Copeland knows Malakai Black match didn’t need spot he broke his leg on

While confirming he fractured his tibia when he jumped off the top of a steel cage during his match with Malakai Black on AEW’s Double or Nothing PPV, Adam Copeland admitted the injury was a message that he needs “to make better choices” as a 50 year old pro wrestler.

It’s an idea he followed up on today (June 7) while appearing on Busted Open Radio. Copeland joked that the spot was “less a leap and more a fall” before adding:

“I think I could have got the same mileage if I did [the move] off the top rope. So, live and learn.”

The former Edge’s frank reflection about a decision that figures to keep him out for months (no timeframe’s been discussed, but Copeland was back in the gym doing what he could shortly after surgery earlier this week) won’t do much to tamp down the debate about whether AEW should have tighter reins on what its wrestlers can and can’t do in matches.

But it seems likely Copeland will be a louder advocate for more risk/reward analysis of match layouts going forward. Given reports of what a locker room leader the Rated R Superstar is at AEW, that could influence some change at Tony Khan’s company.

For now, Copeland is continuing to look on the bright side. He’s thankful he finished the match, as the injury didn’t hurt that much and he didn’t even think his leg was broken until he got the diagnosis at the emergency room. And he thinks his program with Malakai did its job:

“Hopefully also throughout this story, it’s a reminder of what Black brings to the table. And kind of just let people understand, ‘Oh yeah, by the way, there’s this group of badasses that have an insane presentation.’ So, a few missions accomplished and a setback.”