Enzo Amore provides fans a rare peek behind the curtain, highlighting that wrestling is as much about the athletes’ relationships backstage as it is about the spectacle inside the ring. The ability of veterans like Dax Harwood to mentor and protect younger talent is invaluable, particularly in a high-pressure environment like WWE NXT.
As both wrestlers continue to evolve in the wrestling world, this story stands testament to the unseen efforts helping favorable talents rise, grow, and sometimes survive the harsh spotlight of professional wrestling.
