Adam Copeland made his spine-tingling return to All Elite Wrestling at the Worlds End event held on December 29, 2024, where he reunited with FTR to confront the reigning AEW World Champion Jon Moxley. This unexpected comeback not only electrified the crowd but also set the stage for what's next for both Copeland and the fierce rivalry brewing between two major factions: Rated FTR and The Death Riders.
The evening’s main event was nothing short of explosive, as Moxley defended his title against formidable challengers: Jay White, Orange Cassidy, and Hangman Adam Page. Despite the turmoil, Moxley secured the win after enduring some brutal strikes, including being the victim of a breathtaking Shield-style triple powerbomb delivered by Cassidy, White, and Page through the announcer’s desk. Fans witnessed Moxley surviving the onslaught, but tension was palpable as the brawl escalated, with everyone vying for their moment to claim the championship.
After Moxley’s victory, chaos erupted when he and The Death Riders attempted to gloat over their victory. Suddenly, the arena went dark, only to illuminate FTR’s entrance, sending shockwaves through the audience. Following them was none other than the return of Adam Copeland, who had been sidelined since suffering a fractured tibia at AEW Double or Nothing earlier in 2024. Fans roared as Copeland charged to the ring, joining forces with Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler.
"Rated FTR - We're taking it all!" shouted Copeland, signaling his intentions immediately upon his return. He didn’t waste any time, stepping up to Moxley and quickly establishing dominance with aggressive maneuvers, including delivering a spear. The confrontation became more chaotic when FTR cleared the ring of Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta, allowing Copeland to stare down Moxley, setting off the fireworks for what is expected to be an epic feud.
Reflecting on his injury and comeback, Copeland expressed his typical fearless attitude toward wrestling. At the post-show scrum, he told Corey Lieb of the Wrestling Observer, "It’s one of those deals where, if you watch my career, it’s not out of my character to do insane things. I realize I’m closer to the tail end of my career than the beginning, and I have kids now, so there is a different mindset." This insight speaks to his commitment to the sport, as he re-enters the ring after months of recovery.
He continued to elaborate on his recovery process, adding humor to his willingness to risk it all for entertainment. "I’m still lucky—I recover like Wolverine. Part of my recovery process involves going after it head-on the moment I am cleared," he remarked, highlighting his drive and determination.
The long-revered WWE Hall of Famer’s arrival adds layers to AEW's already intriguing narrative. On the horizon is the highly anticipated matchup at AEW Dynamite: Fight For The Fallen, where Rated FTR will face Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta, and Claudio Castagnoli. This showdown is set against the backdrop of the intense rivalry for supremacy among these factions.
Fans are left buzzing with anticipation as they eagerly await to see how these plotlines will evolve, particularly the dynamics between Copeland, Moxley, and The Death Riders. Each segment at Worlds End added to the energy of Copeland’s return, making it clear he wasn’t just back for casual appearances; he is here to reclaim his spot at the forefront of AEW.
With his return, Copeland is not only bringing his trademark intensity back to wrestling but is also igniting fervor among fans, hinting at the resurgence of classic storytelling defined by nuanced rivalries and powerful personas.
The drama ignited at Worlds End is far from over, as Copeland steps back onto the canvas. Wrestling aficionados worldwide are on the edge of their seats, eager to witness how Rated FTR and The Death Riders will clash as the year rolls forward.
