Adam Copeland has announced that 2027 will be his final year as an in-ring competitor. The AEW star revealed his retirement plans during Wednesday’s episode of AEW Dynamite after defeating Josh Alexander to qualify for the Clockwork Carnage match at AEW WrestleDream.
Copeland’s announcement came as he reflected on the serious injuries suffered by his longtime friend and tag team partner, Christian Cage, during their recent match at All Out.
Christian Cage Suffered Collapsed Lung and Broken Ribs at All Out
During his promo, Copeland revealed that Cage suffered a collapsed lung and multiple broken ribs during the three-way ladder match for the AEW World Tag Team Championships at All Out.
According to Copeland, Cage sustained the injuries just five minutes into the match after being thrown into a ladder. Despite the severity of his condition, Cage continued competing, with Copeland crediting his partner’s work ethic and desire to perform for the fans.
Seeing his best friend push through such a serious situation prompted Copeland to take a step back and reflect on his own future in wrestling.
Copeland Plans to Retire After 2027
Copeland explained that the experience led him to do some soul-searching and reconsider how much time he has left in the ring. He confirmed that 2027 will be his final year as an active wrestler and revealed that winning the AEW World Championship is one of his remaining goals.
The soon-to-be 53-year-old acknowledged that he understands his place in the industry is changing as he gets older. Copeland admitted that he is no longer the wrestler whose posters adorn teenagers’ bedroom walls, but said he has come to terms with aging out of the business.
Despite his impending retirement, Copeland made it clear that he still has ambitions to pursue before stepping away from competition, with the AEW World Championship standing out as a major target.
Don Callis Family Attacks Copeland on Dynamite
Copeland’s emotional announcement was interrupted by Don Callis, who mocked the veteran’s speech as a “pity party” before turning his attention to the upcoming Dynamite main event and the Don Callis Family.
Callis questioned whether Copeland would even make it to 2027, adding that he might not survive long enough to compete at Saturday’s AEW WrestleDream.
The threat quickly turned physical when members of the Don Callis Family, including Kevin Knight and Lance Archer, attacked Copeland from behind.
Copeland had just returned to singles action for the first time since the All Out ladder match, defeating Josh Alexander to earn his place in the Clockwork Carnage match. However, the post-match confrontation left him with another challenge ahead of WrestleDream.
With his retirement now on the horizon, Copeland appears determined to make the most of his remaining time in the ring while pursuing the AEW World Championship.
