The AEW star says Maple Leaf Gardens was his final unfinished goal
Summary
– Adam Copeland will compete for Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling on October 3
– Copeland considers Maple Leaf Gardens his personal wrestling hallowed ground
– Tony Khan approved the appearance through AEW’s partnership with Maple Leaf Pro
Adam Copeland has competed in major venues around the world, but Maple Leaf Gardens remained the one building he needed to wrestle in before ending his career. The AEW star will finally fulfill that lifelong goal when he appears for Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling on October 3.
Speaking during the August 13 edition of MLP Mayhem, Copeland explained that Maple Leaf Wrestling played an important role in his childhood. After seeing the promotion’s name and tradition return, he knew he wanted to become involved.
“For me as a kid who grew up on Maple Leaf Wrestling, to see that Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling is back, it has to be something that I’m involved in,” Copeland said. “It’s what I was raised on.”
Copeland recalled waiting for Maple Leaf Wrestling to air on CHCH-TV and watching WWF Superstars through a Buffalo television station. He described Canada as a longtime hotbed for professional wrestling and joked that the country’s priorities are hockey, beer, and wrestling.
Although Copeland wanted to participate in the revival, his AEW contract required permission from the promotion to appear for another promotion. Tony Khan approved the booking through AEW’s working relationship with Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling.
Copeland praised Khan for wanting professional wrestling to succeed beyond AEW. He believes the partnership can help wrestling continue to thrive throughout Canada.
Khan also understood the personal importance of appearance. Copeland admitted that retiring without wrestling inside Maple Leaf Gardens would have left him feeling as though an important part of his career remained unfinished.
“I don’t think I was going to be able to retire without a bit of a bee in my bonnet unless I did this,” Copeland said. “I think this allows me to go, right.”
Scott D’Amore helped turn the dream into reality after hearing Copeland describe Maple Leaf Gardens as his wrestling hallowed ground. Copeland had previously said it was the one building where he needed to perform before his career ended.
D’Amore contacted Copeland and told him they could make the appearance happen. Years after Copeland first discussed the possibility, the two are now preparing to bring that plan to life.
Copeland even joked that D’Amore may have revived Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling entirely to allow him to compete inside his dream venue.
The October 3 appearance represents more than another outside booking for Copeland. It will allow him to honor the wrestling tradition that inspired him as a child and complete one of the final goals of his career.
