10 Ups & 1 Down From AEW WrestleDream

3. Adam Copeland Is All Elite

WD Adam Copeland
AEW

After the main event, Christian Cage's new heel stable attacked Darby. This set the scene for Adam Copeland's AEW bow.

In the sort of very theatrical presentation that absolutely works in the context of a debut, a short vignette of Copeland riding a cycle into the arena was screened. This doesn’t matter, since the subsequent angle was white-hot, but the former Edge rode past a stadium erupting in fireworks. The symbolic connotation was that he had left the big time behind.

Again, didn't matter: the pop he generated was electrifying, and his timing, when teasing the heel turn before striking Nick Wayne with the steel chair, was the work of a total master. Cringeworthy as he was towards the end of his WWE return run, he knows exactly how to whip up high drama. His vengeful assault on the heel gang was expertly arranged.

Prediction: his face run is extremely popular if a little too earnest, but, like his storyline brother, he rediscovers the dark patter within to revive a flagging legacy.

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!