Adam Copeland retained his TNT Title at AEW Double or Nothing, but his victory came at a potentially high cost. The WWE Hall of Famer faced a brutal Barbed Wire Steel Cage match against Malakai Black, which left him significantly battered and requiring medical attention post-match.
The Build-Up to the Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match
Malakai Black had been intent on bringing out the darker side of Adam Copeland, asserting that the veteran still had that edge within him. This storyline culminated in Copeland defeating Black’s House of Black stablemates, Buddy Matthews and Brody King, setting the stage for his showdown with Black at Double or Nothing.
The Match and the Injury
The match quickly turned violent, with blood spilling as the competitors clashed inside the barbed wire-laden cage. The situation worsened when Matthews and King breached the cage, turning the contest into a three-on-one beatdown. The House of Black wrapped Copeland in barbed wire, seemingly sealing his fate. However, Copeland’s former WWE ally Gangrel intervened, neutralizing Matthews and King. This allowed Copeland to turn the tables, hitting Black with a spear and then wrapping him in barbed wire before making him pass out in a crossface, thereby retaining his title.
Post-Match Concerns and Tony Khan’s Statement
After the grueling match, concerns about Copeland’s condition arose. During the post-show media scrum, AEW President Tony Khan, seated next to NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi, provided an update on Copeland’s status:
“Speaking of the face of TNT, Mr. Copeland, we are checking him out. That was an amazing barbed wire cage match. He has been so awesome since he came in, and I’m knocking on all the wood and crossing all my fingers and toes that he is okay.”
Khan emphasized the impact Copeland has had since joining AEW and expressed his hopes for a positive outcome regarding the injury:
“Adam Copeland arriving in AEW came at a perfect time for us. What a run he is having. I was hoping he would be sitting here [in the presser] with Tanahashi-san and myself right now. He’s really beat up, [but] I’ll cross my fingers and hope that he’s okay.”
Highlights from AEW Double or Nothing
Double or Nothing was a night filled with memorable moments, including:
- MJF’s dramatic return to AEW.
- A chaotic main event where Jack Perry was literally set on fire, showcasing the extreme lengths the wrestlers are willing to go to entertain and compete.
Stephen’s Note
This incident highlights the intense physical demands and risks associated with professional wrestling, particularly in high-stakes matches involving dangerous elements like barbed wire. Adam Copeland’s commitment and resilience continue to make him a prominent figure in AEW, and fans and colleagues alike will be hoping for a swift and complete recovery.
