Wrestling fans often vocalize their frustrations about how AEW utilizes its stars, pointing out that talents like Malachi Black and Milo receive less spotlight, while performers such as Penta, Ethan Page, and Blake Monroe seem better showcased in WWE. Despite these critiques, AEW’s handling of Adam Copeland highlights many of the promotion’s genuine strengths. Copeland appears content with his role in AEW, especially when compared to his WWE run as a special part-time attraction, and he has been deployed in diverse and fulfilling ways.
Cope and Christian Cage Finally Had a Meaningful Rivalry
After Edge and Christian parted ways in WWE, both wrestlers struggled to reach their full potential in their few televised matches and PPV encounters, with the 2001 No Mercy Intercontinental Championship ladder match being their closest high point. Though both Adam Copeland and Christian Cage may have been beyond their physical primes during their AEW tenure, their combined experience and ring intelligence were evident to fans. Their TNT Championship feud, including a DQ finish at the 2023 "End of the World" event, delivered a satisfying payoff and showcased the promise many fans hoped for in their rivalry.
Copeland Faced Fresh Opponents
One of the career highlights for a veteran wrestler is facing new challengers, and Copeland’s AEW career includes bouts against Malakai Black, Penta, Daniel Garcia, Minoru Suzuki, Claudio Castagnoli, and PAC, among others. In contrast, his WWE comeback featured repeat matches against a smaller group of stars such as Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Finn Balor. While those matches were high quality, it’s refreshing to see Copeland exploring diverse matchups on AEW TV and PPVs.
Cope Took on Main Event Challenges
No run would be complete without stepping into the main event scene, and Copeland’s feud with Jon Moxley was a solid world title storyline that helped establish Moxley and Death Riders with a reliable top babyface to clash against. Their main event at Revolution 2025 was well-received, with the street fight on Dynamite adding to its intensity. Importantly, Copeland didn’t overstay his welcome, moving on from the title scene after facing Moxley and continuing his rivalry with the Death Riders before shifting focus to his current feud with FTR.
The Cope and Christian Reunion Is Happening
The ongoing feud with FTR hints at an imminent reunion with Christian Cage. Their previous tag team run ended abruptly when Copeland’s neck injury sidelined him; however, Christian finally captured a world title with Copeland’s support, but they never got a proper chance to reunite as a team. Although they may not remain AEW’s tag team long term, their bond and friendship behind the scenes—along with connections to other key factions like Patriarchal Alumni, Death Riders, Young Bucks, and Heart Syndicate—promise something special. They are poised to become one of wrestling’s most compelling tag teams and bromances.
From meaningful rivalries to new matchups, main event spotlight, and a much-anticipated reunion, Copeland’s AEW tenure delivered what fans realistically hoped for. Unlike Sting’s farewell, which was tied into a protective tag team story, Copeland’s career closes with a rich program that exemplifies how AEW can fully utilize legendary talent.
Fan Take: Adam Copeland’s run in AEW is a blueprint for how the company can successfully integrate wrestling legends into fresh narratives while elevating both stars and storylines. This approach not only honors wrestling’s history but also enriches the future of the sport by blending experience with emerging talent.
