News

Huge AEW Star Officially Undergoes Name Change

By Monika Thapa • Published Oct 05, 2025 06:42 EDT
AEW logo over blurred background

AEW star Cope has changed his name again.

Adam Copeland began his wrestling career in WWE in 1998 and made his WWF television debut on the June 22 episode of Raw as Edge. He wrestled until 2011 and then made a stunning comeback in 2020, competing under his famous ring name until his departure in September 2023. He became one of the most decorated WWE superstars, holding 11 world championships and 14 tag team titles during his long tenure.

After leaving WWE, Copeland made his AEW debut on October 1, 2023, at the WrestleDream pay-per-view, using his real name, Adam Copeland. As he settled into Tony Khan’s company, his persona evolved. In early 2025, he officially rebranded himself as Cope, a name that he said fit better for marketing and simplicity on promotional materials.

Recently, AEW updated its official roster page, reverting from Cope back to Adam Copeland. This transition marks his return to using his real name in all official appearances, bringing his journey full circle. The name change reflects both his personal brand and his desire to stay authentic while connecting with longtime wrestling fans.

AEW Star Adam Copeland Is Set To Star in The Beekeeper 2

Parallel to his wrestling career, Adam Copeland has continued to grow as an actor. He recently joined the cast of “The Beekeeper 2,” the sequel to the successful 2024 action film “The Beekeeper.” Set for global release by Amazon MGM Studios, he is part of a star-studded ensemble alongside Jason Statham, Pom Klementieff, and Jeremy Irons, with production underway as of September 2025.

Also, Copeland has stepped away from AEW for a while because he is beginning work on season three of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” His character, Ares (the God of War), is featured in the popular Disney+ series. Production for the new season started in late August, leading Copeland to temporarily leave AEW to focus on his acting commitments.

This storyline exit was depicted on AEW TV, where he stated he needed to step back due to the impact wrestling was having on his family, tying the real-world reason into his on-screen character’s journey.