Adam Copeland Reacts To Historic Non-AEW Match At Northern Rising

Adam Copeland Reflects On Historic Non-AEW/WWE Match At MLP Northern Rising

For the first time since 2001, Adam Copeland competed outside of a WWE or AEW ring, defeating Steve Maclin in the main event of MLP Northern Rising at the historic Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto.

The match fulfilled a lifelong personal goal for the Hall of Famer, who has repeatedly cited the legendary venue as the birthplace of his childhood passion for professional wrestling.

“A Touchstone For My Childhood”

Speaking to media members during the post-show press conference, Copeland reflected on what it meant to step inside Maple Leaf Gardens and why taking advantage of his current career freedom remains a top priority:

“This was part of the reason I made the move that I did. For nights like this. For nights like Maple Leaf Gardens, Wembley Stadium, Arena Mexico. That doesn’t happen if I stay where I’m at. These are all things that I wanted to still accomplish. Within this last calendar month, I’ve worked Arena Mexico, Wembley, and Maple Leaf Gardens. As a student of this industry, I know what those buildings mean.”
“This, for me, was absolutely the most special. This was the touchstone for my childhood. My first show was here. Watching TV, it was watching the Leafs. It was everything that touched my childhood seemed to emanate from here. To get out there and perform… this was long gone for me. Retirement for nine years. Wrestling was long gone. Yet here we are six years into coming back and somehow getting to Maple Leaf Gardens.”
“Scott [D’Amore] knew this was one of the main dreams for me. Honestly, the main dream I had left. When he said, ‘We might be able to make this happen,’ I am absolutely in. Thankfully, Tony Khan is the way he is and he was in. He’s a guy that wants the entire wrestling industry to flourish, not just his bottom line. That’s what I appreciate most about where I work now. This was truly a dream for me. I can’t stress that enough. To be able to perform out there after so many years and experiences here, I’m going to be smiling going to bed tonight.”

The main event victory caps off a historic month for Copeland, whose recent scheduling highlights the collaborative nature between AEW and independent promotions worldwide.