Adam Copeland Vows To “End FTR,” Gets Hit With “You’re Fired” Stipulation On AEW Dynamite

On the July 16 episode of AEW Dynamite, “The Rated-R Superstar” Adam Copeland addressed the crowd for the first time since his surprise return at All In: Texas. In a passionate promo, Copeland clarified his intentions regarding his former friend Christian Cage before declaring his mission to “end FTR.” The segment took a dramatic turn when FTR’s representative, Stokely Hathaway, interrupted with a shocking ultimatum.

Copeland began by dispelling any notion that he returned at All In to save Christian Cage from the attack by The Patriarchy. “Did I come down to save Christian Cage? The answer is no,” Copeland stated emphatically. He recounted Cage’s recent actions, including trying to “cripple” him and sabotaging his World Championship match at Revolution. “He did it because of jealousy,” Copeland explained. “He could see anybody else win the AEW Heavyweight Championship… but he couldn’t see me do it before him.”

A Mission to “End FTR”

Copeland then shifted his focus to FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler), the team responsible for putting him on the shelf for four months. He talked about the deep history between them, explaining that they were the first two people he called after being medically cleared to return to wrestling five years ago. “I knew they could whip me back into shape. They wouldn’t pull any punches,” he said. “We even talked about, ‘Hey, man, imagine if we could form Rated FTR and win the Trios Championships.'”

He detailed how the relationship soured after they officially teamed in AEW. “Within two weeks, they started complaining,” Copeland recalled. “They started saying that they’re in my shadow. They’re glorified ‘Edge-heads,’ that I’m somehow holding them back from winning the Tag Team Championships.” Copeland explained the gravity of the four months they took from him at this stage of his career, concluding with a definitive mission statement. “I have been doing this for 33 years, and you put me on the shelf for four months, four months that I don’t have,” he declared. “So FTR, I didn’t come back to wrestle you… I came back for one thing, FTR, and that is to end F, T, R.”

A Shocking Ultimatum

As Copeland finished his statement, he was interrupted by Stokely Hathaway, who came to the ring flanked by security. Acting as FTR’s representative, Hathaway informed Copeland that they had filed a complaint with AEW management. “Immediately after the Pay-Per-View, AEW, Tony Khan, Warner Media, they received three anonymous emails complaining about your behavior,” Hathaway said before delivering a stunning ultimatum.

“Moving forward, if you interfere in FTR’s matches, if you attack FTR, even if you try to shake their hands, Adam Copeland, you are fired,” Hathaway announced. He explained that FTR needed to focus on their goal of winning the AEW World Tag Team Championships without any distractions from Copeland.

A Violent Loophole

After calling Hathaway an “angry Oompa Loompa,” Copeland identified a crucial loophole in the stipulation. “Okay, so you just said that if I get anywhere close to FTR, I’m fired,” Copeland confirmed with Hathaway. “But you didn’t say anything about if I get near you.” Copeland then proceeded to attack Hathaway’s security guards before cornering Hathaway himself and delivering a spear as the segment ended.

The new stipulation effectively blocks Adam Copeland’s path to getting his revenge on FTR, who are positioned as top contenders for the AEW World Tag Team Championships. Meanwhile, Christian Cage remains off television, selling the effects of the attack he suffered at All In at the hands of his former protégés, Nick and Shayna Wayne.

Click here for complete AEW Dynamite results.

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