John Cena’s recent tribute on SmackDown to a long-time rival has reached its intended audience. Adam Copeland has now responded to Cena mimicking his signature spear setup, expressing appreciation for the gesture while reflecting on the rivalry that helped define both of their careers.
Speaking with theScore, Copeland confirmed he saw the clip and called the nod “super fun,” even sneaking in a lighthearted jab at the commentary. From there, he revisited why his feud with Cena became such a cornerstone of their legacies.
“For John and me, we met at the perfect time. He needed a bad guy, and I needed a good guy—and it just clicked,” Copeland explained. By contrast, he noted the work it took to build similar chemistry with other top stars like Eddie Guerrero. “With John, from day one, it just worked.” (h/t Ringside News)
That connection laid the groundwork for one of WWE’s fiercest rivalries. It began with Edge’s historic first-ever Money in the Bank cash-in on Cena in 2006 and escalated into a deeply personal conflict. Copeland recalled how the program saw him slap Cena’s father and toss the “spinner” WWE Championship into the Long Island Sound, embracing his role as the opportunistic heel.
“John was already on his way to being the top guy, but I think our rivalry really stamped him as the guy, and it made me a main-eventer,” Copeland said. Their clashes included a brutal TLC match at Unforgiven 2006 in Toronto, a bout that remains a defining moment for both men.
Cena’s callback on SmackDown was more than a playful reference. It was a reminder of a shared history that shaped an era, carrying added weight as Cena nears the end of his full-time in-ring career.