Backstage reactions in WWE and AEW (Patreon)

Edge will now be known as Adam Copeland, and is All Elite.

Fightful has already spoken to a number of sources within AEW, which have unanimously positive receptions to Copeland joining the company.

In addition to being around full-time in AEW, we're told that Copeland will have a significant presence within the company and has expressed his willingness to help in a variety of capacities.  One longtime AEW talent said that Copeland spoke about Copeland filling the gap that CM Punk left behind in that he'll be helpful and not cause any issues internally. That person did reiterate that Punk himself had been helpful to many within the company as well. 

Regarding his theme, WWE never held exclusive licensing rights to the song, as Fightful Select had speculated today. However, there were some surprised people within AEW that WWE had allowed the "Rated R Superstar" trademark lapse, and didn't bother to renew it when it became clear he was going to leave. 

Some within WWE said that it became obvious to them at the start of the summer that Edge wasn't returning. 

One AEW talent said that they were not "officially" clued in, but that it was the worst kept secret in wrestling. Talent in AEW and WWE both spoke about Adam Copeland jumping ship as if it was going to happen as far back as mid-August. Sources that had worked with Copeland spoke as if was a fact even before his last WWE match, though many were not told in an official capacity until well after that. Throughout this weekend, WWE and AEW talent started speaking very matter of fact about the possibility of Copeland joining. 

Copeland was kept somewhat hidden, but admitted that he popped out to hang out with Darby Allin and get food, and had been in town all weekend. 

WWE sources we spoke to claim that Adam Copeland left on good terms, and would be welcomed back into the company if he ever returned.

The overwhelming consensus was a positive within AEW and a "happy for him" within WWE.'