WWE Hall of Famer pushes back on criticism of his recent AEW match
Since joining AEW, Adam Copeland, formerly known as Edge, has been locked in a storyline with Christian Cage. The two are real-life best friends and have a history together from their days in the WWE.
However, on Saturday's episode of Collision, Copeland took a break from that storyline to face Griff Garrison, a young, upcoming wrestler.
The match ran for a little over five minutes. However, the social media buzz has questioned why Copeland would work with such an inexperienced opponent and why Garrison was allowed to build momentum at times in the match.
Speaking on a recent episode of "Busted Open Radio," Copeland noted how part of the final chapter in his career is to help develop and nurture young talent.
"I’m in that stage of my career," Copeland said. (h/t to Fightful for the transcription). "So if I can get in there with Griff Garrison, what is a 30-second match gonna do for Griff Garrison? But suddenly now, you get a couple like, ‘Woah, he almost took that thing.’ Well now you add in the element of the story, like, Copeland took this kid maybe a little lightly, and there’s something to him. It’s also an opportunity for him to get on a microphone. It’s an opportunity for reps in front of an audience that will have eyes actually watching because there’s a character in there that they know. That to me is all that needs to be said ...This is a part within the story that Christian and I are telling, where we can do this and add another layer in the final book that is this story. That’s so fun to me."
When AEW parted ways with CM Punk in September 2023, there was concern among the fanbase regarding losing a locker room talent who could help develop the young wrestlers on the roster. Copeland appears committed to doing that.
However, his approach isn't based on giving behind-the-scenes feedback. Instead, he wants to be in the ring with them, teaching in real time and leading by example.
For the younger wrestlers on the roster, having the opportunity to compete against a Hall of Fame talent is a huge opportunity. Copeland's willingness to be in the ring with them could entice other future stars to make their way to the company.
Of course, Copeland is still capable of being a headliner, too. His story with Christian is far from over. And there will be countless more feuds and battles ahead of him. AEW has been committed to offering both wrestlers and fans an alternative to WWE. Having genuine stars giving a hands-on education to up-and-coming talent is certainly one way of making good on that offering.
Whether Copeland's vision helps create some exciting new stars for AEW will be something we learn in the coming years. Until then, it will be fun watching him enjoy the final chapter of his career.
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