Adam Copeland Changes AEW Name To "Cope"

Adam Copeland officially changed his AEW ring name to "Cope" on last night's special Fight for the Fallen episode of Dynamite.

Teaming with FTR against the Death Riders' Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta in the Dynamite main event, Copeland was introduced as "'Rated R Superstar' Cope", rather than by his full, real name.

The change was reflected in Justin Roberts' ring announcing and the lower third as Rated FTR came to the ring. Additionally, patent and trademark attorney Michael Dockins posted a photograph with the 51-year-old and his "Cope" trademark certificate:

Great to see @RatedRCope back tonight! (And in general.) Congrats COPE ®️ pic.twitter.com/NWzkv7fdpg— "Gimmick Attorney®" Mike Dockins (@gimmickattorney) January 2, 2025

Copeland filed the "Cope" trademark for the following purposes in October 2023:

COPE trademark registration is intended to cover the categories of entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests; Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, personal appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, televised appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; Providing online interviews featuring a professional wrestling and sports entertainment personality in the field of professional wrestling and sports entertainment for entertainment purposes.

This aligned with the former Edge debuting under his real name at that month's Wrestle Dynasty pay-per-view. He had gone by Adam Copeland on AEW television until last night, when he became Cope.

WWE filed a new trademark application for "Edge" in November 2024, which would once again prevent Copeland from using his most famous ring name in AEW.

Cope, Cash Wheeler, and Dax Harwood defeated the Death Riders on Dynamite. A backstage segment saw them set up their next trios match, a bout with the Learning Tree of Chris Jericho, Bryan Keith, and Big Bill on Saturday's Collision.