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The Story Behind How Adam Copeland Became All Elite

No longer part of WWE, Adam Copeland has new possibilities in AEW: “How about a match against Kazuchika Okada?”

Justin Barrasso

The Story Behind How Adam Copeland Became All Elite
The Story Behind How Adam Copeland Became All Elite /

SI.com’s Week in Wrestling is published every week and provides beneath the surface coverage of the business of pro wrestling.

Adam Copeland on new possibilities: “How about a match against Kazuchika Okada?”

Decked out in blue-and-white gear representing the Canadian skies and snow, Adam Copeland wrestled his final WWE match this past August.

While sharing the ring with Sheamus in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, wearing that iconic Maple Leafs-inspired apparel in his homeland, Copeland was hit with the stunning realization that he was experiencing the final moment in the storied career of Edge.

Another epiphany for Copeland was how, in that moment, he felt perfectly content. Copeland’s creation of Edge became an all-time WWE great with a body of work that includes more than two decades of compelling work. If there was a time for Edge to complete his career, it was that night in Toronto.

The only remaining question, however, was what would come next.

“Halfway through the match with Sheamus in Toronto, I was thinking, ‘This is probably my last WWE match,’” said Copeland. “I also started thinking, right then, ‘There is a great chance I retire after this.’

“The WWE gave me that night, and I’ll hold it with me until I die. I was having so much fun. That was the perfect ending.”

Contents

  1. The (Online) Week in Wrestling
  2. Could Damian Priest be on the cusp of his first world title reign?
  3. Tweet of the Week

Edge may no longer be active, but Copeland–less than a month shy of turning 50–is still in the thick of his prime. Whatever shreds of athleticism eroded over the past two-and-a-half decades in the ring have been replaced by his exceptionally creative mind. And he remains in immaculate physical condition, still able to perform at an elite level.

Hence, a decision awaited Copeland. He could retire in a blaze of glory following his SmackDown match against Sheamus. Or enter unchartered territory and explore new terrain.

“I’m driven by challenges,” said Copeland. “If you’re not, you’re not going to stick around as long as the guys who are do. There is a reason The Undertaker lasted as long as he did. He thrived on challenges, and challenged himself to recreate his character and to see if he could hang with those new talents. For me, it’s really significant to have a blank canvas at this point in my career.”

Once his WWE contract expired and Copeland officially became a free agent, AEW owner Tony Khan reached out to express his admiration, respect, and interest in a working relationship. He extended a lucrative offer, which certainly seized Copeland’s attention–yet it was the promise of possibility that seized his spirit.

Copeland has long desired to wrestle for New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Within the parameters of WWE, that simply could not happen. But that is an altogether different scenario when employed by AEW. That precise type of possibility awoke a fire in Copeland he nearly forgot was burning.

“I’ve never wrestled at Wrestle Kingdom,” said Copeland. “I’ve never wrestled at Tokyo Dome. How about a match against Kazuchika Okada? That would be pretty cool. I’m pretty excited by that. How about Jon Moxley? Hell yeah. A singles match in AEW against Bryan Danielson? Miro? Claudio Castagnoli? Kenny Omega? Will Ospreay? Adam Page? Chris Jericho? Malakai Black? FTR in a tag? Teaming with Darby against the Young Bucks? Facing Darby? Facing Sting? A promo battle with Eddie Kingston? The possibilities, they’re keeping me awake at night. These new matchups are all super exciting. It all starts next week against Luchasaurus.”

Copeland wrestles Luchasaurus next week on Dynamite, a rare Tuesday airing because of time conflicts with the Major League Baseball postseason. He made his AEW debut in the closing moments of this past Sunday’s WrestleDream pay-per-view, ushering in the newest era of the company as one of wrestling’s premiere stars.

“The realization fully hit when I was staring at Sting in the ring,” said Copeland. “I know WWE like the back of my hand. I know Edge. I don’t know AEW. It’s new to me. That is very exciting for me. It’s like starting from scratch, but with a lot more experience.”

Courtesy AEW
Courtesy AEW

Copeland always shared a close relationship with Vince McMahon. But, shockingly, McMahon no longer calls all the shots in WWE. The end-all, be-all is now parent company Endeavor, and their CEO Ari Emanuel, who may not have been able to grasp the value of Edge. But in what will prove to be a massive understatement, his loss is AEW’s gain.

“I am so thankful for every aspect of my career, and I’ll be forever thankful for the WWE,” said Copeland. “It was the only place I wanted to work. We reached a place where we’d done all we could do together. And I guarantee you this–they’re not mad. I’m not mad. I’ve received so many texts from the office, from the travel department, from the talent relations department, from the music department, from the performers, from the big suits, and none of them are mad. They’re happy for me. And I’m happy. They’re going to continue to crush it, too. And I have more of an opportunity to help the entire wrestling business in AEW.

“I sat with this decision for a while. It wasn’t a quick overnight thing. When I looked at this on paper, it was a no-brainer. But I was thinking with my head and my heart, and those two things don’t always agree. My girls helped me see clearly on this decision. They love the idea that I get to work with Uncle Jay [Reso, Christian Cage’s real name], who is my best friend. My girls made it all make so much sense for me.”

Unfortunately for Copeland’s daughters, they will soon be having nightmares when they watch Christian wreaking a unique brand of havoc as a terrifying heel in AEW.

“Oh, I know,” said Copeland, with a laugh. “I know.”

Courtesy AEW
Courtesy AEW

Copeland was staying outside of Seattle, but he arrived at WrestleDream shortly after the show started. In an effort to keep his impending arrival inconspicuous, he was brought to a private backstage dressing room–while sitting in a wheelchair and covered by an oversized blanket.

“They wheeled me in,” said Copeland. “I could see people’s feet, but nothing else. It was all so funny to me. I couldn’t control myself. I started cackling. People must have known that was me, right? ‘Oh look, there goes someone in a wheelchair, chuckling like he has emphysema, with a cover over their head.’ That’s pro wrestling for you.”

Before the close of the pay-per-view, Copeland stood behind the curtain. As he waited for his cue, he was overwhelmed with emotion.

“I couldn’t wait any more,” said Copeland. “I came out of the chute, and I threw as much energy to the people as I could. That was real. That wasn’t acting. I was reacting to the moment. I hope people felt that energy, I hope it was contagious.

“We’re in this together. I’m still a fan. I still think pro wrestling is awesome. So these are experiences for all of us.”

Edge Debuts for AEW at WrestleDream

There are many people in wrestling who simply could never envision Copeland wrestling outside of WWE. Yet that unlikely possibility has become a reality. Instead of working a handful of matches over the next year, Copeland is now committed to a full-time schedule in AEW.

Both in the ring and in the locker room, he will fill a void caused by the departure of CM Punk. Copeland embodies the caliber of star that AEW has needed for a long time. He will bring a bright spotlight to the company, all while challenging himself to exceed the hype.

“Since I came back [to WWE in 2020], you’ve pretty much got Adam Copeland, even if I was going by a nickname–Edge–that was pretty well known,” said Copeland. “Now I’ll go into the ring as Adam Copeland. That’s the only change. I’m still me.

“If this isn’t for you, then I won’t take it personally. But if you enjoy watching someone love what they do, then tune in. If you want to come on this ride with me, I’ll make sure there is room. Hop on.”

The (Online) Week in Wrestling

  • As Dynamite celebrates its four-year anniversary tonight, I am particularly looking forward to watching AEW cofounder Nick Jackson wrestle a singles match against Fenix for the International title.
  • Yes, Gunther set the record for longest reign as Intercontinental champion in WWE. But it is not the length of his time with the belt that is most impressive. His matches are extraordinary, a fact he once again illustrated this past Monday against Tommaso Ciampa.
  • This past Saturday’s No Mercy show was a pivotal one for NXT. Becky Lynch defeated Tiffany Stratton in a spectacular main event, Trick Williams tasted gold when he won the North American title from Dom Mysterio (though he dropped it back last night), and Ilja Dragunov outlasted Carmelo Hayes in a phenomenal match to become the new NXT champion. Without a tremendous amount of fanfare, NXT is quickly gaining momentum and has potential to create one of its more memorable runs.
  • The opening of No Mercy was incredible.
  • And one final NXT note... next week’s show, which runs head-to-head against AEW Dynamite (due to the MLB playoffs), should be a remarkable night of pro wrestling. John Cena, Paul Heyman, and Asuka have all already been advertised for the NXT show. How will AEW respond?

Could Damian Priest be on the cusp of his first world title reign?

Seth Rollins defends the WWE world heavyweight championship against Shinsuke Nakamura this Saturday at Fastlane.

The build between Rollins and Nakamura has been executed exceptionally well. Nakamura has never been better in WWE, and his objective here has been clear: he wants to hurt Rollins and take his title, and do so in that order. That is very likely to happen at Fastlane, except not by Nakamura.

Following a grueling match against Nakamura at Fastlane, Rollins will be vulnerable. That could be an opportune time for Damian Priest to cash-in on his Money in the Bank contract, beginning his first-ever world title reign in WWE.

There is a lot of potential for Priest as world champion, especially with Judgment Day involved. If his first two opponents are Rollins and Finn Bálor, he will be in perfect position to succeed as champion.

Tweet of the Week

If this doesn’t make you proud to be a wrestling fan, then what does?

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Justin Barrasso
JUSTIN BARRASSO

Justin Barrasso has been writing for Sports Illustrated since 2014. While his primary focus is pro wrestling and MMA, he has also covered MLB, NBA, and the NFL. He can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com and followed on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.

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