Adam Copeland, who is also known as Edge, is considered a wrestling legend. He had been a part of WWE for more than two decades. However, recently, his contract with the Stamford-based promotion expired. With that, several speculations were going on regarding his next move. However, the speculations didn’t have to continue for a long time since the wrestling legend recently became a part of AEW.
The Pay-per-view event, AEW WrestleDream, took place on October 1, 2023. Toward the end of the event, the wrestling world witnessed Edge making his AEW debut. The audience heard a voice saying “You think you know me“. Thereafter, his theme song, ‘Metalingus,’ began playing. As he walked out, he was called “Adam Copeland” by Excalibur, while commentator Taz called him the “Rated R Superstar“.
Edge is in AEW. He showed up with his Metalingus theme with a new intro recorded for “you think you know me.”
Taz called him “The Rated R Superstar” on commentary, while Excalibur called him Adam Copeland. pic.twitter.com/05mmP3yjRU
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) October 2, 2023
Thus, it can be understood that WWE has banned Copeland from using the moniker ‘Edge’. However, the Triple-H-led promotion forgot to put a ban on his theme song ‘Metalingus’ and his nickname ‘the Rated R Superstar’. Fightful Select previously reported that sources told them that WWE doesn’t have ‘exclusive licensing rights’ to ‘Metalingus’.
It was also reported that exclusive rights could have been obtained, but WWE never went that way. Now, it seems Tony Khan, the President of AEW, made arrangements to accommodate the iconic theme song. However, the Stamford-based promotion holds the rights to the moniker ‘Edge’. So, on his AEW debut, the former WWE Superstar adopted the name ‘Adam Copeland’.
Fightful: “One source with knowledge of the situation said that they believe if Edge wanted to use almost any Alter Bridge song, that they’d probably all work to make it happen. WWE does own the name ‘Edge’, and he’d not be able to use that any more.”
— 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐕𝐞𝐧 (@WrestlingCovers) October 1, 2023
Meanwhile, Copeland recently walked into the Tony Khan-led promotion. It now remains to be seen what awaits him in the upcoming days. Fans would be thrilled to know if he had something to say about his debut.
What happened upon Edge’s AEW debut?
In August 2023, Edge wrestled his last match against Sheamus. The epic match took place in Edge’s hometown of Toronto, where the Rated R Superstar emerged victorious. Following that, speculations were making the rounds regarding his AEW debut. This finally came true at AEW’s WrestleDream PPV event.
The main event of the night featured a match between Darby Allin and Christian Cage, with the AEW TNT Championship on the line. In the match, Cage absolutely destroyed Allin. In addition to that, Nick Wayne also attacked Allin. This led to Cage defeating Allin and bagging the TNT title.
However, though the match was over, the attack on Allin didn’t cease. Soon, Sting rushed out for the save. However, Luchasaurus also rushed out and took down Sting. This is when Edge, now known as Adam Copeland, made his debut.
Copeland’s theme played, and he went towards the ring. He then took down Luchasaurus and Wayne. Christian Cage soon retreated to the outside of the ring. Copeland then speared the heels, and following that, he shook hands with Allin and Sting.
Thus, Copeland made a blockbuster debut on WWE’s rival promotion, AEW. With that, fans will now get to witness the former Edge getting involved in new feuds and facing new opponents. However, his supporters will be glad to see him walk down a new stage with his old legendary nickname and theme song.