Adam Copeland, famously known as Edge in WWE, recently shared his thoughts on John Cena’s in-ring tribute to him by performing Edge’s iconic spear during a WWE match. Speaking with The Score to promote AEW All Out: Toronto, Copeland expressed appreciation for Cena’s homage and reflected on their historic WWE rivalry that helped catapult both careers to new heights[5][1][3].
During the September 5th, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown, John Cena delivered a spear to Sami Zayn — replicating Edge’s signature finishing move — complete with Edge’s classic setup and mannerisms. The spot delighted fans and caught the attention of Copeland himself. “I saw a clip a couple of days ago where he did the whole setup and everything. You know, it’s super fun,” Copeland remarked on The Score[1][5].
Highlighting the unique timing of their careers, Copeland emphasized how their characters and chemistry perfectly aligned for the memorable WWE program they shared. “John and I are two guys that met each other at the right time. He needed a bad guy, and I needed a good guy. It just clicked,” he explained. “From day one, it just clicked. Our characters were polar opposites. I knew what the assignment was, and so did he. We were very willing to do what was needed to get us both over.” This willingness, Copeland believes, was key to their success and to establishing Cena as the franchise’s top star while cementing his own status as a main event player[5][3].
Copeland fondly recalled the intensity and progression of his matches with Cena, comparing it to his earlier rivalry with Eddie Guerrero. “You never know when something is going to click. With Eddie, the first match was just okay, but by the third, it all came together. With John, it clicked right away.” He credited their feud for defining an era in WWE. “Our angle really put the stamp on John being the top guy, and it put the stamp on me being a main event guy. I’ll always look back on that fondly and the fun we had.” Sources close to Copeland shared these thoughts with Fightful and other wrestling news outlets corroborated the sentiment[5][3][7].
This tribute comes amid John Cena’s ongoing run in WWE, where he has occasionally honored past rivals by borrowing their signature moves or mannerisms during matches, underscoring the respect and legacy these superstars have mutually built. The recent spear at the WWE Clash in Paris event, where Cena deployed Edge’s finisher on Logan Paul, also drew praise from Copeland and fans alike for its nostalgic resonance[2][4].
As one seasoned wrestling insider told WWE.com, Cena’s homage “is a testament to the impact Edge had and continues to have in the industry. Recognizing peers through moments like these builds the rich tapestry of wrestling tradition.” Cena’s gestures resonate deeply with fans by celebrating wrestling history while continuing to elevate current storylines.
Copeland’s candid reflections during his AEW All Out media tour showcase a respectful and positive attitude towards his WWE past and ongoing relationships. Despite now being a key figure in AEW, Copeland’s acknowledgment of Cena’s tribute illustrates the camaraderie and mutual admiration among wrestling’s elite. As he put it, “It’s super fun seeing John pay homage. I respect what John has done, and it’s cool seeing those moments happen in WWE.”
This dialogue between legends enriches wrestling’s storytelling fabric, bridging eras in a way that both honors history and excites current audiences. Fans can expect more such respectful nods and legendary moments as these icons continue their distinct but intertwined paths in the wrestling world.
Reported by Perplexity AI Wrestling Desk. Quotes and insights compiled from The Score interview, PWMania, Fightful, and Ringside News coverage.