3 ways Adam Copeland could make his return to AEW
Adam Copeland has been away from AEW television since Double or Nothing 2024, where he suffered a serious leg injury during his match against Malakai Black.
Since his debut at WrestleDream 2023, Copeland has proven his worth as a valuable asset to All Elite Wrestling. Despite being past his prime, The Ultimate Opportunist has taken the initiative of reinventing his combat style, so that he could keep up with the other world-class performers in the Tony Khan-led company.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated in September 2024, Copeland revealed that his mobility had increased slightly since his horrific injury. If the former TNT Champion continues to recover at his current rate, we might see him return earlier than expected.
Adam Copeland could take on several exciting opponents once he comes back to AEW. The Rated-R Superstar would be eager to have a fruitful final run in the Tony Khan-led company before he hangs up his boots for good.
In this article, we look at three storyline possibilities for Adam Copeland when he returns to AEW:
#3. Adam Copeland could go after the reigning TNT Champion
Before his injury, Adam Copeland was in the middle of an entertaining TNT Championship reign. The Ultimate Opportunist had introduced the "Cope Open", which saw him defend his title against different challengers every week.
While he has always been a great performer, Copeland took his in-ring performances to another level during these weekly open challenges. Whenever The Rated-R Superstar is ready to come back, he would likely target the TNT Championship, which he never lost in the first place.
The TNT Championship currently rests on the shoulders of Jack Perry, who captured the prestigious title at Forbidden Door 2024. The Scapegoat is currently in a rivalry with Daniel Garcia, who is a prime contender to dethrone Perry at Full Gear 2024.
The Red Death's title win at the upcoming pay-per-view could potentially lead to him facing Adam Copeland in the next few months. The Master Manipulator is a celebrated veteran of the business, and Garcia would benefit from working alongside such an iconic figure.
#2. Adam Copeland could set his sights on Jon Moxley
Since his return to pro wrestling, Adam Copeland has developed issues with former members of The Shield. During his previous WWE run, Copeland had memorable rivalries against former stablemates, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins.
While his rivalry with The Tribal Chief led to a WrestleMania main event, his feud with The Visionary resulted in one of the greatest wrestling trilogies of the modern era. When The Rated-R Superstar returns to All Elite Wrestling, he could go after the only member of the erstwhile group he hasn't faced yet.
Jon Moxley is currently in his fourth reign as the AEW World Champion. The Purveyor of Violence has been an unstoppable force since the formation of The Death Riders faction, which comprises PAC, Marina Shafir, Wheeler Yuta, and Claudio Castagnoli. Although the group has annihilated all their opponents so far, the faction may need to rethink its strategy once The Master Manipulator enters the equation.
Moxley vs. Copeland could turn out to be a feud for the ages. Both performers are quite adept at the traditional form of pro wrestling, but can also bring out their violent sides if required. If The Deathrider wishes to cement himself as a credible champion, he must overcome the threat of Adam Copeland.
In his first promo in AEW, the former TNT Champion teased having an in-ring battle with the Ace of All Elite Wrestling. With Copeland only having a limited time left in his career, Tony Khan must pull the trigger on his feud with Moxley soon.
#1. Adam Copeland could turn heel and target Will Ospreay
One of the main reasons behind Adam Copeland joining All Elite Wrestling was to wrestle the new generation of performers. Since his arrival in the Tony Khan-led company, Copeland has battled the likes of Kyle O'Reilly, Minoru Suzuki, Brody King, and Penta El Zero Miedo, who he might have never crossed paths with in WWE.
Will Ospreay is another star who fans might have never thought could share the squared circle with the former three-time WWE Champion. However, the chances of the said dream match are pretty high, as both stars are currently members of the AEW roster.
If Adam Copeland does set his sights on The Aerial Assassin, he must play the heel in his rivalry. The Rated-R Superstar has drawn criticism for not putting over younger talent since his miraculous return in 2020. However, Copeland could redeem himself by giving the rub to Ospreay, who is on his way to be the next face of the Jacksonville-based promotion.
The Commonwealth Kingpin could push the Ultimate Opportunist to his limits with his unmatched athleticism and lethal maneuvers. Meanwhile, Copeland would rely on his wicked tactics and undeniable experience to show Ospreay why he was once one of the most hated figures in the wrestling business.