A recent AEW match featuring a leading performer sparked an emotional response from AEW president Tony Khan, revealing the significance of the bout. The encounter involving Adam Copeland and his opponent showcased such intensity that it moved Khan to tears, highlighting the profound impact of the match on wrestling leadership and fans alike.
Adam Copeland’s Feud and the Dramatic Match Unfolding
Since Adam Copeland’s return to AEW at All In 2025, he has been locked in a heated rivalry with the tag team FTR. Initially, Copeland faced difficulties against FTR, lacking support in the early phase of the feud. Even more complicating matters was the legal action taken by Stokely Hathaway, FTR’s manager and AEW performer, who secured a restraining order against Copeland. Despite the obstacles, Copeland managed to circumvent the restriction and secured a match against Hathaway on AEW’s Dynamite last month.
Hathaway later reflected on the match, describing the fierce competition and the extraordinary effort he and Copeland gave inside the ring. This bout proved to be a physical and psychological battle that pushed both competitors to their limits.
Manager Stokely Hathaway Recalls Moment That Brought Tony Khan to Tears
In an interview discussing the encounter with Adam Copeland, Hathaway recounted the toll the match took on both athletes and the emotional impact it had behind the scenes. According to Hathaway, the match’s intensity was unlike anything Tony Khan had witnessed before, reducing him to tears in the locker room.
“I mean, anyone who saw it, they will attest to the fact that I took Adam Copeland to the limit, you know,, everything I had, you know what I’m saying? I put it into that match and Adam Copeland, he was the one who needed to be escorted out of, uh, out of the building in ambulance, you know, to be honest with you. But yeah, he thought they were going to get into that ring. He was going to manhandle me. That’s, that’s not what happened at all. It was, it was a great contest. When I got to the back, Tony Khan was crying. You know, he said he’s never seen a performance like that before.” [H/T Fightful ]
This vivid description not only underscores the brutal nature of the contest but also reveals the depth of passion within AEW’s leadership for the quality of wrestling performances.
Potential WWE Return for Adam Copeland Discussed by Analyst
Alongside Copeland’s ongoing AEW storyline, speculation surrounds his possible return to WWE for a final match. Wrestling analyst Sam Roberts shared insights during a recent episode of the Notsam Wrestling podcast, suggesting that Copeland—also known by his WWE ring name Edge—might complete his career with a short run and a significant farewell bout in WWE.
“I think that Edge is somebody that could come back and have like, you know, a short run and maybe one big match to end the thing, you know, whenever he’s done in AEW,” said Roberts
Copeland enjoyed a storied career with WWE before transitioning to All Elite Wrestling in 2023. Throughout his AEW tenure, he has partnered with Christian Cage to battle top teams like FTR, notably at All Out 2025. This ongoing saga reflects his enduring appeal and influence across wrestling promotions.
The Broader Impact of Copeland’s Matches and AEW’s Rising Profile
The match that stirred Tony Khan to tears exemplifies the dedication and athleticism that shape AEW’s identity in the wrestling world. These emotionally charged performances enhance fan engagement and elevate the company’s stature as a premier wrestling organization. Additionally, the potential for cross-promotional appearances, such as Copeland’s speculated WWE farewell, keeps audiences captivated with unpredictable developments.
As AEW continues to foster intense rivalries and deliver memorable contests, the influence of key figures like Copeland and Khan grows. The emotional connection between performers and management offers fans a deeper appreciation of the sport’s artistry and storytelling.
