Adam Copeland Honors John Cena with Signature Offense at AEW All Out, Preceding Cena's Wrestlepalooza Bout

Toronto, Canada – In a rare display of inter-promotional respect that transcended professional wrestling’s typically rigid company lines, Adam Copeland, known to WWE audiences for decades as Edge, paid a distinct tribute to John Cena during his match at AEW All Out on Saturday, September 20, 2025. The gesture, executed hours before Cena was scheduled to face Brock Lesnar at WWE Wrestlepalooza, underscored a bond between two of wrestling’s most enduring figures that has evidently outlasted their individual allegiances.

The moment unfolded in the opening contest of AEW All Out at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada, a city with deep historical ties to Copeland’s career. Copeland, alongside his long-time ally and current tag team partner Christian Cage, engaged in a highly anticipated bout against the formidable duo of FTR, comprised of Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood. As the match reached a critical juncture, Copeland directed his offense towards Cash Wheeler, strategically deploying a sequence of moves immediately recognizable as the signature arsenal of John Cena. The sequence commenced with a forceful side-release powerbomb, followed by the theatrically charged "Five Knuckle Shuffle," and culminated with Cena’s iconic Attitude Adjustment. The crowd, initially buzzing with the energy of the opening match, erupted in a mixed chorus of cheers and surprised murmurs, recognizing the deliberate homage.

This deliberate incorporation of Cena’s "five moves of doom" into Copeland’s repertoire was not an isolated incident but rather a reciprocal gesture in a series of tributes exchanged between the two veterans. Earlier in the month, John Cena had performed a similar nod to Copeland during a match on WWE SmackDown. In that instance, Cena, facing Sami Zayn, utilized Copeland’s signature Spear, a powerful, running tackle that has defined much of Copeland’s career. Cena’s actions were framed as part of his ongoing "retirement tour," a period where the multi-time world champion has openly expressed a desire to honor past rivals whom he may no longer have the opportunity to face in the ring. This mutual acknowledgement highlights a profound respect that extends beyond the competitive dynamics of their respective promotions.

The timing of Copeland’s tribute was particularly poignant, occurring just hours before Cena was slated to step into the ring against Brock Lesnar at WWE Wrestlepalooza. This high-profile encounter between Cena and Lesnar was one of the marquee matches advertised for the WWE event, carrying significant implications for the future landscape of the company. Both Cena and Lesnar are considered titans of their generation, with a storied history of intense physicality and championship battles. Lesnar, known for his dominant, unyielding style, presents a formidable challenge to Cena, who, despite a burgeoning Hollywood career, continues to periodically return to WWE to deliver impactful performances. The Wrestlepalooza match was anticipated to be a brutal affair, adding another chapter to their storied rivalry, which includes notable clashes at SummerSlam 2014 and Extreme Rules 2012. For Cena, each appearance on this "farewell tour" is weighted with legacy, and his match against Lesnar represented a significant test of his enduring prowess.

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The rivalry between Adam Copeland (then Edge) and John Cena in WWE during the mid-2000s remains one of the most defining and intense feuds of that era. Their storyline began in earnest at New Year’s Revolution in January 2006, a pivotal moment in both of their careers. Cena, then the reigning WWE Champion, had just successfully defended his title in an Elimination Chamber match. Exhausted and vulnerable, he was immediately confronted by Edge, who famously cashed in his newly acquired Money in the Bank briefcase. In a shocking turn of events, Edge defeated Cena to capture his first WWE Championship, a moment that cemented his status as a top-tier villain and a main-event player. This cash-in was a landmark event, not only for its dramatic impact but also for establishing the Money in the Bank concept as a legitimate pathway to championship glory.

Their feud spanned several months, featuring a series of high-stakes matches that captivated audiences. These encounters included WWE Championship matches at Royal Rumble, Saturday Night’s Main Event, SummerSlam, and Unforgiven, often incorporating various stipulations such as Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) matches and Last Man Standing bouts. The rivalry was characterized by its personal intensity, with both competitors pushing the boundaries of sports entertainment storytelling. Edge, with his "Rated-R Superstar" persona, served as the perfect foil to Cena’s "Hustle, Loyalty, Respect" mantra, creating a dynamic that resonated deeply with fans and propelled both men to unprecedented levels of stardom. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their ability to generate significant heat and crowd reaction positioned them as the standard-bearers for their respective characters for years to come.

Reflecting on their shared history, Copeland offered insight into their professional relationship during a recent interview with The Score. "Super fun," Copeland stated, recalling Cena’s previous acknowledgement of him. "I think for John and I, we’re two guys who met each other at the right time. You know, he needed a bad guy and I needed a good guy, and it just clicked. You never know when something will click…" Copeland emphasized the mutual benefit derived from their feud. "You had two guys who were very willing to do what we had to do to get us both over. And John was already well on his way. But I feel like our angle is what really put the stamp on him being the top guy, and it put the stamp on me being a main-event guy. So, you know, I’ll always look back at that one fondly and at what we were able to do and the fun we had."

Copeland’s sentiments highlight a fundamental truth about professional wrestling: the symbiotic relationship between hero and villain. Cena, rapidly ascending as the face of WWE, required a credible, compelling antagonist to solidify his position, and Copeland, with his cunning and ruthless persona, perfectly filled that role. Conversely, while Copeland had achieved significant success as a multi-time Intercontinental and Tag Team Champion, his feud with Cena elevated him to the pinnacle of the industry, establishing him as a consistent main event performer capable of carrying major storylines. This period not only defined their individual careers but also shaped a significant chapter in WWE history, demonstrating how a well-executed rivalry can elevate all parties involved.

The broader context of these inter-promotional tributes speaks volumes about the evolving landscape of professional wrestling. For decades, the industry was characterized by fierce, often personal, rivalries between competing companies. The idea of a star from one major promotion overtly paying homage to a star from another, especially during a live pay-per-view event, would have been almost unthinkable. However, in recent years, the concept of the "forbidden door" – a metaphorical opening between promotions allowing for talent exchanges and respectful acknowledgements – has gained traction, particularly with the rise of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a legitimate alternative to WWE. This mutual respect between Copeland and Cena, two foundational figures of the modern era, suggests a maturing of the industry where personal bonds and professional admiration can occasionally supersede corporate boundaries.

Adam Copeland’s illustrious career spans over three decades, marked by an unparalleled ability to reinvent himself and connect with audiences. After a career-threatening neck injury forced his retirement in 2011, he made a triumphant return to WWE in 2020, defying medical expectations. His eventual move to AEW in 2023 marked another significant chapter, allowing him to explore new creative avenues and reunite with long-time friends like Christian Cage. Copeland is a record 11-time WWE World Champion (7x WWE Champion, 4x World Heavyweight Champion), a 14-time Tag Team Champion, and an Intercontinental Champion, among other accolades, solidifying his legacy as one of the most decorated performers in wrestling history.

John Cena, similarly, boasts a remarkable record, widely regarded as one of the most successful professional wrestlers of all time. His 16 World Championship reigns (13x WWE Champion, 3x World Heavyweight Champion) tie Ric Flair for the most recognized in history. Beyond the ring, Cena has achieved considerable success as an actor, transitioning seamlessly into Hollywood while still maintaining a connection to his wrestling roots. His "retirement tour" appearances are not merely nostalgic trips but impactful segments that draw significant viewership and generate considerable buzz, proving his enduring appeal and drawing power.

As the professional wrestling world continues to evolve, the actions of Adam Copeland and John Cena serve as a powerful reminder of the deep-seated respect and camaraderie that often exists behind the scenes, irrespective of promotional affiliations. Copeland’s tribute at AEW All Out, preceding Cena’s high-stakes encounter at WWE Wrestlepalooza, was more than just a sequence of moves; it was a testament to a shared history, mutual admiration, and the indelible mark both men have left on the sport. Such gestures not only enrich the fan experience but also underscore the enduring legacy of two genuine legends.