Former WWE wrestler Enzo Amore, now performing under the name Real1, never once uttered his famous catchphrase “SAWFT” during his progression from a developing talent on WWE NXT to a regular fixture on the main roster. However, during his rapid ascent, he faced a critical challenge that threatened his career. When it came down to a decisive moment—either getting one more paycheck or facing termination—Enzo credits current AEW Champion Dax Harwood for helping him keep his job.
Scott Dawson, known today as part of the tag team FTR with Dax Harwood, discussed in an interview on “No Contest Wrestling” how he and Enzo were both on the brink of being fired early in their careers. He described the incident as a defining moment: “He was a veteran, and I was inexperienced. Both of us were about to be let go. They called us into the ring, and Scott told me to listen. I did. Although I had only been wrestling three weeks, I knew from watching the business that selling was key, so I focused on that during our match. We both ended up bleeding, and the match was stopped. I owe Dax Harwood for being the first person to save my job.”
Throughout his career, whether paired with Big Cass (currently known in AEW as Big Bill) or as a solo competitor, Enzo refined his ability to sell moves effectively. He eventually became the leading figure of WWE’s cruiserweight division. Unfortunately, his momentum came to a sudden halt following sexual assault allegations that emerged in 2018, leading to his departure from WWE after six years. Following WWE, Enzo made brief appearances in New Japan Pro Wrestling and MLW between 2021 and 2023 but parted ways with MLW due to disagreements over his booking and opponents. Today, he competes for 4th Rope Wrestling.
If quoting from this article, please credit Wrestling Inc.’s No Contest Wrestling Podcast/The Rich Eisen Show for the transcription.
Fan Take: This revelation highlights the often unseen backstage dynamics that can shape wrestlers’ careers, underscoring the importance of mentorship and camaraderie in the industry. For WWE fans, it serves as a reminder that behind the scenes, veterans like Dax Harwood (Scott Dawson) play a crucial role in nurturing upcoming talent, which ultimately impacts the quality and continuity of the sport we love.
