On the final SmackDown before WrestlePalooza, WWE made a rare reference to two active AEW talents—Adam Copeland and Paul Wight—while promoting John Cena’s last stand against Brock Lesnar.
The acknowledgment came in the second part of a video series hyping Saturday’s opening bout of WrestlePalooza, which will air live on ESPN. The package revisited Cena’s World Heavyweight Championship win at WrestleMania 25, where he defeated Copeland and Wight—then known as Edge and The Big Show. WWE highlighted the enduring image of Cena lifting both men onto his shoulders for a double Attitude Adjustment before securing the victory.
The footage adds an intriguing layer to Cena’s farewell, particularly as Copeland recently dismissed the idea of sharing the ring with him again. Speaking with Rock 95 Barrie, Copeland said the chapter between them had already closed. “No, we had the chance. I was still there, and it just didn’t feel like it was going to work out,” he explained. “And I also think there’s a part of it where you remember it fondly. And you get us in there now, it would be different.”
His stance contrasts with Drew McIntyre, who has openly tied his WrestlePalooza title shot against Cody Rhodes to the possibility of coaxing Cena into one final match before retirement. On Cheap Heat, McIntyre laid out his strategy. “I need to dangle that carrot,” he said. “What’s p—sing me off now is it’s at the finish line and I might not get that opportunity.”
While McIntyre pursues a farewell showdown, Copeland appears content to let their rivalry remain in history. “Our accomplishments we’ll share. But who knows if you see another one? I don’t know. Would it leave the best taste in your mouth? I’d like to think that John and I, we’d make sure we did. But yeah, I’ll be watching from a distance, and I’m hoping that he’s great,” Copeland reflected.