Adam Copeland says he believes AEW would have allowed him to take part in one last match with John Cena during Cena’s retirement tour. The idea never moved beyond fan speculation, but Copeland now says he thinks the AEW side would have been open to the possibility if the other company had shown interest.
Copeland Explains Why the Match Never Became a Real Possibility
Copeland discussed the topic on The Ariel Helwani Show, where he reflected on how the conversation around Cena’s farewell run created buzz about a potential reunion between the two. Copeland said the two companies could have worked together if both sides wanted it, but in his view, only one of them would have been willing to explore the idea. He said, “Here’s what I realized: they could link up with each other. One place didn’t want it to.”
He added that Tony Khan would have supported the idea, saying, “Absolutely [Tony Khan would have allowed it], I truly believe that. Because he knows what it would’ve meant to a very large segment of the wrestling fan.”
Copeland emphasized that no formal talks ever took place. His belief that WWE wouldn’t have approved the match comes from his own experiences, not from any direct conversation. He also said he understands why WWE might have chosen not to pursue it, given the circumstances of Cena’s farewell tour and the business considerations involved.
Even with the logistical hurdles, Copeland said he and Cena would have been willing to revisit their rivalry if the decision had been left to them. He said, “I can see it from all sides, I really can. But John knew I was there in spirit.” Copeland added that their careers were shaped by their rivalry, saying, “We kind of made our bones on each other, and we’re both aware of that fact. Both of our careers would have been great, but I think that angle, that story, those two opponents kind of propelled us to a different place.”
Copeland’s comments highlight how close fans came to seeing one more chapter between two of WWE’s defining opponents. The match never became a real possibility, but Copeland’s perspective suggests the door wasn’t closed on the AEW side — and that the two wrestlers themselves would have welcomed the chance to share the ring one last time.
RELATED: Adam Copeland Addresses AEW Contract Status While Reflecting On Career And Retirement
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