Tony Khan told fans that AEW would be entering a new era at WrestleDream, and he was not wrong, as All Elite Wrestling has entered its Rated R Era. Adam Copeland, aka WWE Hall of Fame inductee Edge, made his hotly buzzed about AEW debut last night in the closing moments of the big PPV event. As Christian Cage stood over a lifeless Sting, preparing to level him with a Concheirto, the arena went black, and a vignette aired, leading to Copeland appearing in the arena.
Cage, Copeland’s real-life best friend, offered him his steel chair and the chance to brutalize Sting. Instead, the newly debuted AEW star laid out Nick Wayne, who is now aligned with Cage, before dropping Luchasaurus with a spear. Cage was able to escape before taking any punishment.
Fightful reports that Copeland is signed with AEW full-time and will have a “significant presence” going forward. Copeland is apparently open to working with the promotion in a variety of capacities, with one long-time AEW talent saying he will fill the gap that CM Punk left behind. That includes bringing star power to AEW TV and being generally helpful backstage when it comes to working with talent.
Those that Fightful spoke to within the company have only had positive things to say about him joining the young promotion. His presentation was noticeably similar to how it was in WWE, including using his same Metalingus theme song by Alter Bridge. WWE does not hold the exclusive licensing rights to the song, so that was beyond their control. However, Copeland is also using his “Rated R Superstar” moniker, and many were surprised that WWE did not move to renew the trademark, knowing he was likely leaving the company.
As far as who know what and when in regard to Copeland jumping to AEW, many in WWE said it became clear to them earlier this summer that he was going to be making a move. Some talents within each company were talking about his leap to AEW as early as August. One AEW talent said they were not made aware that he would officially debut but that it was “the worst kept secret in pro wrestling.” Copeland looks to have left WWE on good terms and the general consensus seems to be that his former co-workers are happy for him.
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