Adam Copeland, widely recognized in wrestling circles as the Rated-R Superstar, has made a significant return to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He unveiled his presence this past weekend at AEW Worlds End, joining forces with his long-time allies Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler to challenge the AEW World Champion, Jon Moxley, and the Death Riders. This marked Copeland’s first wrestling action since his injury in May, when he broke his tibia during a daring dive from a steel cage at AEW Double or Nothing.
This comeback comes at a pivotal moment for AEW, just as the organization prepares to enter its streaming era. Starting January 2025, broadcasts of AEW Dynamite on TBS and AEW Collision on TNT will be simulcast on Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming platform, Max. Copeland is set to headline the inaugural simulcast episode of AEW Dynamite alongside Harwood and Wheeler, competing in a trios match against the Death Riders.
Prior to AEW Dynamite’s debut on Max on January 1, ScreenRant interviewed Copeland, discussing various topics including the secrecy surrounding his return, his motivations for targeting Moxley, insights on his wrestling schedule for 2025, and his experience returning to set for the second season of Percy Jackson & the Olympians.
Adam Copeland’s AEW Comeback Is All About Gold
“It’s time to go for it and not apologize for it…”
ScreenRant: Congratulations on your return! How did you manage to keep this comeback under wraps?
Adam Copeland: We kept it as quiet as possible, but we also wanted to create some buzz, especially since I’ll be in Asheville for AEW Dynamite: Fight for the Fallen, which is a landmark event as it’s the first show streaming on Max. We dropped hints in the FTR promo to distract people from the idea that I wouldn’t show up at Worlds End. The surprise element is so crucial in the wrestling industry, especially with the prevalence of social media. It’s exhilarating to deliver those unexpected moments, reminiscent of the surprises I loved as a fan.
Absolutely! Jumping right into the action, you’re targeting AEW’s heavyweight champion, Jon Moxley—a fitting adversary, considering his history. How do you view your relationship with him?
Adam Copeland: From the very beginning, I’ve appreciated Moxley’s work. He has that intangible quality that makes a wrestler truly stand out. Given our backgrounds, this first-time matchup felt inevitable—it’s a marquee match that fans have been waiting for. With my history and Moxley’s unique journey, the timing feels just right to push for the heavyweight championship. It’s time to kick the gears into high speed.
Your storyline with Moxley is intriguing, especially given his challenge to AEW originals to step up. You have a rich history yourself—how do you fit into this narrative?
Adam Copeland: This isn’t a battle for AEW’s sake; it’s driven more by personal motivations. Moxley’s complaints about the burden of being champion make me feel like I can step in; I’ve held the title 11 times and am ready to do it again. The focus is on wrestling as a craft, and while many fight for the company’s legacy, for me, it’s about proving I’m the top competitor.
John Cena Was Wowed By Adam Copeland’s In-Ring Resurgence
“We had talked briefly when he came back. ‘How are you doing this?'”
Considering your storied rivalry with John Cena, especially your first World Title win over him, have you discussed his upcoming retirement tour?
Adam Copeland: We haven’t had a detailed chat about retirement, but we did touch base briefly. He was curious about how I’m maintaining such high-performance matches. I believe he’s been contemplating retirement for a while; it will likely hit the fans harder when that reality sets in.
Adam Copeland Confirms Percy Jackson Season 2 Return
“It felt good to get out there and film some scenes for this season…”
Shifting gears to your role in Pery Jackson, I hear you’ve filmed for Season 2. How was it getting back on set?
Adam Copeland: It felt amazing! The first season produced a solid show, but you never really know until you see it all come together. After watching the premiere, I was genuinely moved. Being part of the Percy Jackson universe was an honor, and the positive response from families confirms it’s making an impact. With 16 Emmy nominations under our belt, it’s incredible to be involved in something so meaningful.
Realizing that many actors might only dream of being part of a project like this keeps me grounded. The character of Ares offers extensive possibilities for exploration, equal to what I loved about wrestling—showing grand emotions and movements.
As for the tonal shift from Season 1 to Season 2, do you feel there’s a maturation in the themes being explored?
Adam Copeland: Absolutely. As the characters age, they naturally encounter more serious themes. While they adhere closely to the narrative of the books, the evolving dynamics allow for deeper, more relatable issues to surface. The essence of Percy Jackson has always been about growth and friendship, reflecting the experiences of navigating adolescence.
Adam Copeland Plans On Full-Time Schedule in 2025
“Just throw me on every show. Let’s go for it while we can go for it…”
With your contract concluding in about 18 months and your intent to retire thereafter, what can fans expect from your wrestling schedule in 2025? Are you aiming for weekly matches?
Adam Copeland: I want to make the most of my remaining time in the ring. I’ve compiled a list of talents I wish to engage with and am eager to dive back into the action. With the formation of Rated FTR, I anticipate an exciting dynamic. My goal is to be featured on every show and seize every opportunity to tell compelling stories through wrestling. Engaging in creative storytelling is my favorite aspect, and I hope to include as many different characters as possible in this thrilling process.
About AEW Dynamite And AEW Collision
Since its inception in Fall 2019, AEW Dynamite has captivated wrestling fans with engaging storylines and high-energy matches, while AEW Collision has added to this dynamic since its launch in Summer 2023. Both shows are broadcast under the Warner Bros. Discovery umbrella on TBS and TNT and will begin streaming on Max in January 2025. Featuring top talents such as Jon Moxley, Mariah May, Will Ospreay, Swerve Strickland, Kenny Omega, Adam Copeland, FTR, Private Party, Daniel Garcia, MJF, Christian Cage, Mercedes Moné, and Toni Storm, these programs showcase the best in professional wrestling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6vFPn8Dygghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6vFPn8Dygg
- Kenny Omega
- AEW President Tony Khan
Don’t miss Adam Copeland’s much-anticipated in-ring return on AEW Dynamite, scheduled for January 1 at 8 PM ET, available on TBS and streaming on Max.
Source: ScreenRant Plus