At the 2025 AEW Dynasty pay-per-view, fans witnessed a shocking turn as FTR betrayed Cope (Adam Copeland) in a post-match ambush. Since that moment, Cope has been absent from AEW programming, leaving fans speculating about his return — and what’s next for FTR.
According to a new report from Fightful.com, there were “major creative plans” in place for FTR following Dynasty, with early rumors pointing toward a blockbuster tag match featuring Cope reuniting with Christian Cage to take on the now-heel FTR at AEW All In: Texas.
However, those plans appear to have been delayed, as sources indicate Christian Cage is not yet ready to wrap up his ongoing storyline with The Patriarchy — the faction he has led and heavily invested in over the past year.
On the June 21 edition of AEW Collision, Christian cut a promo teasing a tag team run with Nick Wayne, stating his intentions to pursue championship gold. This strongly suggests that his current arc will continue for the time being, further pushing back any immediate reunion with Cope.
As for Cope, Fightful reports that his extended absence was not originally planned. There were internal discussions about a possible return at Double or Nothing, but that appearance ultimately did not materialize.
At this time, there is no official timeline for when AEW will proceed with the long-anticipated reunion between Cope and Christian. Still, with FTR’s heel turn fresh and unresolved, the door remains wide open for a high-profile showdown in the months to come.
"The Patriarch" @Christian4Peeps is insulted by @TheCaZXL + @BountyKeith's brawl interrupting his time.
Watch #AEWCollision LIVE on TNT & MAX pic.twitter.com/rOfpDNgcnh
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 22, 2025
Stay with PWMania.com for all the latest updates on AEW creative plans, Cope’s status, and FTR’s evolving role as top-tier villains.
