What Happened to Adam Joseph Copeland?
Adam Copeland, globally recognized as WWE Hall of Famer Edge, transitioned to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in October 2023, performing under his real name and later as 'Cope.' He has continued his illustrious wrestling career full-time while simultaneously expanding his acting portfolio with notable roles in Disney+'s 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' and the upcoming film 'The Beekeeper 2.' As of April 2026, he remains an active competitor in AEW, recently reuniting with Christian Cage to challenge for the World Tag Team Titles, and has openly discussed his plans for a second retirement at the conclusion of his current AEW contract in late 2026.
Quick Answer
Adam Copeland, famously known as Edge in WWE, is currently a full-time professional wrestler and actor. After his WWE contract expired in September 2023, he joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in October 2023, initially using his real name and later 'Cope.' He has since won the AEW TNT Championship twice and reunited with his long-time friend Christian Cage. In his acting career, he has appeared as Ares in Disney+'s 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' (2023-present) and has a role in the upcoming film 'The Beekeeper 2' (in production as of September 2025). As of April 2026, he and Christian Cage are set to challenge FTR for the AEW World Tag Team Titles at Dynasty 2026. Copeland has indicated he plans to retire from wrestling at the end of his current AEW contract, which is expected to conclude in October 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline17 events
Professional Wrestling Debut
Adam Copeland made his professional wrestling debut in Canada, beginning his career on the independent circuit under various ring names like Sexton Hardcastle.
WWE (WWF) Debut as Edge
Copeland debuted in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), later WWE, under the ring name Edge, quickly rising to prominence.
Forced Retirement from WWE
Edge announced his retirement from professional wrestling due to severe neck injuries, vacating the World Heavyweight Championship.
WWE Hall of Fame Induction
Copeland was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by his best friend and tag team partner, Christian.
Shocking WWE In-Ring Return
After nine years, Edge made a surprise return to in-ring competition as an entrant in the Royal Rumble match, marking the beginning of his second WWE run.
WWE Contract Expires
Adam Copeland's contract with WWE officially expired, leading to speculation about his future in professional wrestling.
AEW Debut at WrestleDream
Copeland made his highly anticipated debut with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) at the WrestleDream pay-per-view, confronting Christian Cage and signing a full-time contract.
AEW In-Ring Debut
Adam Copeland made his in-ring debut for AEW on a special 'Title Tuesday' episode of Dynamite, facing Luchasaurus.
Forms 'Rated FTR' with FTR
At AEW Worlds End, Copeland returned and helped FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood) against the Death Riders, forming the trio 'Rated FTR.'
Begins using 'Cope' ring name
Copeland officially began using the ring name 'Cope' in AEW, a slight variation from his real name.
Appears in 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians'
Copeland's role as Ares in the Disney+ series 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' becomes prominent, earning him an Emmy nomination.
Reunites with Christian Cage in AEW
At AEW All In: Texas, Christian Cage's stable The Patriarchy turned on him, leading to Copeland saving him and their first tag team match together in 14 years at Forbidden Door.
Cast in 'The Beekeeper 2'
Copeland was announced as joining the cast of 'The Beekeeper 2,' an action film starring Jason Statham, with production commencing. This led to a temporary hiatus from AEW.
Announces Second Memoir
It was reported that Copeland is working on his second memoir, tentatively titled 'The Edge-ucation of Adam Copeland,' with an expected release in October 2026.
Returns to AEW at Revolution
After a six-month absence for acting commitments, Copeland, alongside Christian Cage, returned to AEW at Revolution 2026, attacking FTR.
Discusses Retirement Plans
In interviews, Copeland reiterated his intention to retire from wrestling at the end of his AEW contract (expected October 2026) and expressed a desire to go out as a heel.
Scheduled AEW World Tag Team Title Match
Adam Copeland and Christian Cage are scheduled to challenge FTR for the AEW World Tag Team Titles at AEW Dynasty 2026.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Adam Joseph Copeland, known for decades as the 'Rated-R Superstar' Edge in WWE, has embarked on a dynamic new chapter in his career as a professional wrestler and actor. After a storied tenure with WWE that spanned from 1998 to 2011 and a remarkable return from 2020 to 2023, Copeland's contract with WWE expired in September 2023. Citing a desire for new challenges and a feeling that he had 'outgrown' WWE, Copeland made a highly anticipated debut with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) at WrestleDream on October 1, 2023. He signed a full-time contract with AEW, initially competing under his real name before adopting the moniker 'Cope' in early 2025.
His move to AEW was driven by the opportunity to work a full-time schedule and face a fresh roster of opponents, a sentiment he expressed upon his arrival. In AEW, Copeland quickly made an impact, engaging in feuds, notably with his long-time friend Christian Cage, and capturing the AEW TNT Championship twice. His AEW run has allowed him to explore new creative avenues and continue performing at a high level, despite his age and past career-threatening neck injuries.
Beyond the wrestling ring, Copeland has significantly expanded his acting career. He gained critical attention for his role as Ares, the Greek God of War, in the Disney+ series 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians,' which premiered in late 2023 and continued into 2024. This role earned him an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Children's or Young Teen Program. Further solidifying his presence in Hollywood, Copeland was cast in 'The Beekeeper 2,' a sequel to the 2024 action film starring Jason Statham, with production underway as of September 2025.
In late 2025 and early 2026, Copeland took a temporary hiatus from AEW television to fulfill his acting commitments, including filming for 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' season 3 and 'The Beekeeper 2.' He made his return to AEW at Revolution 2026 on March 15, 2026, reuniting with Christian Cage. As of April 10, 2026, the duo is slated to challenge FTR for the AEW World Tag Team Titles at the Dynasty 2026 pay-per-view. Copeland has also revealed he is working on a second memoir, tentatively titled 'The Edge-ucation of Adam Copeland,' scheduled for an October 2026 release.
Looking ahead, Copeland has been candid about his impending second retirement. His current three-year AEW contract, signed in 2023, is reportedly set to expire in October 2026, around his 53rd birthday. He has expressed a desire to retire as a 'heel,' being 'dragged out of the building kicking and screaming,' rather than a traditional emotional farewell, reflecting his 'Rated-R Superstar' persona. This final run in AEW is seen as an opportunity to work with new talent and conclude his legendary career on his own terms.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Adam Joseph Copeland made different choices?