Adam Copeland issuing Cope Open challenge for AEW TNT title

New TNT Champion Adam Copeland wants to defend his title against anyone who’s willing to step up to the challenge.

Copeland won the TNT title by defeating Christian Cage in an “I Quit” match in the main event of Dynamite this Wednesday. In a post-show video, Copeland said he’s ready to move on from Christian and face some new opponents. Copeland announced that he’ll be issuing a Cope Open challenge for the title when AEW Collision takes place from London, Ontario, Canada on Saturday, March 30.

That 40-year story, it’s closed. It’s time to move on. It’s time for me to face some different faces. It’s time for me to defend this TNT Championship. I want to be the type of champion who, if you think you deserve a shot, fine – step up. Right now, I’m sore, I’m a bloody mess, but I’ve got the TNT Championship.

So I tell you what, Collision, London – the Cope Open’s back. So anybody who wants to step up, feel free. There’s more at stake now too. There’s this TNT Championship. And I don’t plan on losing it anytime soon. So I wish you luck. And London, see you soon.

The Cope Open started this January during a storyline where Christian was refusing to face Copeland. Copeland had matches against young AEW talent in Griff Garrison, Lee Moriarty, and Dante Martin, along with a match against NJPW legend Minoru Suzuki.

Copeland said in his post-Dynamite interview that he feels like this is his first title reign since 2011. Copeland had a very brief reign as TNT Champion last December, winning the title from Christian at Worlds End and then immediately losing it back right after.

With no episode this weekend, March 30 is the next time that Collision will be airing. There’s no episode of the show this Saturday due to NCAA March Madness.

AEW Collision (Saturday, March 30) —

  • Adam Copeland issues a Cope Open challenge for the TNT Championship
  • AEW Tag Team title tournament quarterfinal match: FTR vs. The Infantry