7 Adam Copeland Dream Opponents Outside Of AEW

AEW

At 52 years old, Adam Copeland is still going strong in the pro wrestling industry.

While he is one half of the current AEW World Tag Team Champions, Copeland seems to want to explore the wrestling world outside of All Elite Wrestling.

With his recently announced appearance at Maple Leaf Pro and his list of desired places to wrestle in, there is a possibility that “The Rated R Superstar” could be on the verge of having a few dream matches outside of AEW right now.

Here are seven potential Adam Copeland dream opponents outside of AEW.

7. Stu Grayson

The wrestling world were shocked to hear the news that Adam Copeland would be making his first appearance outside of WWE and AEW since 2001 at the upcoming MLP Northern Rising event on October 3.

This huge event from the Mattamy Athletic Center aka Maple Leaf Gardens will be an important one for all of Maple Leaf Pro.

Looking at the roster, Stu Grayson is the current interim MLP Canadian Heavyweight Champion.

Wanting to prove himself to be the best, Grayson could challenge Copeland for the title at Northern Rising to show everyone why he stands at the top.

6. 1st Faction (Sheldon Jean & Brent Banks)

Adam Copeland might walk into Maple Leaf Pro with the AEW World Tag Team Championship around his waist.

However, Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling has their own top duo in the promotion in 1st Faction’s Sheldon Jean and Brent Banks, who currently holds the MLP Canadian Tag Team Championships.

In recent interviews, Jean and Banks have made it clear that they will not allow anyone to walk into MLP and not recognize who they are.

Making Copeland come back to MLP with his tag team partner Christian Cage would set some long-term story to this appearance for “The Rated R Superstar.”

5. Steve Maclin

To the surprise of many fans, Steve Maclin left TNA Wrestling in June 2026.

The former TNA World Champion was one of the flagbearers of the promotion for years and someone who represented the company with pride.

Ahead of Adam Copeland’s MLP Northern Rising appearance, it was revealed that Maclin had been brought up as a potential opponent for Copeland.

Seeing his experience and accolades, Maclin feels like a smart choice that could give Cope a hard hitting contest to headline Northern Rising on October 3.

4. Tomohiro Ishii

When looking at the wrestling world, the NJPW roster has some of the hardest strikers in the business.

There is no one who has garnered more of an intimidating reputation due to his litany of hard hitting classics quite like Tomohiro Ishii.

“The Stone Pitbull” is someone who has been a highlight of both the New Japan Pro Wrestling and All Elite Wrestling rosters.

Whether it be in AEW or heading over to Japan, Copeland clashing with Ishii could be something special with two legends colliding.

3. Yota Tsuji

At the start of 2026, it became clear that New Japan Pro Wrestling was putting the entire company on the back of Yota Tsuji.

Now enjoying his second reign as IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Tsuji is clearly the top star in the promotion right now.

“The Gene Blast” has earned his spot and has also shown a disdain for all AEW stars wanting to come to the company.

With “The Rated R Superstar” stating a trip to the Tokyo Dome is on his bucket list, it might be a battle of spears waiting on the other side for Copeland in a showdown with Tsuji at a future Wrestle Kingdom event.

2. Zack Sabre Jr.

There is no doubt that the NJPW roster has undergone plenty of changes in recent years.

With the likes of Kazuchika Okada, Will Ospreay and Jay White leaving the promotion to head to AEW, the company has been left to rebuild and focus on their younger stars.

However, Zack Sabre Jr. has taken the mantle as the biggest and most decorated name in New Japan today.

ZSJ facing off with Adam Copeland would offer a totally different kind of match than what the AEW star is used to and could steal the show no matter what company this bout happens.

1. Mistico

More than 20 years since his initial rise in the business, Mistico is back on top as a huge box office draw in wrestling.

Sitting atop of CMLL, Mistico has helped the promotion set record-breaking sellouts at Arena Mexico and expand the company’s name into the United States.

With his signature theme song and stunning lucha libre style, Mistico has etched his name among the biggest stars in the industry today.

If Adam Copeland wanted to headline an Arena Mexico show in the future following his recent debut at AEW Grand Slam Mexico, he would be hard-pressed to find a better opponent than Mistico at this time.

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• AEW
• Adam Copeland

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