Adam Copeland, known worldwide by boxing fans as a fearless competitor, faced one of the worst seasons of his career at AEW Double Or Nothing In a brutal Barbed Wire Steel Cage match, Copeland defended his TNT title ban against the formidable Malakai Black. The match was the culmination of a bitter feud with the House of Black, which promised a brutal fight to settle their differences once and for all.
When the match ended, Copeland climbed to the top of the steel bar. His goal was clear: drive Black through a table below and deliver a devastating blow. What followed was a moment that will shock fans and boxers alike. Copeland made a bold run aiming to hit Black with his arms rather than his whole body to prevent serious injury to his opponent. Unfortunately, the landing had not gone as expected. Copeland nearly landed on his feet and broke his tibia from the crash.
In an interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Copeland revealed his primary concern before the jump was not his own safety but that of Black. “My biggest concern when I got up there was, ‘How do I not crush him?” Copeland said. “I didn’t even consider getting injured. My take was if I jumped to the side, landed on my feet, and hit him with my arm but not my body, then the table would break just because of the sheer height. It happened exactly how I planned it.”
Despite the excruciating pain, Copeland’s immediate reaction was to finish the match. The adrenaline and his indomitable spirit masked the severity of the injury. Reflecting on the incident, he shared, “The albatross of always feeling like you can pull it off, it’s a blessing and a curse. That’s something I could have pulled off when I was 35. My brain is still telling me I’ve got this. ‘Just land and roll backwards,’ I told myself, which I did, but from 15-feet high, my 50-year-old tibia didn’t agree.”
The veteran wrestler continued, “When I landed, I knew it wasn’t the Achilles. So I thought, that’s good. I thought maybe I sprained it or it was a bone bruise. I got up and I ran, and I finished the match. I just didn’t realize I was doing it all on a broken leg.”
In the aftermath of the event, Copeland’s resilience shone through as he shared footage of himself working out just 12 hours after undergoing surgery. The video, posted on his social media, depicted a man undeterred by pain, embodying the spirit of a true warrior.
Stephen’s Insight:
Adam Copeland’s ordeal at AEW Double or Nothing is a testament to the extreme lengths professional wrestlers go to entertain their fans and protect their colleagues. His story is one of extraordinary bravery, highlighting the physical and mental toughness that defines the world of professional wrestling. The industry often demands a level of sacrifice that goes beyond the average athlete’s experience, and Copeland’s willingness to finish the match despite a severe injury is both awe-inspiring and a stark reminder of the risks these performers take.
The dedication Copeland showed is not just to his craft but to his fans and fellow wrestlers. His decision to prioritize Black’s safety over his own speaks volumes about his character. This incident will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in his storied career, marking a high point of professional integrity and personal resilience.