John Cena, a 17-time world champion and WWE icon, responded to a tribute paid to him by Adam Copeland at the AEW All Out event on September 20, 2025. The tribute occurred in Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena during a match involving Adam Copeland and Christian Cage against FTR, illustrating the mutual respect between these longtime rivals and friends from WWE’s past.
The connection traces back to WWE’s September 5, 2025, SmackDown episode, when John Cena mimicked Copeland—formerly known as Edge—by emulating his distinct mannerisms before executing a Spear on Sami Zayn. Two weeks later, Copeland returned the gesture at AEW All Out by replicating Cena’s famous moves and signature taunt, creating a memorable crossover moment between WWE and AEW fans.
Details of Copeland’s Tribute and Cena’s Response
During the AEW All Out bout, Copeland stunned the crowd by striking Cash Wheeler with a Cena-style back drop. After that, he performed the iconic “You Can’t See Me” gesture, followed by a Five Knuckle Shuffle and an Attitude Adjustment on his opponent, moves strongly associated with Cena’s WWE career. This tribute sparked loud chants of “Cena” throughout the arena, with even Bryan Danielson indirectly nodding to Cena during commentary.
John Cena’s reaction came swiftly on Instagram, where he shared a nostalgic photo of Copeland’s entrance at WWE Unforgiven 2006—the very pay-per-view where Cena and Copeland famously faced off in a TLC Match for the WWE Championship. This post highlighted the longstanding history and rivalry between the two performers, underlining their influence on professional wrestling over the years.
The Significance of This Cross-Promotion Gesture
The exchange of tributes between John Cena and Adam Copeland symbolizes a respectful bridge between WWE and AEW, showcasing camaraderie amidst their competitive careers. Cena’s Instagram throwback reinforced the connection fans have cherished since the mid-2000s, evoking memories of classic matches and storytelling.
For AEW, integrating moments tied to WWE legends like Copeland and Cena enhances the stature of their events and broadens their appeal within the wrestling community. For Cena, engaging with these tributes publicly reaffirms his lasting presence in the wrestling world, even as he balances various professional roles.
As both superstars continue to perform and interact across promotions, fans can expect more respectful nods and collaborative moments that celebrate wrestling’s rich history while fueling ongoing rivalries and friendships.
“John Cena shares a throwback picture of Cope from WWE Unforgiven 2006 after Cope paid tribute to him at AEW All Out 2025 🖐️ pic.twitter.com/KwD9iUrm1J”
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV)
“We see what you did there, @RatedRCope! Watch #AEWAllOut LIVE on HBO Max pic.twitter.com/fEzKMqeYWp”
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW)
John Cena shares a throwback picture of Cope from WWE Unforgiven 2006 after Cope paid tribute to him at AEW All Out 2025 🖐️ pic.twitter.com/KwD9iUrm1J
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) September 21, 2025
We see what you did there, @RatedRCope!
Watch #AEWAllOut LIVE on HBO Max pic.twitter.com/fEzKMqeYWp
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 20, 2025
