As the wrestling world buzzes with anticipation for the upcoming AEW All Out in Toronto and WWE’s WrestlePalooza headlined by John Cena versus Brock Lesnar, Adam Copeland—known to WWE fans as Edge—opened up about Cena’s recent homage during a WWE match and shared reflections on their memorable rivalry. In an exclusive interview with The Score, Copeland addressed Cena’s use of his iconic mannerisms and spoke candidly about the impact their rivalry had on shaping their respective careers.

During John Cena’s high-profile WWE SmackDown appearances and his farewell tour, he has been paying tribute to some of WWE’s greatest stars, including Copeland. Cena recently replicated Copeland’s renowned spear move, complete with the signature hair-pulling set-up, sparking a viral moment among fans. Copeland revealed he caught the tribute on social media and found it “super fun” to see Cena recreate the entire sequence so flawlessly[1][3][5].

Speaking about their past encounters, Copeland reflected on the chemistry they shared in the early 2000s. “John and I are two guys who met at the perfect moment in our careers,” he explained. “He needed someone to play the bad guy, and I needed a good guy to push me. It just clicked right away.” He contrasted their instant connection with his slower build of chemistry with other wrestlers like Eddie Guerrero, emphasizing how unique their dynamic was in WWE’s storytelling[1][3].

Copeland further emphasized the significance of their rivalry for both performers’ career trajectories. “John was already on his way,” Copeland said, “but our feud really put the stamp on him being the top guy, and it confirmed me as a main event star. I’ll always look back on that rivalry fondly—it was a blast to work with him.” Their feud notably included the unforgettable Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) matches, especially the 2006 showdown at Unforgiven in Toronto, which remains one of WWE’s most iconic extreme rules battles[1][2][3].

Wrestling journalists at Wrestling Headlines and WrestlePurists highlight that Cena’s homage wasn’t merely a nostalgic nod but a tribute that underscores the lasting influence Copeland has had on the industry and on Cena’s own legendary status. Cena’s blend of respect and showmanship through these moves demonstrates how the wrestlers’ legacies intertwine even after moving to different promotions, with Copeland now excelling in AEW and Cena concluding his WWE journey[1][5].

Sources close to the WWE locker room revealed that Cena’s tributes are sincere acknowledgments of the wrestling history they helped write together. “John knows the importance of legacy in this business, and he wanted to honor those who helped shape him as a performer,” one insider told Fightful. “Adam and John’s rivalry was a defining chapter in WWE’s modern era.”[5]

As AEW All Out approaches on September 21 in Toronto—the same day as the WWE WrestlePalooza event—fans of both promotions are reminded of the impact both stars have had in shaping wrestling’s past and present. Copeland acknowledged the significance of this timing, stating it feels fitting that their respective promotions are spotlighting them simultaneously, showcasing different chapters of their dynamic careers.

Adam Copeland’s candid reflections also underscore an important lesson about timing and collaboration in professional wrestling. “Wrestling is storytelling, and you never know when something is going to click,” Copeland said. “When it does, it changes everything.” Their rivalry refined not just in-ring work but character development, pacing, and fan engagement, setting a standard for future WWE main-event feuds.

As Copeland and Cena’s careers come full circle—Cena retiring from WWE and Copeland thriving in AEW—their shared history continues to resonate deeply with wrestling fans worldwide. Cena’s respectful tributes and Copeland’s positive reflections provide a narrative of mutual admiration and professional respect rarely seen in the often-competitive wrestling industry.

With AEW All Out and WrestlePalooza just days away, the wrestling world will be watching closely, celebrating two of the sport’s greatest performers, their enduring legacies, and the long-lasting ripple effects of their legendary rivalry.

Sources: WWE.com, Wrestling Headlines, The Score interview, Fightful insider reports, WrestlePurists analysis (2025).