TNA Wrestling star Nic Nemeth recently voiced his concerns about AEW’s booking of the Christian Cage and Adam “Cope” Copeland storyline, claiming the company rushed the reunion and build-up ahead of the highly anticipated AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2025 pay-per-view[1][2][3].

Speaking on the widely followed Busted Open Radio podcast, Nemeth expressed disappointment in AEW’s handling of the storyline between these two veterans. “Forbidden Door, a little over a week away. I wonder now that we’re talking about it, is it a ‘Man, you know what would be a great moment for this Forbidden Door pay-per-view to get something going? Can we speed this up three months?’” Nemeth remarked[1].

He believes that a more gradual build would have enhanced the emotional weight and storytelling around Christian and Copeland’s reunion. Instead, the storyline progressed rapidly, potentially limiting its impact on fans. “I really hope it’s a ruse. I’m going to stay with that because it wasn’t a full embrace, but yes, you did get the hug. You got the match made. The match is made. It’s official no matter what happens. If it’s a ding, ding, ding and it’s [like Ric] Flair turning on Sting and they all just kick the s*** out of Cope, you still had the match made and the three quarters of a hug. So maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. Maybe it’s a moment of reluctance and the story continues at Forbidden Door, but it happens so quickly,” Nemeth added[1].

This storyline carries even more significance due to Copeland and Cage’s rich history, dating back to their days in WWE and TNA. The two wrestlers, long-time friends turned rivals and back again, now find themselves united for a storyline that AEW hopes will captivate fans at Forbidden Door[5].

Sources close to AEW have reportedly been debating the pacing of this feud, balancing the desire to capitalize on the Forbidden Door event’s buzz against the risk of sacrificing storytelling depth. A WWE insider familiar with competing promotions noted, “AEW is eager to create fresh intrigue for Forbidden Door, but sometimes that eagerness can cut short the authenticity of storylines that need time to breathe” (source: Fightful Wrestling).

The accelerated reunion contrasts with more traditional wrestling storytelling, which often emphasizes slow-burn character development and tension building. Nemeth’s perspective echoes concerns voiced by other wrestling veterans who believe that carefully paced angles tend to resonate more with long-term viewers.

AEW officials have not publicly responded to Nemeth’s critique, but recent AEW booking decisions clearly indicate a strong emphasis on maximizing high-profile matches at Forbidden Door to boost viewership and ticket sales. Christian Cage and Adam Copeland’s bout is a marquee matchup slated to draw intense attention given their storied careers and fanbase crossover with NJPW.

With Forbidden Door only days away, fans will be watching closely to see if the storyline’s quick evolution delivers the emotional payoff Nemeth hopes for or if the rushed booking diminishes what could have been a landmark moment in AEW history. Regardless, this controversy adds fuel to the ongoing debate about storytelling philosophies in modern wrestling promotions.

For continuing updates on AEW, Christian Cage, Adam Copeland, and Forbidden Door 2025, stay tuned to WWE.com, Fightful, Busted Open Radio, and other reputable wrestling news sources.

Sources:

• Nic Nemeth on Busted Open Radio, quoted on PWmania and WrestlingHeadlines[1][3]
• Insider comments reported by Fightful Wrestling
• Historical context from AEW and NJPW Forbidden Door promotional materials[5]