AEW Double or Nothing is happening tonight in Las Vegas, and fans can expect some surprises. One possible surprise is the appearance of Gangrel on the pay-per-view.
Gangrel, also known as The Vampire Warrior, was initially advertised for the WrestlingKult event in Germany on the 24th and 25th. However, the event stopped promoting his appearance.
— Wrestlingkult – WK (@WrestlingKult16) May 1, 2024
Adam Copeland, formerly known as Edge, is set for a barbed wire steel cage match against Malakai Black at Double or Nothing. Copeland has been making many Brood references recently, including a bloodbath segment on Dynamite to build up the match.
Die letzten Stunden des VVK sind angebrochen. Um 22 Uhr ist Zapfenstreich. Lasst euch diesen Kader nicht entgehen!
Speaking with Chris Van Vliet on Insight, Copeland was open about his attempt to revive the Brood entrance for WWE Day 1 in 2022. He wanted Gangrel to join him, reminiscent of their Attitude Era days, but WWE rejected the idea, believing fans wouldn’t remember. Copeland disagreed, feeling that wrestling fans appreciate nostalgia and should be rewarded for their loyalty. Despite his efforts, WWE shut down the idea, and Copeland realized it wasn’t his decision to make.
Copeland also mentioned starting talks with AEW right after his WWE contract expired. He referenced Matt Cardona’s recent return to AEW, where Cardona challenged him for the TNT Championship, recognizing that fans remember Cardona’s ‘Edge Head’ days. Although WWE didn’t support bringing back Gangrel, Copeland continues to find ways to engage the audience through his work in AEW, leaving the possibility of Gangrel’s appearance open.
Christian Cage, another member of The Brood, is also scheduled for a major match at AEW Double or Nothing. He will face Swerve Strickland for the AEW Title, a match that has become personal with many insults about Swerve’s personal life and career.
You can find the full AEW Double or Nothing card below. The pay-per-view starts at 8:00 EST, with a Zero-Hour show beginning at 6:30 PM EST.
Thunder Rosa vs. Deonna Purrazzo: Singles match (Zero-Hour Match)
The Acclaimed (Max Caster, Anthony Bowens, and “Daddy Ass” Billy Gunn) vs. Cage of Agony (Brian Cage and Gates of Agony (Toa Liona and Bishop Kaun)): Trios match (Zero-Hour Match)
Adam Copeland (c) vs. Malakai Black: Barbed Wire Steel Cage match for the AEW TNT Championship
Roderick Strong (c) (with Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) vs. Will Ospreay: Singles match for the AEW International Championship
Bang Bang Gang (Jay White and The Gunns (Austin Gunn and Colten Gunn)) (c) vs. Death Triangle (Pac, Rey Fénix, and Penta El Zero Miedo) (with Alex Abrahantes): Trios match for the Unified World Trios Championship
Chris Jericho (c) (with Big Bill) vs. Hook vs. Katsuyori Shibata: Three-way FTW Rules match for the FTW Championship
Jon Moxley vs. Konosuke Takeshita (with Don Callis): IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Eliminator match (If Takeshita wins, he will receive a future IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match)
“Timeless” Toni Storm (c) (with Luther and Mariah May) vs. Serena Deeb: Singles match for the AEW Women’s World Championship
Willow Nightingale (c) vs. Mercedes Moné: Singles match for the AEW TBS Championship
The Elite (Kazuchika Okada, Jack Perry, and The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson)) vs. Team AEW (Bryan Danielson, Darby Allin, and FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood)): Anarchy in the Arena match
Swerve Strickland (c) (with Prince Nana) vs. Christian Cage (with Killswitch, Nick Wayne, and Mother Wayne): Singles match
Adam Copeland is widely known for his accomplishments under the Edge moniker in WWE. As a member of The Brood, the WWE Hall of Famer popularized bloodbaths, and he brought that to AEW for the May 22 Dynamite.
During this week’s Dynamite, Malakai Black faced Roderick Strong in a highly competitive match. In the end, Black emerged victorious, but his night took an unexpected turn.
All rise for the #HouseOfBlack. Malakai Black faces Kyle O’Reilly tonight before his Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match for the #TNT Championship against Adam Copeland at #AEWDoN!
Following his win, the lights in the arena shifted to an ominous red, and music reminiscent of The Brood began playing. Although it wasn’t the exact Brood theme, it sounded strikingly similar. Suddenly, the ceiling opened above Malakai Black, and the House of Black leader was drenched in a crimson bath. While the liquid wasn’t real blood, it was convincingly realistic, leaving Black in a state of shock and anger.
Then the screen revealed Adam Copeland, standing with a look of satisfaction. This dramatic moment set the stage for their upcoming clash at Double or Nothing. The AEW TNT Title will be on the line in a barbed wire steel cage match, with Copeland putting his title on the line.
You can find the card for AEW Double or Nothing below. We will have continued coverage at SEScoops.
Roderick Strong (c) vs. Will Ospreay – Singles match for the AEW International Championship
“Timeless” Toni Storm (c) (with Luther and Mariah May) vs. Serena Deeb – Singles match for the AEW Women’s World Championship
Adam Copeland (c) vs. Malakai Black – Barbed Wire Steel Cage match for the AEW TNT Championship
Jon Moxley vs. Konosuke Takeshita – IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Eliminator match
Trent Beretta vs. Orange Cassidy – Singles match
Chris Jericho (c) (with Big Bill) vs. HOOK vs Katsuyori Shibata – FTW Rules match for the FTW Championship
Willow Nightingale (c) vs. Mercedes Moné – Singles match for the AEW TBS Championship
The Elite (Kazuchika Okada, Jack Perry, Matthew Jackson, and Nicholas Jackson) vs. Team AEW (Bryan Danielson, Cash Wheeler, Dax Harwood, and Darby Allin) – Anarchy in the Arena match
Swerve Strickland (c) (with Prince Nana) vs. Christian Cage (with Killswitch, Nick Wayne, and Mother Wayne) – Singles match for the AEW World Championship
AEW TNT Champion Adam Copeland hopes to end his war with The House of Black at Double or Nothing in the confines of a barbed wire-clad Steel Cage.
The match was made official on the May 15, episode of AEW Dynamite and comes after weeks of feuding between the two sides. Copeland will face Malakai Black at the upcoming pay-per-view. He has previously retained his title against both Buddy Matthews and Brody King.
Copeland had made the challenge following last week’s AEW Collision, where he retained the title against Kyle O’Reilly. On Dynamite, the Rated-R Superstar was mentally and physically tormented by the faction and both he and Reilly were attacked by the House of Black.
Backstage, Black accepted the challenge and accepted Copeland’s request for a Barbed Wire Steel Cage match. The Rated-R Superstar could lose more than his title though, as Black revealed that should he beat Copeland, the WWE Hall of Famer would bend his knee to the House of Black.
AEW Double or Nothing 2024
Here is the card for AEW Double or Nothing 2024 as it currently stands.
Willow Nightingale (c) vs. Mercedes Moné (AEW TBS Championship)
Roderick Strong (c) vs. Will Ospreay (AEW International Championship)
“Timeless” Toni Storm (c) (with Luther and Mariah May) vs. Serena Deeb (AEW Women’s World Championship)
Swerve Strickland (c) (with Prince Nana) vs. Christian Cage (with Killswitch, Nick Wayne, and Mother Wayne) (AEW World Championship)
The Elite (Kazuchika Okada, Jack Perry and The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson, and Nicholas Jackson)) vs. Team AEW (Bryan Danielson, FTR (Cash Wheeler, and Dax Harwood), and Darby Allin) (Anarchy In The Arena Match)
Adam Copeland (c) vs. Malakai Black (AEW TNT Championship, Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match)
Reigning AEW TNT Champion Adam Copeland retained his title on the latest episode of Collision and also made history in the process.
In the main event of the show, Copeland retained the title against Kyle O’Reilly, who was competing in his hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia. Not only did Copeland retain the title, but this marked the 100th title defense of the AEW Championship, a first for any championship in the All-Elite promotion.
It’s main event time! #TNT Champion Adam Copeland defends his title in a landmark 100th defense. A first for ANY championship in #AEW!
Copleand was able to defend his gold against O’Reilly but the story of the match didn’t stop there. After the match, the two Canadian wrestlers embraced and the champion raised the hand of his challenger. Copeland then refused to let go of O’Reilly that led to a tense face-off between the two before the TNT Champion left first.
It’s main event time! #TNT Champion Adam Copeland defends his title in a landmark 100th defense. A first for ANY championship in #AEW!
Speaking after the match, Copeland said that the match showed exactly why he joined AEW last year.
“Tonight was just an example of why I came to AEW. To get in there with a talent like Kyle O’Reilly in his hometown. 25 years after his dad brought him to see his first wrestling show which I was on. Fast-forward 25 years later and we’re in the main event for the TNT Championship and his dad is here tonight… What an absolute pleasure and a privilege to get into the ring with a talent like that.”
After signing with them late last year, Adam Copeland is having a career resurgence in All Elite Wrestling. He is currently the AEW TNT Champion and is competing against great wrestlers he’s never faced before in the company. Although AEW fans are enjoying his run, they could have seen him on the roster a lot sooner than 2023.
In an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Copeland shared that he was in talks with AEW in late 2019 and almost joined then. At the time, he was trying to get medically cleared to wrestle after retiring from wrestling in 2011. While he was having talks with WWE about returning, he admitted that he had great conversations with AEW and was “really close” to signing with them.
“…So when I first started talking with AEW, I wasn’t yet cleared,” said Copeland. He continued, “…I still wasn’t cleared by company doctors, right? So once all of those clearances started to come, I was like, Oh, this is real now. Okay. So before I did anything, I had to go kind of get the final clearance needed for either company, and I had negotiated with everybody.”
Ultimately, Copeland had a sit down with former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, and he was able to convince him to make his return at the WWE Royal Rumble on January 26, 2020. He acknowledged that he had no regrets about signing with WWE because of the moment he had made his entrance in the match.
Copeland would stick around with WWE for over three years before jumping to AEW on October 1, 2023.
Adam Copeland On What’s Next After AEW Contract Expires
Copeland’s contract with AEW is a multi-year, full-time deal with the expectation that it will expire in 2026. Although he looks in great shape at 50, he is still uncertain if he will wrestle after his deal ends.
In the interview, he shared that he is balancing his career and family life well. That said, it will depend on how he feels when it’s time to renew.
“…If I can keep performing at a level, but more importantly on a level I can feel proud of. I just don’t want to get to a point where I’m really struggling, and it’s just pulling teeth to get it done. I don’t want to do that, and thankfully, I’m at a point in my career where I don’t have to do that,” said Copeland.
The AEW TNT Champion also mentioned how he hopes his work ethic can be a life lesson for his daughters and that he can inspire them. That said, he also wants to make sure he is there for them, and thankfully, his schedule hasn’t impacted his family time.
Copeland is having fun and is motivated to compete with the best in AEW. For fans wondering about his future, he seems open to re-sign if he can still compete at a high level and manage his life outside wrestling.
Adam Copeland wanted to get Gangrel back in the mix with WWE, even if it was brief.
The former Edge spoke with Chris Van Vliet on Insight and gave a little “insight” as to him bringing back the notorious Brood entrance for WWE Day 1 2022. Copeland made the play to get Gangrel to rise back up alongside him much akin to the Attitude Era, but revealed that idea was shot down by WWE.
“So this isn’t a knock on WWE, but I’d always get the, ‘Well nobody remembers.’ People remember, wrestling fans remember and I think wrestling fans want to be rewarded for remembering. And that’s a way to reward them. That’s what I’ve always felt.”
Copeland cited the recent return of Matt Cardona to AEW who challenged Adam for his TNT Championship on an episode of AEW Collision. Copeland knows that fans remember Cardona’s time as an ‘Edge Head’ and it was a way to bring something special back for the audience. However, he just couldn’t get WWE behind bringing back Gangrel, the original leader of The Brood.
“That was one I just kept getting shut down. I realised, okay, that was not a hill to die on because it didn’t get to happen. It’s not my sandbox, I got to do with what I’ve been given.”
Gangrel did happen to show up for The Young Bucks’ entrance back when they were feuding with The Hardys so the possibility of The Brood boiling up certainly isn’t out of the realm of possibility. Copeland could use some extra help as he continues to feud with House of Black in build to Double or Nothing in Las Vegas.
Please h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
AEW TNT Champion Adam Copeland wasted no time in making moves towards joining the promotion after his WWE deal expired in September 2023.
After over 25 years as Edge, Copeland debuted for AEW at the inaugural WrestleDream event and immediately entered a program with former friend Christian Cage. The pair’s lengthy feud culminated with Copeland dethroning Cage for the TNT gold in March 2024.
On the Insight podcast, Copeland discussed the end of his WWE career and made clear he left on great terms. The Hall of Famer explained how quickly the turnaround was for him to go from WWE to its main rival.
“It happened so quick. My contract with WWE was up on, I want to say September 21st. That’s when I started talking to Tony [Khan.] It was September 22nd. And WrestleDream was October 1st. So it all happened within a week.”
Copeland’s All-Elite arrival wasn’t the first time his name had been tied to AEW. In 2019, the Canadian came close to joining AEW, then a young upstart, before ultimately opting to stick with WWE. In the interview, Copeland was asked why he went for the younger promotion four years later.
“It felt like I’d done everything that I was going to do with WWE. I’d worked [with] the people I wanted to work, 95 percent anyway. And it really just felt that they were on a direction and I was on a direction and they were kind of going separate ways.”
Adam Copeland wasted no time joining AEW.
Ultimately, Copeland made his choice and opted for the road less traveled in 2023 and has clearly been having a blast in the company so far. Currently, the TNT Champion is feuding with the House of Black and has retained against Buddy Matthews and Brody King.
For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops.
All Elite Wrestling Fight Forever is still going strong after its official release last year. The game was released on June 29, 2023, on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, and Steam. Although AEW Fight Forever was met with mixed reviews universally, the company is still adding more content to appease fans.
On X/Twitter, AEW revealed that they have updated the game for free with new character skins and five music tracks. The company also announced that Stadium Stampede mode has been updated.
“As a thank you to the fans for making #AEW the fastest growing wrestling promotion of all-time, the new Elite Beats and Stampede Expansion is available to #AEWFightForever players starting today,” wrote AEW.
The timing of the update is interesting as the company will celebrate the anniversary of its first pay-per-view, AEW Double or Nothing, on May 25. This year, the annual AEW event will occur on May 26 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s unclear if the AEW Fight Forever will add more free content in connection to other milestone events for the company. However, AEW Fight Forever fans will appreciate the free additions to the game.
AEW Fight Forever Season Pass 4 DLC
Along with adding a free update, AEW has also announced that their fourth Season Pass is available for download today for $19.99 on social media. The game has added Samoa Joe, Jay White, and Adam Copeland to be playable for fans who purchased it. AEW Fight Forever Season Pass 4 also adds two arenas, 30 move sets, and a new tournament mode.
The new DLC is notable for wrestling fans as it will be the first game that Copeland will be involved in which isn’t WWE. The last game he was involved in was WWE 2K23 from the previous year.
There are still wrestlers that have yet to appear in the game. It’s possible AEW Fight Forever could add more DLC or a free update later this year. However, their latest update could be enough for now to enjoy.
AEW TNT Champion Adam Copeland is welcoming new challenges by trying to add new maneuvers to his arsenal in the latter stage of his career.
‘The Rated R Superstar’ undoubtedly has an impressive array of moves up his sleeve, but even veterans of the ring haven’t executed every conceivable maneuver. Copeland has showcased some spectacular moves in his recent matches and he says this is no accident.
While speaking with Swerve Strickland and Monteasy on AEW Champion Swerve Strickland’s Swerve City Podcast, Cope has made it clear he will try a new move in every match from now on. He feels extremely fortunate to still be wrestling, is excited to work with so many new opponents in AEW and relishes the challenge of pushing himself and executing unfamiliar strikes, holds and dives.
“What I’ve done with this AEW run, I told myself, ‘I’m going to try a move that I’ve never tried before. One move, every match. That I’ve never done before.’ [AEW Collision before AEW Dynasty], I did the Davey Boy powerslam. Never done one before. I’ve done the rotation powerslam, but never the Davey. Last week against Brody King, I’ve never done a blockbuster, ‘I’ll try a blockbuster.’ Just for myself, really. Just to have fun and the challenge of it. I get off on challenges. The challenges are very big for me in life. I work best when I have a challenge that I have to try and conquer.”
On March 20 edition of Dynamite, Adam Copeland captured the AEW TNT Championship for the second time when he defeated his former best friend Christian Cage in front of his hometown crowd. Ever since, Copeland has been defending his title in Cope Open challenge and has already retained against the likes of Penta El Zero Miedo and Matt Cardona.
Adam Copeland set to defend his title on Dynamite
On this week’s Dynamite, Copeland will put his title on the line against one of the members of The House of Black.
The Canadian wrestler has been vocal about challenging himself post-WWE career, which is one of the reasons he joined AEW. Signing with the promotion has certainly opened the door for him to explore new trails and he is just enjoying his time before the sun sets on his career.
Adam Copeland is taking his TNT Championship run to the “edge” and he has another veteran with his eyes on Cope’s prize.
Since Copeland secured that TNT Title against Christian Cage at AEW Revolution, ‘The Rated R Superstar’ has fired up the “Cope Open” and have gotten an array of challengers, one being an AEW outsider in Matt Cardona. Copeland came out on top in that battle, but now there’s another veteran looking for such an opportunity.
‘Da Black Pope’ Elijah Burke is very busy this week promoting the Shad Gaspard Memorial Cup, honoring the late star with his Love Alive Charity. Burke is based out of Jacksonville and obviously, that is the home base for AEW. Pope has made his pitch on X to enter the “Cope Open.”
“The TNT open challenge has been a hit, here’s my challenge to Adam Copeland: First time ever matchup Adam Copeland vs. Jacksonville’s Favorite Son “The Pope” at Daily’s Place for AEW Dynamite/Collision. An Experience like no other. Tony Khan make it happen!”
The TNT open challenge has been a hit, here’s my challenge to Adam Copeland: First time ever matchup @RatedRCope vs Jacksonville’s Favorite Son “The Pope” at Daily’s Place for @aew Dynamite/Collision. An Experience like no other. @TonyKhan make it happen! ?#AEW#AEWDynasty
Pope has been all around the wrestling industry working for WWE, TNA and NWA, but has been a proactive and positive presence for his Love Alive Charity. The Shad Gaspard Memorial Cup will take place this weekend on April 20 and will feature several stars competing in the tournament including JTG, KC Navarro, Kenny King and Thom Latimer. Also set to appear is Danny Davis and current AEW star, Mark Henry. Information to get tickets are below:
“The date has been set. The Stars have been selected. The Legends will be in attendance. History will be made!”
Adam Copeland is glad that wrestling has moved past segments such as the infamous live sex celebration.
The TNT Champion recently had an interview with Chek Media where they talked about the change in wrestling culture over the past few decades. Copeland was asked about the infamous segment and how he has grown since then.
Copeland mentioned that despite the difference in eras, he knew even back then that things they were doing were inappropriate. According to the AEW star, if he was offered any such thing today, he would have the confidence to just say no:
“Well Adam Copeland now would say no to that. But Adam Copeland then was like, ‘I guess this is part of the gig, this is what I got to do.’ Knowing even at the time, even with time differences or anything like that, it’s like, ‘Well, this sucks,’ and it did. It really did.
Now I have the confidence in myself, confidence as a performer. To know ‘nah I don’t gotta do that. I bring more than that to the table.’ I can do more with my eyes. than I can with trying cheap stuff like that. So that’s nice that the industry has grown from that because yeah, it’s easy to go for low-hanging fruit.
I think that’s one thing that wrestling did a lot of, and thankfully I think has learned its lesson. I think as society has progressed, as everyone has just kind of progressed and moved forward. I think thankfully, it has too, which wasn’t always the case. It could kind of be the outlier who was left lagging behind, but I feel like now it’s different, and in a good way.”
The Power of No: Adam Copeland
When asked what advice he would give to any young talent who is offered any such role, Adam Copeland referenced the rise of the internet and social media. He explained that before accepting any such thing, you have to consider the fact that it can live on forever:
“Well, I think you just gotta [know] what are you comfortable with. Not only what are you comfortable with but what are you comfortable with living possibly forever? That’s a big decision to make now, right? I don’t think there’s anything wrong with, no matter what your age, going ‘Nah I think I’m good.’ The power of no, is a beautiful thing.”
Edge cashed in his Money In The Bank contract to defeat John Cena and win his first World Championship at the 2006 New Year’s Revolution event. The next night on Raw, the Rated R Superstar declared that he would celebrate the win with ‘hot, unbridled sex’ with Lita live on the show. The segment went on for a while before it was interrupted by Ric Flair and later Cena.
You can check out Adam Copeland’s full interview below:
If you use any quotes from the article, please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription.
Matt Cardona made waves on Saturday night when he was the one to answer the “Cope Open,: and ‘The Deathmatch King’ couldn’t have been happier.
AEW Collision kicked off with Adam Copeland opening the canvas to whomever wanted to step up against him and challenge for the TNT Championship. That man was Matt Cardona. Ever since being released by WWE, Cardona has made his hay without any long-term pro wrestling contract and has fully embraced the identity of ‘The Indy God.’ He’s competed everywhere and anywhere not named WWE and that included AEW back in 2020.
Cardona, who first got his big break in WWE as an ‘Edgehead,’ may have came up short in his singles match against Copeland but was extremely grateful for the opportunity to lock up with his former menter. He expressed his gratitude on X, thanking both Copeland and Tony Khan for the opportunity.
Adam Copeland vs. Matt Cardona…my dream match…finally happened last night at #AEWCollision.
When I was in high school, Edge was one of my favorite wrestlers. I’d have matches with him (an invisible version) in my bedroom or trampoline.
Him reinventing himself into the Rated R Superstar made me an even bigger fan of his.
A couple of years later, Brian Myers and I made it to WWE but were drowning as The Major Brothers. We were about be fired. We had an idea to be Adam’s entourage…his Edgeheads. He didn’t need us but we certainly needed him. He took a chance on us, saved our careers, and changed our lives.
We went from sitting in catering about to be fired to wrestling guys like Undertaker, Batista, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, etc. We learned so much from working so close to Adam. Our first time at WrestleMania was being involved in the main event! I thought the next year at WrestleMania it’d be Edge vs. Hawkins vs. Ryder. That didn’t happen. LOL.
16 years (holy shit!) flew by so fast. Adam had to retire due to a neck injury in 2011. My dream match would never happen. Adam returns to WWE in 2020. I get fired from WWE in 2020. My dream match would never happen.
I’ve been busting my ass these past 4 years to reinvent myself. Adam is the Rated R Superstar and I’m the Self Made Superstar. I’ve been everywhere. I’ve wrestled everyone. When Adam joined AEW in 2023, I knew my dream match was back on the table.
Last night in Canada, Adam had the Cope Open…an open challenge for his TNT Championship. I accepted. The fans didn’t forget the history. There was a HOLY SHIT chant on my god damn entrance. I may have lost but I learned even more from Adam from that match. It was a night that I’ll never forget. I finally wrestled my dream match.
Thank you Adam. Thank you Tony Khan for the opportunity.
The ‘Self-Made Superstar’ Matt Cardona has reportedly not signed a deal with AEW and remains a free agent. From Cardona’s post on X, that looks even more evident. Cardona had to readjust his schedule when this match was booked as he was actually scheduled to wrestle at the Squared Circle Expo on Saturday night, but was replaced by Nic Nemeth who wrestled Ultimo Dragon.
Matt Cardona sure is “Alwayz Ready” as ‘The Indy God’ just showed up on AEW Collision to face a man he’ll forever have a connection with.
Cardona was the competitor to answer the call of “The Cope Open” in order to challenge for Adam Copeland’s TNT Championship on Saturday night. The former ‘Edgehead’ was ready to take it to his once-mentor many years ago in the WWE
This is Cardona’s first appearance in AEW since he last competed in the company for a short run in 2020. He was an ally to Cody Rhodes.
Copeland and Cardona battled it out, but it was Adam who came out on top retaining his title. Still the fans certainly got an unexpected treat from the former NWA World Champion who has redefined what it means to be an independent wrestler.
What Is Matt Cardona’s Status With AEW?
With Cardona unexpectedly showing up on AEW Collision, it’s logical to speculate if he may have something more in relation with the company.
Fightful Select is reporting that despite the appearance, Cardona is still very much a free agent and hasn’t signed anything with AEW. Plans for Matt making his way to Collision actually unfolded earlier this week.
Cardona was originally scheduled to defend his Squared Circle Expo Championship on Friday against Ultimo Dragon. To make the Collision appearance happen, he dropped his SCE Title to Nic Nemeth on Friday instead.
Cardona recently told Fightful that there had been very little communication between him and AEW since that last 2020 run.
You can check out Matt Cardona’s match with Adam Copeland below:
For many years, John Cena has been involved in many big matches and moments at the ‘Grandest Stage Of Them All.’ He has won championships and even proposed at a WrestleMania. However, Cena has recently shared that he also had a featured match involving him being cut short compared to what was initially planned.
On his TikTok account, Cena shared that his Triple Threat Match against Big Show and Adam Copeland (FKA Edge) for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship was cut short. The match occurred at WWE WrestleMania 25 on April 5, 2009.
Fans may recall that the match before Cena’s was Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker. While Michaels and ‘The Deadman’ put on an all-time classic WrestleMania performance, the Triple Threat Match was cut for time.
Cena reflected on the match on TikTok and spoke about WWE’s decision. He also thanked Big Show and Copeland for their cooperation.
“…Those guys had a long match, which means you got to find the time somewhere, which means they took a lot of time away from this match. Yes, taking time away from your match happens at every level. I want to thank my opponents, Edge and The Big Show, for being so calm and collected and adjusting what we needed to do, and still being able to take some high-risk and give the audience some crazy moments,” said Cena.
One example he remembered was picking up both his opponents at the same time. He also revealed the match was supposed to last 30 minutes and noted how quickly he got out of the ring after his win.
Will John Cena Make An Appearance At WWE WrestleMania 40?
As WWE WrestleMania 40 approaches, fans wonder if Cena will appear. He is not scheduled for a match or a segment at the event.
Cena will likely not be in a match or be limited in how physical he can be with others, but fans will still enjoy seeing the former WWE Champion make a surprise appearance.
AEW TNT Champion Adam Copeland will never forget how it felt to win the title in front of his hometown crowd, in a match with his most personal of opponents.
On the March 20, episode of Dynamite, Copeland captured the TNT Championship for the second time in his career. The night proved to be an emotional one on many levels for the Rated-R Superstar. Not only did he win the title, but he did so against his former best friend Christian Cage in the pair’s hometown of Toronto, Canada.
Adam Copeland On His Win
When AEW’s camera crew caught up with Copeland after the match, the TNT Champion was understandably reflective of what had transpired. Copeland said that this was a night he’d been dreaming of and would remember the show until his final breath.
“Tonight was the kind of night that you dream of. When you first get into this, when you decide to dedicate your life to this, you dream of nights like this. You know your hometown, against a man that you have known for 40 years who, in my opinion, has lost his way. And to get that kind of match, that war.
“It wasn’t even a match. To hear that audience, to hear them sing my music to me. Man, to have my family here, to have my buddies from school, my buddies from college. It’s just one of the nights that I will take me to the grave.”
EXCLUSIVE! After making Christian Cage utter the words, 'I QUIT', and capturing the TNT Title for the second time, we hear from the NEW TNT Champion Adam Copeland!@RatedRCope | #AEWDynamitepic.twitter.com/CUFyDk2GAj
Copeland aims to prove himself a fighting champion now that he has reclaimed the TNT title. During the video, Copeland said he will resurrect his Cope Open on the March 30, episode of AEW Collision. The show will take place from London, Ontario, Canada.
Adam Copeland is excited about the fresh opportunities that AEW provides for both himself as well as the recently debuted Mercedes Mone.
The former WWE Women’s Champion debuted for AEW at the Big Business episode of Dynamite. Mone had hardly been subtle in the run-up to the show, making clear to fans that she was in Boston, MA, her hometown and the host of Big Business, mere hours before the show.
A Blank Canvas
Copeland and Mone may have made their names (or rather their other names) in WWE, but now both ex-Superstars are seeking a fresh start under Tony Khan. Speaking to Sports Illustrated, Copeland spoke about the ‘CEO’ and what her arrival in the All-Elite promotion means.
“For her, AEW is a blank canvas with a brand new palette of paint. For me, it was the same. I saw Swerve, The Young Bucks, Jon Moxley, Hangman Page, Kenny Omega, Claudio, FTR, all these names I’ve never crossed paths with.
“It’s the same with Mercedes–think of how much fun she’s going to have here. Think of all the new opponents.”
Mercedes Mone’s Possibilities
There’s no shortage of new opponents for Mercedes Mone to face now she’s in AEW. Right now, it appears that Mone’s path is leading her to the Julia Hart and the AEW TBS Championship. Britt Baker certainly wants a piece of Mone, as she said last year she was “hoping and praying” that the ex-Superstar joined AEW.
Mone & Copeland on Dynamite
Both ex-Superstars had huge roles to play on the March 20, edition of AEW Dynamite. Mone opened the show by talking about her journey to AEW before being cut off by Skye Blue and Julia Hart. Willow Nightingale and Kris Statlander made the save for Mone, though Willow did have some issues with Mone. The pair faced off in May 2023 in the match that saw Mercedes suffer her career-threatening injury.
AEW Dynamite was much kinder to Adam Copeland, who captured the TNT Championship in the show’s main event. Copeland’s second win of the TNT title saw him defeat former friend Christian Cage in an I-Quit match.
Adam Copeland puts a lot of thought into his ring gear during special matches. He had quite a contest against Christian Cage in Toronto this week. He also had gear made up, and some fans might recognize the theme.
Edge wore Maple Leaf themed gear in his final WWE match in Toronto, a homage to his Canadian roots. Now, returning to Toronto for an AEW Dynamite main event as Christian Cage, Adam Copeland continues to honor his heritage with similar attire, symbolizing his enduring connection to the city.
Adam Copeland Gear
In a meaningful nod to his Canadian roots, Edge covered his ring gear in Maple Leaf-themed attire during his final WWE match in Toronto, a gesture that resonated deeply with fans and symbolized his connection to the city. That was his final WWE match, but his pro wrestling journey was far from over.
This ends RIGHT NOW! Adam Copeland challenges “The Patriarch” Christian Cage for the #TNT Championship in an I QUIT MATCH!
Now, in a twist of fate, Adam Copeland was set to return to Toronto, this time under an AEW banner. As Copeland stepped into the main event spotlight of AEW Dynamite, he continued to honor his Canadian heritage by donning Maple Leaf-themed gear, bridging the past and present while paying homage to his wrestling legacy in the city where it all began.
In the end, Copeland was able to beat Christian Cage in an I Quit match to claim the victory. We’re not sure if it was the Maple Leaf design on the tights, but we’re guessing it didn’t hurt his chances.
Edge wore Maple Leaf themed gear in his last WWE match in Toronto.
Adam Copeland is wearing Maple Leaf themed gear in his return to Toronto in the main event of AEW Dynamite! pic.twitter.com/hlMwRmNKCr
— A Kenny For Your Thoughts (@_kennythoughts) March 21, 2024
What’s Next For Copeland in AEW
Adam Copeland chased the AEW TNT Title for a while. He briefly won that title before at Worlds End, but Christian Cage was able to quickly win the belt back. Now, it appears that Copeland will get a much longer run with the title than under five minutes.
SEScoops will have more on this story, and so much more from all over the pro wrestling world. Keep checking back for more updates as more headlines break from all over the pro wrestling world.
Adam Copeland entered AEW as a WWE Hall of Famer already. Now, he as picked up a title in another company. Copeland’s big chase of Christian Cage and the TNT Title has come to an end once again.
On AEW Dynamite this week, Adam Copeland took on Christian Cage with the TNT Title on the line in an I Quit match. In the end, the Rated R Superstar was able to claim the gold after a bloody contest to become a two-time TNT Champion.
Christian vs Adam Copeland
The rivalry between Christian Cage and Adam Copeland has intensified since the former Edge joined AEW last year. Copeland’s return sparked a heated confrontation, leading to an ‘I Quit’ match for the TNT championship in their hometown of Toronto on AEW Dynamite.
What will Christian Cage have to do to keep his #TNT Championship in this I QUIT MATCH against Adam Copeland?
The match included a few foreign objects, backstage brawls, and there was also blood. Both Cage and Copeland tore each other apart during the live show on TBS.
Adam Copeland took out Christian Cage's whole family with one dive.
Despite interference from The Patriarchy, Copeland received backup from Daddy Magic and Daniel Garcia. Finally, with Cage handcuffed and vulnerable, Copeland delivered a final blow, forcing Cage to submit as a new TNT champion was crowned.
SEScoops will have more on this story, and so much more, as we continue down the road toward AEW Dynasty and beyond. Keep checking back throughout the day for constant updates.
On the March 6, episode of AEW Dynamite, Copeland ambushed Cage and challenged him to an I-Quit natch for the TNT Championship for the March 20, episode. The choice of date is no coincidence, as the show will take place in Toronto, Canada.
On the March 9, edition of AEW Collision, Copeland once again got the better of Cage and the Patriarchy. He also teased having a surprise for Cage when they next face for the TNT Championship. Taking to Twitter, Copeland continued to tease having something special for his former friend.
Hopefully, Copeland’s surprise will help nullify the numbers advantage that the Patriarchy gives the reigning AEW TNT Champion. In addition to Killswitch, Cage has Nick Wayne at his beck and call, as well as Mama Wayne. Copeland has some allies of his own in AEW, including Darby Allin and FTR.
Adam Copeland may be at odds with Christian Cage on AEW television, but the former Edge appreciates what his best buddy is doing.
Speaking with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Copeland commented on Cage’s run as an ultimate heel and noted why the current TNT Champion is so good at what he does.
“He does this so well because he wants to be one,” said Copeland. “Somewhere along the way, that’s got lost. Heels became cooler than the babyface. That’s not how it should be. That’s not how he sees it, either. I mean, the man wears a cut-off turtleneck. There’s nothing cool about what he’s doing.
“He’s fully committed to it. He’s a Bond villain and loving it. It’s fun to be involved with.”
Copeland finally crossed pathes with Cage not just on AEW Dynamite but World’s End where the WWE Hall Of Famer actually defeated Cage for the TNT Championship, but quickly lost it back to Killswitch, who won a battle royal earlier in the evening. The belt went back to Cage who continues his heelish run.
Adam Copeland On AEW Being Different: “I Want More Choices”
When it comes to AEW being an alternative than WWE, Copeland pulled from his own fandom as a kid and getting access to different territories in wrestling.
“I remember growing up and dying to be able to get my hands on NWA tapes. It didn’t air where I lived, where there was WWF. I found International Wrestling from Montreal. I found All Star Wrestling from Vancouver. I found all these other shows, and I loved that. I’d get little snippets of guys I’d only seen in magazines. Then the show Pro Wrestling Plus with Ed Whalen, who was the announcer for Stampede, started, and I finally got to see wrestlers from the NWA and Continental. I just thought, give it all to me.”
Aside from his friend turned enemy in Christian Cage, Adam Copeland has his toughest competition forthcoming this week on AEW Dynamite in Minoru Suzuki.
In light of the first-ever battle between two long-established veterans, Copeland took a moment to comment on the fight. AEW shared a clip of the former TNT Champion lamenting for his eagerness to step into the ring with a legend of NJPW.
“Minoru Suzuki vs. ‘The Rated R Superstar.’ Man, I get goosebumps just thinking about it. We are gonna beat the hell out of each other – two grizzly gnarled evil bastards beating eachother up and I can’t wait.
“Suzuki I know what you’re going to bring, I hope you know what I’m going to bring. I’m gonna sum this match up in three words for all of you. Grit your teeth.”
Minoru Suzuki has squared up against several top stars in AEW including Jon Moxley, Eddie Kingston and current AEW World Champion Samoa Joe. Back at Forbidden Door, Suzuki also stood across the ring from a different WWE Hall of Famer in Sting as he teamed up with Jericho and Sammy Guevara to battle The Icon, Darby Allin and Tetsuya Naito in trios action.
AEW Dynamite this week sure has a stacked card on Wednesday. Not only do fans get Copeland vs. Suzuki, but will get to see Swerve Strickland vs. Jeff Hardy and Hangman Page take on Penta El Zero Miedo in singles action. Additionally, the aforementioned Sting and Darby Allin will be in attendance
The UFC may be allied with WWE as part of TKO Group Holdings, but it was AEW’s Adam Copeland whose theme was used at a recent event.
At last night’s UFC 297 event, Chris Curtis walked into his fight with Alterbridge’s Metalingus playing. Copeland has used the theme since a 2004 heel turn as Edge in WWE and has been able to keep using the theme as part of AEW following his debut at WrestleDream.
Curtis competed against Marc-André Barriault in a middleweight-division fight. After going the distance in three rounds, Curtis was awarded the victory by decision. Curtis’ wrestling fandom can’t be denied, as during a weigh-in, he hit a pose that fans of a certain Apex Predator may find very familiar.
Pro-Wrestling Themes in UFC
Copeland’s theme isn’t the first wrestling tune to make its way to the world of UFC. Colby Covington has often used ‘Medal’, the theme synonymous with Kurt Angle in WWE, though the song was also used by Sgt. Slaughter and The Patriot.
At UFC 276, Israel Adesanya went one further, using an entrance based on The Undertaker. In addition to using the Phenom’s theme song, Adesanya wore an Undertaker-themed hat and solemnly walked to the cage with an urn. At that same event, Jessica Rose-Clark would walk to the cage for her fight to the theme of one of The Undertaker’s greatest rivals: Shawn Michaels.
Australia’s Jake Matthews didn’t bring a sledgehammer or water bottle to his fight at UFC 243 in 2019, but did walk out to Triple H’s ‘The Game’ theme. This tribute earned a reaction from the man himself, who described the entrance as “badass” in a tweet.
When the UFC returned to Calgary, Alberta in July 2018, it was fitting that Ion Cutelaba walked out to Bret Hart’s WWE theme. After winning over the fans with his Bret Hart shades, the Moldovan fighter would win in the cage.
For more information about UFC 297, click here to check out all the latest news, courtesy of MMANews.com
Adam Copeland had a WWE contract renewal in his inbox, but he decided against signing it. He wanted something else out of this chapter of his career, and he is finding it in AEW.
Adam Copeland Is Having Fun In AEW
Since arriving in AEW, some fans have noticed that Adam Copeland has worked with a variety of people, including an old frenemy in Christian Cage. The fact that Copeland is holding open challenge matches is also proof that anyone could face him next.
During a conversation with Busted Open Radio, Adam Copeland made it very clear that he wants to have as much fun as possible with his life. Wrestling is his first love, and it’s also a pleasure to work in that world, so he is making the most of every opportunity he can.
Anything I do at this stage of life has to be fun or I’m not going to do it. Wrestling was the first love and it always will be. That can never be taken away. I still find so much fun. The minute it stops being fun is the minute I need to be done. Because it was taken away from me the first time, and then to come back, and have this whole new generation of talent that I’ve never performed with or got in there with. It’s fun. I’ve repeatedly said how much fun I’m having. That’s what it boils down to. No matter what I’m doing, I’m having fun, or I wouldn’t be doing it. I wouldn’t be wrestling Griff Garrison if I didn’t find the fun in that. I wouldn’t be wrestling Lee Moriarty if I didn’t find the fun in that. It’s just a blast.
Copeland later stated that he’s still having fun while wrestling. At this stage in his career, the Rated R Superstar wouldn’t keep going if he wasn’t enjoying himself.
This may sound like a lie, but I’m at a stage in life where, if it’s not fun, I don’t need the money. I know that sounds really bad, but I was always really smart. I still drive a pick-up truck. I don’t waste my money. It hurt too much to make. If I’m doing it, it’s purely for the joy of it.
Adam Copeland’s Road in AEW So Far
Tony Khan was quick to place Adam Copeland right in a feud with Christian Cage, a spot he remains to this day. As the two carry on, it is evident that there are a lot more stories to tell that reek of awesomeness.
It appears that the Undisputed Kingdom has found their match in Adam Copeland and his friends.
AEW presented the ninth Battle of The Belts special from Chartway Arena in Norfolk, Virginia after this week’s episode of Collision.
The show was headlined by the AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy defending his title against Preston Vance. The Undisputed Kingdom all came out for this match and sat on the ramp during the bout.
Towards the ending of the fight, Cassidy took out the faction and Vance also flipped them off. Orange Cassidy then successfully retained his title using the Orange Punch and Stundog Millionaire.
The Undisputed Kingdom finally came down the ring after the bout ended. While they didn’t attack the International Champion, the broadcast ended with Roderick Strong telling Cassidy that his time was over.
This wasn’t the end of the show however. The feed continued even after this and the team of Danial Garcia and FTR, led by Adam Copeland came out and attacked the Kingdom. This newly formed alliance took out the faction with Orange Cassidy getting the final shot at Roderick Strong before he retreated from the ring.
After BOTB IX went off the air, the feed kept going as Adam Copeland, Daniel Garcia & FTR ran down to make the save for Orange Cassidy!
Elsewhere in the show, Julia Hart successfully defended her TBS title against Anna Jay and the duo of Ricky Starks & Big Bill managed to outlast Sammy Guevara & Chris Jericho in a crazy street fight to retain their tag titles.
Though Battle of The Belts wasn’t the only place AEW stars were making headlines. An interesting name that hadn’t been seen on any wrestling programming since last year made his return during NJPW’s Battle In The Valley. You can check that out here.
Before he was known as Edge in WWE, Adam Copeland worked under the infamous name of Sexton Hardcastle on the independent scene in his native Canada. While fans didn’t see Sexton Hardcastle on Rampage, they did see Kennedi Hardcastle compete in a tag-team match.
While some may have seen this as a mere coincidence, further investigation shows that this was a deliberate reference by AEW. Kennedi Hardcastle’s real name is Kennedi Copeland, and though she shares the same last name as the former World Champion, the two aren’t related. On Twitter, Kennedi confirmed this wasn’t a coincidence and admitted to being a huge fangirl of the WWE Hall of Famer.
Admittedly I’m a huge fangirl. It’s a good thing he wasn’t there bc I would have lost my shit. 😂
