WWE makes huge change that could allow top AEW star to reclaim former gimmick

WWE has abandoned a significant trademark filing related to one of AEW's top names currently. The star in question, Adam Copeland, has not been active since April.

The Rated-R Superstar established himself as a legend in the sport through his work in the Stamford-based company, where he competed as Edge. The multi-time World Champion shocked the world when he left the sports entertainment juggernaut and joined AEW in 2023, where he began wrestling under his real name.

Copeland, who recently shortened his ring name to Cope for branding purposes, has been out of action since being betrayed and demolished by FTR at Dynasty 2025. Rumors suggest that the Hall of Famer could be poised for a long-awaited reunion with his best friend-turned-nemesis, Christian Cage. Now, it appears that the former TNT Champion could hypothetically return with his previous WWE gimmick.

WWE has reportedly abandoned one of its trademark filings for "Edge," under the following description:

"Wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered through broadcast media including television and via the Internet or commercial online services; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; providing information in the fields of sports via an online community portal." [H/T - uspto.gov]

WWE's abandoned filing for "Edge" [Source: USPTO's website]

WWE still retains an active trademark for "Edge" related to clothing and merchandise. Thus, it remains to be seen whether Cope and AEW will take any steps to allow him to wrestle under his iconic ring name again.

AEW star Adam Copeland hinted at his final retirement

Adam Copeland has continued to push his limits in the squared circle since returning from retirement in 2020. However, the 51-year-old veteran recently revealed on First Up with Korolnek and Colaiacovo that he may not wrestle past the age of 53, by the end of his current AEW contract.

"Not much longer. The schedule is far better than what it used to be. If you asked me to try and pull off over 200 days a year that I pulled before, there is absolutely no way because the recovery takes too long now. I'll have a match and it'll take me a good week to finally start walking normal. I've realized now, I'm 51 years old, I figure I have until maybe 53, the end of this contract," said Cope.

It remains to be seen when Cope will return to take revenge on FTR for turning on him last month.

About the author

Anurag is an AEW writer for Sportskeeda Wrestling. He holds a BA and MA degree in English along with a TEFL certification to teach English. Before Sportskeeda, he worked as a Content and Correspondence writer at Nayabad Titas, a theater group. He has also worked as a English language tutor.

To ensure complete accuracy, he uses internet resources, social media platforms, and especially pieces composed by his peers to find solid, verified information that he presents as objectively as possible. Thanks to his academic background, he can research different subjects thoroughly.

Anurag's interest in wrestling began as a child. He watched RAW and Smackdown frequently from age 10 or 11 and was officially hooked by the YES Movement story in WWE heading into WrestleMania 30.

As a lifelong wrestling fan and lover of stories, Anurag would read news, articles, and other content about the talent and events he enjoyed watching. His understanding of the business continued to grow with time, and his interest in the art and sport of wrestling led him to pursue a career as a writer.

Apart from writing, he loves to read books, watch movies and television programs, play and listen to music, and write poetry and fiction.

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Edited by Anurag Mukherjee

WWE makes huge change that could allow top AEW star to reclaim former gimmick - Reports

AEW star Adam Copeland hinted at his final retirement