Last night’s AEW WrestleDream delivered unforgettable moments, but none as earth-shattering as the surprise arrival of wrestling legend Adam Copeland, better known as Edge. On a night filled with electrifying action, the appearance of this WWE icon left fans in awe and signaled a new era in All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
Adam Copeland’s AEW Debut
The night was already buzzing with excitement as Christian Cage and Darby Allin battled it out in an intense TNT Championship match that had fans on the edge of their seats. However, what followed the match left fans in shock and awe – Adam Copeland made his AEW debut.
It was a surreal moment as Copeland, who had been synonymous with WWE for decades, stepped into AEW’s arena, marking a seismic shift in the wrestling landscape. But there was one noticeable change – he could no longer use the name “Edge” due to WWE’s ownership of the trademark. Nevertheless, he retained his iconic theme music, Alter Bridge’s “Metalingus,” albeit with a slight tweak in the opening.
The surprising fact was that WWE didn’t attempt to renew the trademark for the “Rated R Superstar” moniker, allowing Copeland to continue using it in AEW. This unexpected development left both AEW and WWE insiders scratching their heads.
Adam Copeland’s New Journey in AEW
- During a post-show media scrum, Adam Copeland and AEW President Tony Khan revealed some exciting details about his move to AEW.
- Copeland expressed his eagerness to contribute to the company and work with a fresh roster of talent.
- He mentioned names like Samoa Joe, Sting, Swerve Strickland, and Nick Wayne, showing his willingness to help in various capacities within AEW.
Interestingly, some within AEW believe that Copeland could fill the void left by CM Punk, who departed from the company with considerable backstage drama. Copeland’s willingness to mentor and guide younger talent makes him a valuable addition to AEW.
Tony Khan announced that Copeland would have a full-time schedule in AEW, a surprising move considering his limited appearances in WWE before. Copeland himself stated, “I’m going to be there every week. I’m a full-time guy. And I want to do that for as long as that is possible.”
Behind the Scenes of Adam Copeland’s AEW Move
While some fans might have been surprised by Copeland’s AEW debut, insiders had heard whispers about this move as early as mid-August. Even Kurt Angle, a former WWE colleague, expressed his shock at Edge’s departure from WWE, believing he was too loyal to consider joining AEW.
WWE’s reaction to Copeland’s move was surprisingly positive. The company reportedly wished him well and left the door open for his potential return in the future. Despite being removed from internal roster listings, Edge is still listed as an active member of the SmackDown brand, but that is likely to change soon.
Why Edge Left the WWE
In a candid statement, Copeland explained that while he had a deep love for WWE over the last 25 years, he and the company had grown apart. He wanted more opportunities, but WWE had little left to offer him. Copeland emphasized the importance of having options for wrestlers beyond the initials of a company and expressed his gratitude for AEW’s existence.
THIS WEDNESDAY#AEWDynamite 4th Anniversary
@StocktonArena | Stockton, CA
LIVE at 8/7c TBS
We'll hear from "Rated R Superstar" Adam Copeland!NEXT TUESDAY#AEWDynamite Title Tuesday@CDArenaKC | Independence, MO
LIVE at 8/7c TBS
Adam Copeland @EdgeRatedR vs. @Luchasaurus! pic.twitter.com/Y9DhQMo56w— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) October 3, 2023
As WrestleDream concluded, social media erupted with reactions to Copeland’s dramatic save for Darby Allin and Sting. Wrestlers, both current and legendary, voiced their excitement and support for his new journey.
Potential Additions to AEW’s Roster
The possibility of more former WWE stars joining AEW is on the horizon. Bryan Danielson hinted at the potential return of his wife, Brie Garcia, to the wrestling ring. Although it may not happen soon, he didn’t rule it out, saying, “I will never say never.”
Another potential addition to AEW is former WWE and IMPACT star Sami Callihan, whose contract with IMPACT has expired. Several individuals, including Jon Moxley, are reportedly pushing for AEW to sign him, but discussions about a producer role in other companies have also surfaced.
Jade Cargill’s WWE Departure
In a surprising turn of events, former TBS Champion Jade Cargill left AEW for WWE. However, AEW President Tony Khan revealed that he had made substantial contract offers to Cargill before her departure. Despite her decision to join WWE, Khan left the door open for a possible return to AEW, aiming to give her “the best possible exit” from the company.
AEW’s Expanding PPV Calendar
WrestleDream was confirmed to be a pay-per-view event going forward, signaling AEW’s intention to increase the number of PPVs on their calendar. In fact, there are discussions about adding an eighth event in December, possibly in New York City, inching closer to a 12-event schedule.
WrestleDream Miscellaneous News Roundup
- The night had its share of injuries, with Rey Fenix and Mark Davis both sustaining injuries during the event. While the extent of Fenix’s injury remains unclear, Davis acknowledged his injury in a candid statement.
- Jon Moxley’s scheduled opponent for the International Championship was kept under wraps, with rumors of Tom Lawlor and Josh Barnett circulating. However, it was revealed to be another “NJPW contingent name.”
- Kenny Omega hinted at Kota Ibushi’s return to AEW, which aligns with Ibushi’s recent statements about a dream match and a potential AEW Tag Title run with Omega.
- Lastly, Katsuyori Shibata expressed his commitment to AEW, receiving a warm response from Tony Khan. The future looks bright for AEW with exciting new signings and developments on the horizon.
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