AEW owner Tony Khan is reportedly considering suspending former WWE World Champion Cope, previously known as Edge, following a contentious episode on AEW Dynamite. The WWE Hall of Famer had recently returned to television after several months away, reigniting his long-running feud with tag team FTR and their manager.
Cope made a dramatic comeback at AEW All In 2025, seeking revenge on FTR for their betrayal at Dynasty 2025, while also attacking The Patriarchy. On the latest Dynamite episode, tensions escalated when Cope speared Stokely Hathaway, FTR’s manager, but accidentally struck a security official during the confrontation. This action has raised concerns about disciplinary measures from Tony Khan, as attacking an official could have serious repercussions for Cope.
Escalation of Hostilities Between Cope and FTR
Throughout the episode, Cope confronted Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler with the support of his newly hired faction, The Hurt Syndicate. Members Shelton Benjamin and Bobby Lashley assisted Cope in attacking the FTR members, potentially sparking a fresh rivalry between these two tag teams within AEW. Should Tony Khan decide to suspend Cope for the incident involving the official, it could intensify Cope’s ruthless behavior in his ongoing vendetta against FTR.
At this stage, these developments remain speculative, and AEW fans are encouraged to follow upcoming broadcasts to see how this storyline unfolds.
Manager Labels Former Champion as a “Cancer” to AEW
In a heated promo during this week’s Dynamite, Stokely Hathaway condemned Cope for his actions, asserting that he deserves to be held accountable. Hathaway went as far as to say that Cope “belongs in prison” for spearing him last week. He also harshly criticized the former WWE star’s presence in AEW:
“Adam Copeland belongs in prison. Everybody, everyone in this company knows I am not a professional wrestler. So, he had no business putting his hands on me last week. Adam Copeland is a horrible human being. Adam Copeland is a loser. Adam Copeland is a cancer to AEW, and it doesn’t matter what anyone says,” Stokely said.
This verbal assault has further heightened the bitter rivalry between FTR and the Rated-R Superstar, leaving fans uncertain about what will come next in this intense conflict.
Possible Consequences and Future Implications
If Tony Khan moves forward with suspending Cope, it could alter the trajectory of this storyline significantly, possibly provoking a more aggressive and relentless version of the former WWE champion. The incident underscores the volatile nature of the ongoing feud and highlights the challenges AEW faces in managing high-profile talent amid complex rivalries and in-ring chaos.
Given the strong emotions fueled by these events, AEW’s narrative direction will be critical in maintaining fan engagement and escalating tension within the company’s key ongoing storylines.
