Adam Copeland’s In-Ring Return Comes with a New Name

Adam Copeland’s in-ring comeback on AEW Dynamite wasn’t just about his return from a devastating injury—it also marked a significant name change. The former TNT Champion is now officially billed as “The Rated R Superstar” Cope, dropping his full name for a shorter, sleeker moniker.

AEW’s announce team confirmed the rebranding during Wednesday night’s show on January 1, stating that Cope made the decision to streamline his identity moving forward. Fans were introduced to the new name during his entrance, where the change was prominently featured.

Cope’s return match saw him team with FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) in a six-man tag against The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta). The bout capped off a night of hard-hitting action, with Cope securing the victory for his team after pinning Yuta following a combination Shatter Machine and spear. The win was assisted by interference from Jay White, adding an extra layer of drama to the already impactful night.

This marked Cope’s first in-ring action since suffering a fractured tibia during Double or Nothing in May, where he defended the TNT Championship against Malakai Black in a brutal steel cage match. After months of recovery, his rebranding signifies a fresh chapter in his AEW career.

Cope’s decision to drop his full name has already sparked conversation among fans. Is this a move to simplify his branding, or does it signal a new creative direction for the veteran wrestler? Only time will tell.