Adam Copeland's Homage to John Cena Electrifies AEW All Out Ahead of Wrestlepalooza Showdown

In a compelling display of cross-promotional respect that transcended professional wrestling’s often rigid boundaries, Adam Copeland, known for his iconic WWE tenure as Edge, paid a significant tribute to long-time rival John Cena during his match at AEW All Out. The gesture occurred just hours before Cena was slated to face Brock Lesnar at WWE Wrestlepalooza, amplifying the buzz around both major events and underscoring a deep-seated camaraderie between two industry legends.

The highly anticipated AEW All Out pay-per-view, held in Toronto, Canada, on Saturday, September 20, 2025, commenced with a tag team contest featuring Adam Copeland and his long-time ally Christian Cage against the formidable duo of FTR, consisting of Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood. This opening bout set a high bar for the evening, but it was a specific sequence by Copeland that captured immediate global attention. Midway through the intense encounter, Copeland executed a series of maneuvers on Cash Wheeler that distinctly mirrored John Cena’s renowned "five moves of doom." The sequence included a powerful side-release powerbomb, followed by the distinctive "You Can’t See Me" hand gesture, culminating in a textbook Five Knuckle Shuffle, and finally, a devastating Attitude Adjustment.

The Toronto crowd, known for its passionate and discerning pro-wrestling fanbase, erupted in a thunderous ovation as Copeland delivered the familiar arsenal. Social media platforms were instantly abuzz, with fans and industry analysts dissecting the timing and significance of the tribute. The decision to employ Cena’s signature moves was not merely a random act but a carefully orchestrated moment of reciprocity, building on a narrative that had unfolded weeks prior within WWE programming.

Earlier in the month, John Cena, amidst what has been widely framed as a "retirement tour" during his sporadic WWE appearances, engaged in a singles match against Sami Zayn on WWE SmackDown. During that encounter, Cena notably incorporated several finishing maneuvers belonging to his past rivals, including Copeland’s signature Spear. This act, explained by Cena as a way of honoring the competitors he might not get a chance to face again on his farewell circuit, created a poignant moment that resonated with fans who appreciated the historical context. Copeland’s subsequent tribute at All Out served as a direct and equally heartfelt response, further solidifying the mutual respect shared between the two performers.

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Speaking to The Score earlier in the week, Copeland reflected on Cena’s acknowledgment, expressing his genuine pleasure. "Super fun," Copeland stated. "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…" He continued, elaborating on the symbiotic nature of their rivalry: "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."

The rivalry between Adam Copeland (then performing as Edge) and John Cena in WWE during the mid-2000s stands as one of the most defining and critically acclaimed feuds in modern professional wrestling history. It was a pivotal period that saw both men ascend to the very pinnacle of the industry. The feud was characterized by its intense storytelling, high-stakes matches, and the stark contrast between Cena’s "Hustle, Loyalty, Respect" persona and Edge’s conniving, "Rated-R Superstar" character.

A landmark moment in their saga occurred at the 2006 New Year’s Revolution event. Cena had just survived a brutal Elimination Chamber match to retain the WWE Championship. Capitalizing on the champion’s exhaustion, Edge famously cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase, pinning a battered Cena to capture his first WWE Championship. This shocking victory not only cemented Edge as a legitimate main event threat but also ignited a rivalry that would span multiple pay-per-views and main event segments, driving television ratings and pay-per-view buy rates for months. Their encounters often involved extreme stipulations, including memorable TLC (Tables, Ladders, and Chairs) matches and Last Man Standing bouts, showcasing their undeniable chemistry and willingness to push physical boundaries for the sake of their craft. The intensity of their rivalry was instrumental in establishing both Cena as the undisputed face of the company for the next decade and Edge as one of the most compelling and decorated villains of his generation, accumulating 11 World Championship reigns by the end of his initial WWE career.

The inter-promotional tribute highlights a unique aspect of professional wrestling, where personal respect often transcends corporate affiliations. While AEW and WWE operate as direct competitors in the global sports entertainment landscape, such gestures from top-tier performers like Copeland and Cena underscore a mutual understanding and appreciation for each other’s contributions to the industry. It serves as a testament to their shared history, the grueling demands of their profession, and the deep bonds forged over years of travel and performance. Industry analysts often point to such moments as beneficial for the entire wrestling ecosystem, generating positive buzz and reminding fans of the rich tapestry of talent that exists across various promotions.

Adam Copeland’s journey since departing WWE and joining All Elite Wrestling has been marked by a renewed vigor and a desire to contribute to the growth of a new promotion. As a veteran presence, his role in AEW has extended beyond in-ring competition to include mentorship and leadership, particularly alongside Christian Cage, with whom he has shared a storied career dating back to their formative years. Their tag team partnership continues to be a featured element of AEW programming, with their All Out match against FTR positioning them prominently within the company’s competitive tag team division. Their performance at All Out, crowned by Copeland’s tribute, will undoubtedly fuel speculation about their next steps and potential challenges for championship gold.

Meanwhile, John Cena’s appearance at WWE Wrestlepalooza against Brock Lesnar is one of the most anticipated matchups on the WWE calendar. Cena, now a global Hollywood star, maintains a part-time wrestling schedule, making each of his appearances a significant event. His ongoing "retirement tour" narrative has added an emotional layer to his matches, as fans recognize that opportunities to witness the 16-time World Champion in action are becoming increasingly rare. Brock Lesnar, a multi-time WWE and Universal Champion and former UFC Heavyweight Champion, represents one of Cena’s most formidable and long-standing adversaries. Their history is replete with brutal encounters, and their Wrestlepalooza clash is expected to be a high-impact, physically demanding contest, further cementing their legacies as two of the most dominant forces in WWE history. The stakes for Wrestlepalooza are high, as Cena seeks to add another iconic victory to his farewell chapter, while Lesnar aims to assert his continued dominance over one of WWE’s all-time greats.

As both AEW All Out and WWE Wrestlepalooza unfold, the inter-promotional tribute serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of Adam Copeland and John Cena, not just as competitors, but as architects of a generation’s wrestling landscape, whose mutual respect continues to shape the narrative of the sport.