Adam Copeland is making the most of AEW's 'blank canvas'

Adam Copeland was AEW's marquee addition toward the end of 2023. The Rated R Superstar is a WWE Hall of Famer and a huge draw for wrestling fans worldwide. Since joining the roster, Copeland has been joined by an influx of more high-end talent. Will Ospreay and Kazuchika Okada are two major additions to the men's roster while Mercedes Mone represents arguably the biggest signing in the company's history.

During a recent conversation with Sports Illustrated's Justin Barrasso, Copeland admitted that AEW's roster provides the former WWE stars with a blank canvas.

”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," Copeland said. "It’s the same with Mercedes–think of how much fun she’s going to have here. Think of all the new opponents. I think it’s super exciting. I love that AEW is here to bring a different product to the industry. Now there’s Okada, Ospreay, Mercedes, plus all of us already here, and that makes one hell of a roster.”

Interestingly, Copeland's first major AEW storyline has been against his childhood friend, Christian Cage. On Wednesday, the pair will face off in an "I Quit" match. It will be their third match since Copeland made the jump to AEW. Still, the veteran performer has also ensured he's begun embracing the youthful talent within AEW's ranks.

The "Cope Open" was a way of helping develop some of the younger talent while building Copeland back into the TNT Title's picture. He will undoubtedly have some storylines in the coming months, too. AEW's storytelling has been rapidly improving since the beginning of the year. Copeland's ability on the microphone and his popularity with the broader fanbase should allow him to be a success in whatever angles the company looks to put him in. 

Copeland is making the most of his time in AEW. He is embracing the blank canvas he inherited. And now, we're seeing his initial brushstrokes starting to take shape.