One of the storylines brewing from AEW WrestleDream is the potential for Will Ospreay versus Adam Copeland, and it sounds like we’ll get getting that match.
Will Ospreay stands tall as AEW world champion. Adam Copeland announced that 2027 will be his final year in professional wrestling, and his eyes are on the world title. From that alone, it seemed like there was a chance for this dream match to be settled before Cope retires.
Tensions between Ospreay and Copeland ignited during Clockwork Carnage.
Cope had the victory in his sight, then Ospreay blindsided him with the Hidden Blade to score the winning point with two seconds remaining on the clock. Copeland’s frustration boiled over after the match with an aggressive handshake. It was clear that this matter wasn’t over.
Backstage, Ospreay approached Copeland with respect. He told the legend that it is a dream come true to defend the championship against him in Clockwork Carnage. They smoothed over any personal issues, then Ospreay solemnly told Cope to save a date for him on the retirement tour. The implication was clear that Ospreay wants a singles match against Copeland. Questions remain for when and if it will be a world title match.
Tony Khan does a good job giving the people what they want. One of those people in this case would be Ospreay. After all, he is a fan of Copeland. Ospreay explained at the post-PPV media scrum:
Ospreay: And just another thing as well, like just for me, it was amazing to be in the ring with Cope tonight. It was just truly an honor. As a kid when he found out that like he retired, like broke my heart. Mended it when he came back to wrestling. Mended it when it came over to AEW. Like, truly honored to be in the ring with you today, sir.
Khan suggested that Ospreay and Copeland could team up for tag action. Ospreay jumped at that opportunity for Dynamite on Wednesday night. Khan was receptive to booking them together as long as they pass medical tests in the fallout from WrestleDream. That sounds like a ready-made recipe to advance the story between Ospreay and Copeland over the world title.
Personally, I would be interested in Ospreay versus Copeland in the main event for Full Gear on November 14. Ospreay needs PPV challengers. Ospreay would be the heavy favorite to retain. However, Cope’s retirement story adds an element of unpredictability in the result to get hooked on the near falls.
What’s your excitement level for Will Ospreay versus Adam Copeland? Do you prefer that matchup for the AEW World Championship or later down the line as a standard singles contest?
