Since 2023, Cope has been an active professional wrestler in AEW.
Now 52 years old, the Canadian wrestler has captured the TNT Championship twice and claimed the tag team title alongside his friend Christian Cage. His late-career arc appears to be unfolding perfectly. But why did he leave WWE three years ago?
Last weekend, Cope had the privilege of performing in Ontario, before his Canadian audience. At a Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling show, he defeated Steve Maclin in a superb thirty-minute street fight. After this clash, during a press conference, the man formerly known as Edge in the rival company revealed the reasons behind his move to All Elite Wrestling.
He stated:
“Part of the reason I made this decision is nights like this: in venues like Maple Leaf Gardens, Wembley Stadium, Arena México. It wouldn’t have happened if I had stayed where I was. These are all the things I still wanted to accomplish. I know what these venues represent. Tony Khan is someone who wants to see the entire wrestling industry thrive, and not merely his own financial results. And I think that’s what I value most about my current work.”
A subtle jab at WWE, but a symbolic compliment to the head of AEW.
Toronto’s own @RatedRCope has ARRIVED! #MLPNorthernRising https://t.co/g1YuGkAniM
