Adam Copeland on the Origin of The Cope Open: ‘I Thought, Let’s Do This Fascinating Side Story Where No One Knows What Comes Next’

“I don’t know what to expect. All I can tell you is it’s going to be really, really fun.”

Adam Copeland wrestles Minoru Suzuki tonight on Dynamite.

That is a match that the wrestling world never anticipated. Copeland, who started his career in 1992, was as close to a WWE lifer as there could be, even celebrating 25 years with the company last summer. After decades performing as Edge, he is now known by his real name–and he is accomplishing new feats in AEW, beginning with The Cope Open.

Courtesy AEW

As Copeland continues his blood feud with Christian, ideas percolated in his mind for subplots. He kept returning to an open challenge series, and made the pitch to AEW owner Tony Khan. The idea was well-received by Khan, who saw unlimited potential. Ever since, Copeland is thoroughly enjoying collaborating with Khan on opponents that will captivate the crowd, provide new opportunities, and surprise viewers.

“While the story with Christian plays out, I thought, let’s do this fascinating side story where no one knows what comes next,” said Copeland. “The more I thought about it, we can use it as a vehicle for some young guys to get some different experience. And then I kept thinking about it, and it hit me: ‘This means it could be anyone.’ I’ve been tossing out all kinds of names and seeing who bites.”

Courtesy AEW

The first opponents in The Cope Open were Griff Garrison, Lee Moriarty, and Dante Martin. Suzuki is next, and he is a phenomenal choice. He is an intense and physical professional wrestler, an accomplished master of the craft who has primarily starred throughout his career in Japan. The idea that the leader of Suzuki-gun is taking on the former WrestleMania headliner now becomes a reality in an AEW ring.

“I thought Suzuki and I would be really cool,” said Copeland. “It’s something you wouldn’t even think of until you think of it, right? It’s going to be hard-hitting. And the word that keeps coming to mind is grizzled. But I never thought this match would ever happen.

“So I asked Tony, ‘Can we get Suzuki?’ He said he’d find out. As soon as he found out, literally as soon as he got off the phone, he advertised it on air.”

Courtesy AEW

Unaware that the match was official, Copeland first learned of the news backstage from Jon Moxley.

“I’m sitting in the locker room getting changed, and Moxley says to me, ‘Hey man, it’s you and Suzuki next week,’” said Copeland. “So you can only imagine my excitement. Immediately, I’m thinking, ‘I need to cut a promo about it.’”

A seasoned veteran with pro wrestling in his blood, Copeland cut an absurdly entertaining promo in one take.

EXCLUSIVE: @RatedRCope shares his thoughts on his match against @suzuki_D_minoru for the first time ever this Wednesday night on #AEWDynamite. pic.twitter.com/RzeinDyZbm

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) January 22, 2024

“This isn’t a job,” said Copeland. “This is what I love doing.”

Asked if Suzuki–who is a true original in pro wrestling–reminded him of any past opponents, Copeland paused before answering.

“I was thinking about that, and it’s tough,” said Copeland. “Bradshaw, when he was with the Acolytes, had a similarish vibe, but it was still different. I can’t think of anybody who is like him.”

The options for Copeland are endless. He can use these matches to spotlight emerging stars, like he did with Garrison, Moriarty, and Martin. The possibility also exists to deliver matches wrestling fans will never anticipate–even against opponents like Hiroshi Tanahashi or Sting.

“It’s fun,” said Copeland. “That’s the word I keep coming back to. It fits. The audience has no idea who’s next. Maybe that’s young guys who don’t get a lot of television time. I think that’s really cool. As a young wrestler, I would have loved that. As a wrestling fan, I love that. It’s a fun experiment.

“I don’t even know what to expect. All I can tell you is it’s going to be really, really fun.”