Adam Copeland recently returned the gesture to John Cena by replicating some of Cena’s signature moves during the AEW All Out event. On September 5, WWE SmackDown featured John Cena defending the United States Championship against Sami Zayn, where Cena incorporated moves from former rivals such as the pop-up powerbomb, Angle Slam, GTS, and Spear as part of his retirement tour. Unable to confront every opponent himself, Cena used this approach to honor them.
In a tag team match against FTR at AEW All Out, Copeland acknowledged Cena by executing the iconic Five Knuckle Shuffle and Attitude Adjustment, which thrilled the audience and sparked a loud “Cena” chant. Bryan Danielson, providing commentary, also highlighted Copeland’s tribute to his esteemed adversary. The event took another dramatic turn when Beth Phoenix made her AEW debut but was attacked by FTR, leaving her incapacitated in the ring while Copeland was restrained by handcuffs.
Copeland Reflects on Cena’s Tribute During Interview
Adam Copeland shared his reaction to John Cena’s homage in a recent conversation with The Score, expressing his enjoyment and admiration for their connection. He described their dynamic as fortuitous, where their contrasting characters met at the perfect moment, with him playing the “good guy” and Cena the “bad guy.” Copeland remarked on how their chemistry developed over time, referencing past experiences with other wrestlers like Eddie Guerrero to illustrate the progression.
“With John and I, from day one, it just clicked. And I think it was, our characters were polar opposites. I knew what the assignment was, and so did he. And I think you had two guys that were very willing to do what we had to do to get us both over. And John was already well on his way. But I feel like our angle is what really put the stamp on him being the top guy. And it put the stamp on me being a main-event guy. So, you know, I’ll always look back at that one fondly and at what we were able to do and the fun we had.”
Adam Copeland’s reflections underline the significant role their rivalry played in elevating both wrestlers’ careers, solidifying Cena’s status while establishing Copeland as a main-event competitor.
Significance of These Tribute Moves in Wrestling Culture
John Cena’s choice to incorporate moves from former opponents during his retirement tour serves not only as a personal homage but also as a nod to wrestling history and camaraderie. Copeland’s response by adopting Cena’s famed moves extends this mutual respect, bridging their legacies across promotions WWE and AEW. These exchanges resonate strongly with fans who appreciate the shared moments between iconic wrestlers, deepening engagement and emotional connection in the sport.
With Beth Phoenix’s debut at AEW All Out adding further excitement and FTR’s antagonistic actions intensifying the storyline, the event marked a notable moment in the evolving wrestling narrative. For Adam Copeland and John Cena alike, these symbolic gestures and collaborative acknowledgments highlight their impact and enduring influence on professional wrestling’s present and future.
We see what you did there, @RatedRCope!
Watch #AEWAllOut LIVE on HBO Max pic.twitter.com/fEzKMqeYWp
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 20, 2025
