Adam Copeland announced an indefinite leave from All Elite Wrestling during the September 24 episode of Dynamite. The departure was part of a storyline that also saw MJF declare a temporary hiatus the same night.
Copeland’s exit stems from the All Out pay-per-view, where FTR handcuffed him to the ropes and delivered a Spike Piledriver to his wife, Beth Copeland, after a tag team match. On Dynamite, in a backstage segment, Copeland told Christian Cage he was leaving to be with his family and questioned whether he could continue his career.
The announcement sparked heavy discussion online, with many speculating it could set up a WWE return for a final match against longtime rival John Cena, who is currently on a retirement tour.
FTR addressed their actions on Dynamite. Dax Harwood claimed he dropped Beth by mistake after she punched him. The segment was interrupted by Willow Nightingale, leading to an attack on FTR by Mike Bailey and Kevin Knight of JetSpeed.
Both departures are storyline covers for outside projects. Copeland is scheduled to film the third season of the Disney+ series Percy Jackson and the Olympians, while Friedman will be working on the film Violent Night 2.
Adam Copeland remains under contract with AEW, and a match with John Cena is highly unlikely despite fan speculation.