Wrestling fans hoping to see one of the greatest tag teams in professional wrestling history reunite will have to keep waiting. The much-anticipated reformation of Edge and Christian – known as Cope and Christian Cage in AEW – has been shelved indefinitely, with All In Texas proceeding without the legendary duo.
The Original Vision That Never Materialized
According to a new report from Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, AEW had significant creative plans in motion for Cope and Cage to reform their iconic partnership. The storyline would have seen the veteran superstars unite against FTR, following Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood’s shocking betrayal of “The Rated-R Superstar” at April’s Dynasty pay-per-view.
This dream match seemed like a natural progression, giving longtime fans a chance to witness two Hall of Famers working together once again. The foundation was already laid with FTR’s heel turn, creating the perfect storm for an epic confrontation.
Christian Cage’s Unfinished Business
The primary obstacle preventing this reunion centers on Christian Cage’s commitment to his current storyline. Sources indicate that Cage is determined to properly conclude his narrative with The Patriarchy, particularly his complex relationship with Nick Wayne.
Cage has invested considerable time developing his mentorship role with Wayne, and he’s unwilling to abandon that storyline before reaching a satisfying conclusion. This dedication to storytelling continuity led to Cage’s announcement on the June 21 episode of “AEW Collision,” where he revealed plans to team with Wayne in pursuit of the AEW Tag Team Championships.
The Patriarchy’s Evolution
The relationship between Cage and Wayne has become one of AEW’s most compelling character studies. Cage’s protective yet manipulative approach to mentoring Wayne has created layers of storytelling that require proper resolution. Simply dropping this angle for a nostalgia-driven reunion would undermine months of character development.
Cope’s Extended Absence Complicates Plans
Internal discussions at AEW reveal that Cope’s prolonged absence from television caught many off guard. Originally, creative teams explored bringing him back at Double or Nothing in May, setting up a direct confrontation with FTR that would kickstart the reunion storyline.
However, Cope’s continued absence has forced AEW to pivot away from these plans. The company couldn’t afford to keep major storylines on hold indefinitely, especially with marquee events like All In Texas approaching rapidly.
The Ripple Effect on Other Storylines
The shelved Cope and Cage reunion has created unexpected consequences throughout AEW’s tag team division. FTR’s planned betrayal of The Outrunners, originally scheduled for late 2024, was scrapped due to the uncertainty surrounding the veteran team’s storyline.
Instead, The Outrunners have aligned themselves with wrestlers like Bandido and Paragon in their ongoing feud with FTR. This shift demonstrates how one stalled storyline can dramatically alter the entire landscape of a wrestling promotion’s creative direction.
All In Texas Moves Forward Without the Dream Match
With less than three weeks remaining until All In Texas on July 12, sources confirm that discussions about a Cope and Cage reunion have essentially ceased. The event’s card continues taking shape without the involvement of either veteran performer.
This situation highlights the delicate balance wrestling promotions must maintain between honoring established storylines and capitalizing on dream match opportunities. While fans may be disappointed, AEW’s commitment to narrative integrity suggests they’re playing the long game with their creative decisions.
The wrestling world will have to wait a little longer for this legendary reunion, but when it finally happens, will the payoff be worth the extended build? What other surprise partnerships might emerge at All In Texas to fill the void left by this postponed dream match?
