WWE Hall of Famer pinpoints unexpected Adam Copeland impact as 'beneficial' for AEW
After parting ways with CM Punk, AEW needed a big win. Adam Copeland's recent addition to the roster has been a welcomed addition. Copeland is a Hall of Fame talent. He brings a wealth of experience to the AEW locker room. His arrival has also coincided with a vastly improved commitment to storyline development. Copeland is an exception both in the ring and when cutting promos.
Another WWE Hall of Famer, Mark Henry, believes Copeland's biggest impact will be behind the scenes. In a recent interview on "The Hall of Fame Podcast," Henry pinpointed Copeland's potential impact on talent development.
“Man, that’s huge, anytime you get a Hall of Fame caliber talent, and there’s levels to it,” Henry said. “... When you get a guy that was the franchise, a guy [whose] name was on the top of the bill, even with other unbelievable names. There was a time when Edge’s name was at the top and The Undertaker’s name was next. So anytime you get a guy like that, I’m just saying right now, it’s going to be more beneficial not for ratings but for the development of the people that he’s going to be in the ring with.”
AEW has walked a fine line in recent years. To remain competitive, they have to sign star talent. Jay White and Copeland have been the two big additions this year. AEW founder Tony Khan also wants the enterprise to develop its own stars, though. MJF, Darby Allin, The Acclaimed, Jack Perry and Sammy Guevara are all homegrown talents with bright futures in the industry. Copeland can teach them how to get to the next level.
There's no doubt that AEW produces exceptional in-ring work. Their flaw has always been on the creative side. Far too often, storylines go unfinished or trail off into obscurity. There's been a lack of commitment to captivating the audience with storytelling and promo segments. AEW has put its faith in the wrestling product. Yet, if the company wants to take the next step, it must appeal to a casual fanbase. Khan needs to commit to storylines that are focused on the now rather than something that happened on the indy scene years ago.
Copeland's experience at the top of the wrestling industry will be invaluable. He can nurture the young talent on the roster. He can provide insight into creative decisions. Between Copeland and Bryan Danielson, AEW has two elite creative minds.
AEW is in a strong position heading into the final months of 2023. Copeland's arrival is a big part of that. Before Copeland debuted for the company, Khan noted how a new era of AEW was about to begin. That era could be one the most important in the company's history and could be the catalyst for another period of rapid growth.
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