As John Cena’s final run continues to be a central topic in the wrestling world, one of his greatest rivals, Adam Copeland, has firmly put to rest any speculation about the two sharing a ring one last time.
During a recent discussion with Rock 95 Barrie, the AEW star was direct when asked about a potential farewell match with Cena, explaining that he feels their storied history is best left in the past.
“No, we had the chance. I was still there, and it just didn’t feel like it was going to work out,” Copeland stated. “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.”
Copeland elaborated that a modern encounter would rely more on storytelling, a stylistic shift that he thinks might not resonate with fans who cherish their classic bouts. He added, “it did what it did, and people still talk about it.”
This perspective from Copeland, who plans to watch Cena’s final matches “from a distance,” presents a stark contrast to the urgency shown by other top stars. In WWE, Drew McIntyre has made it clear that his entire motivation for challenging Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at tomorrow’s Wrestlepalooza is to use the title as bait to lure Cena into a match before his planned retirement in December.
McIntyre, who is set for a contract signing with Rhodes on tonight’s SmackDown, has been vocal about his need for that final encounter.
“I need that title. I need to dangle that carrot or something in front of him that’s gonna make him pay attention and go, alright, maybe I go over here, and I’ll show Drew what’s up,” McIntyre explained on the Cheap Heat program. “What’s p–sing me off now is it’s at the finish line and I might not get that opportunity.”
While McIntyre aggressively pursues one last fight, Copeland seems content with the legacy he and Cena built together.
“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?” Copeland mused. “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.”