Adam Copeland and Others Secure Spots in AEW WrestleDream Clockwork Carnage Match

The AEW World Championship will be contested in the inaugural Clockwork Carnage match at AEW WrestleDream on October 17, 2026. The final participants were determined during qualifiers held on a special three-hour broadcast of AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision on October 14.

Adam Copeland made his return to the ring, defeating Josh Alexander after a hard-fought match. Alexander targeted Copeland's previously injured leg, but a miscalculation involving an exposed turnbuckle allowed Copeland to gain the upper hand and secure victory with a Spear.

Konosuke Takeshita also returned, winning against Brian Cage by adapting his strategy mid-match. After a series of impressive moves, including an Avalanche Hurricanrana, Takeshita achieved a submission victory with a Dragon Sleeper. Ricochet rounded out the qualifiers by defeating Ace Austin, who stepped in for the injured Jay White. Ricochet's speed and a surprise Headbutt helped him clinch the win. They join Will Ospreay, Samoa Joe, Mike Bailey, and Kazuchika Okada in the Clockwork Carnage match, with one spot remaining for either Darby Allin or Hechicero.