The series airs on Disney+ and Copeland will be going up against fellow nominees Amanda Lawrence for Malory Towers, Elizabeth Mitchell in The Santa Clauses, Sarah Rafferty in The Walter Boys, Eric Stonestreet in The Santa Clauses and his late co-star Lance Reddick for his portrayal as Zeus.
Percy Jackson happened to lead all series this year with a total of 16 nominations and it gets Copeland back into the news cycle while he’s recovering from injury. Despite that, Copeland has remained a proactive and positive force in his community by helping his North Carlonia neighbors recover from the effects of hurricane damage.
Adam Copeland’s Acting Background
While Copeland may be best known as a WWE Hall Of Famer, his resume impressively expands outside of the squared circle. Copeland’s acting resume is rock solid as he previously starred in Vikings, Haven, and even played Atom Smasher in The Flash.
Before getting hurt, Copeland had a memorable run with the TNT Championship and feuded with his longtime partner Christian Cage. Copeland first debuted in AEW back at WrestleDream 2023.
Adam Copeland is taking his TNT Championship run to the “edge” and he has another veteran with his eyes on Cope’s prize.
Since Copeland secured that TNT Title against Christian Cage at AEW Revolution, ‘The Rated R Superstar’ has fired up the “Cope Open” and have gotten an array of challengers, one being an AEW outsider in Matt Cardona. Copeland came out on top in that battle, but now there’s another veteran looking for such an opportunity.
‘Da Black Pope’ Elijah Burke is very busy this week promoting the Shad Gaspard Memorial Cup, honoring the late star with his Love Alive Charity. Burke is based out of Jacksonville and obviously, that is the home base for AEW. Pope has made his pitch on X to enter the “Cope Open.”
“The TNT open challenge has been a hit, here’s my challenge to Adam Copeland: First time ever matchup Adam Copeland vs. Jacksonville’s Favorite Son “The Pope” at Daily’s Place for AEW Dynamite/Collision. An Experience like no other. Tony Khan make it happen!”
The TNT open challenge has been a hit, here’s my challenge to Adam Copeland: First time ever matchup @RatedRCope vs Jacksonville’s Favorite Son “The Pope” at Daily’s Place for @aew Dynamite/Collision. An Experience like no other. @TonyKhan make it happen! ?#AEW#AEWDynasty
Pope has been all around the wrestling industry working for WWE, TNA and NWA, but has been a proactive and positive presence for his Love Alive Charity. The Shad Gaspard Memorial Cup will take place this weekend on April 20 and will feature several stars competing in the tournament including JTG, KC Navarro, Kenny King and Thom Latimer. Also set to appear is Danny Davis and current AEW star, Mark Henry. Information to get tickets are below:
“The date has been set. The Stars have been selected. The Legends will be in attendance. History will be made!”
For many years, John Cena has been involved in many big matches and moments at the ‘Grandest Stage Of Them All.’ He has won championships and even proposed at a WrestleMania. However, Cena has recently shared that he also had a featured match involving him being cut short compared to what was initially planned.
On his TikTok account, Cena shared that his Triple Threat Match against Big Show and Adam Copeland (FKA Edge) for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship was cut short. The match occurred at WWE WrestleMania 25 on April 5, 2009.
Fans may recall that the match before Cena’s was Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker. While Michaels and ‘The Deadman’ put on an all-time classic WrestleMania performance, the Triple Threat Match was cut for time.
Cena reflected on the match on TikTok and spoke about WWE’s decision. He also thanked Big Show and Copeland for their cooperation.
“…Those guys had a long match, which means you got to find the time somewhere, which means they took a lot of time away from this match. Yes, taking time away from your match happens at every level. I want to thank my opponents, Edge and The Big Show, for being so calm and collected and adjusting what we needed to do, and still being able to take some high-risk and give the audience some crazy moments,” said Cena.
One example he remembered was picking up both his opponents at the same time. He also revealed the match was supposed to last 30 minutes and noted how quickly he got out of the ring after his win.
Will John Cena Make An Appearance At WWE WrestleMania 40?
As WWE WrestleMania 40 approaches, fans wonder if Cena will appear. He is not scheduled for a match or a segment at the event.
Cena will likely not be in a match or be limited in how physical he can be with others, but fans will still enjoy seeing the former WWE Champion make a surprise appearance.
Adam Copeland may be at odds with Christian Cage on AEW television, but the former Edge appreciates what his best buddy is doing.
Speaking with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Copeland commented on Cage’s run as an ultimate heel and noted why the current TNT Champion is so good at what he does.
“He does this so well because he wants to be one,” said Copeland. “Somewhere along the way, that’s got lost. Heels became cooler than the babyface. That’s not how it should be. That’s not how he sees it, either. I mean, the man wears a cut-off turtleneck. There’s nothing cool about what he’s doing.
“He’s fully committed to it. He’s a Bond villain and loving it. It’s fun to be involved with.”
Copeland finally crossed pathes with Cage not just on AEW Dynamite but World’s End where the WWE Hall Of Famer actually defeated Cage for the TNT Championship, but quickly lost it back to Killswitch, who won a battle royal earlier in the evening. The belt went back to Cage who continues his heelish run.
Adam Copeland On AEW Being Different: “I Want More Choices”
When it comes to AEW being an alternative than WWE, Copeland pulled from his own fandom as a kid and getting access to different territories in wrestling.
“I remember growing up and dying to be able to get my hands on NWA tapes. It didn’t air where I lived, where there was WWF. I found International Wrestling from Montreal. I found All Star Wrestling from Vancouver. I found all these other shows, and I loved that. I’d get little snippets of guys I’d only seen in magazines. Then the show Pro Wrestling Plus with Ed Whalen, who was the announcer for Stampede, started, and I finally got to see wrestlers from the NWA and Continental. I just thought, give it all to me.”
It’s been four years since Edge returned to wrestling after being forced to retire due to an injury. He made his comeback at the WWE Royal Rumble on January 26, 2020, as a surprise entrant in the men’s match. The surprise appearance was a memorable moment that fans and other WWE superstars, including AJ Styles, will remember.
In an interview with Wrestlesphere, ‘The Phenomenal One’ reflects on Edge’s return and what being in the match for his entrance was like.
Wrestlesphere’s Joe Baiamonte transcribed the following quotes.
“It was pretty unbelievable to see that reaction,” said Styles. He continued, “It was a special moment. I enjoyed it. I actually sat back in the corner and watched it all. It was really, really cool.”
At the time, it was unclear what WWE’s plans were for Edge, but Styles hoped that he’d be able to have a match with the ‘Rated R Superstar.’ WWE fans may recall they had a staredown and exchanged offense in the 2020 Men’s Royal Rumble Match. In the interview, Styles admitted he wanted to use the moment to plant seeds for a potential match with Edge.
“As soon as he came back, that Royal Rumble, we planted the seed, said Styles. He explains, “Because we knew if there’s an opportunity, we’ve got to plant the seed now. That was the moment we did it at the Royal Rumble.”
Two years later, the two would be in a feud, including a featured match at WWE WrestleMania 38 on April 3, 2022. While Edge has moved on to AEW, Styles will compete in a title match at this year’s event.
AJ Styles Aims To Get Revenge on Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns will defend the WWE Championship against Styles, LA Knight, and Randy Orton tonight. ‘The Phenomenal One’ hopes to become a three-time WWE Champion, as he has reentered the title picture. He also wants to get revenge on Reigns, as he, in the storyline, had the Bloodline(Solo Sikoa & Jimmy Uso) injure him.
The odds are not in Reign’s favor, but he is expected to retain his championship. It’s unclear if Styles will get another opportunity to lose. However, WWE fans should expect ‘The Phenomenal One’ to give everything he has as he tries to win the WWE Championship for a third time.
Adam Copeland had a WWE contract renewal in his inbox, but he decided against signing it. He wanted something else out of this chapter of his career, and he is finding it in AEW.
Adam Copeland Is Having Fun In AEW
Since arriving in AEW, some fans have noticed that Adam Copeland has worked with a variety of people, including an old frenemy in Christian Cage. The fact that Copeland is holding open challenge matches is also proof that anyone could face him next.
During a conversation with Busted Open Radio, Adam Copeland made it very clear that he wants to have as much fun as possible with his life. Wrestling is his first love, and it’s also a pleasure to work in that world, so he is making the most of every opportunity he can.
Anything I do at this stage of life has to be fun or I’m not going to do it. Wrestling was the first love and it always will be. That can never be taken away. I still find so much fun. The minute it stops being fun is the minute I need to be done. Because it was taken away from me the first time, and then to come back, and have this whole new generation of talent that I’ve never performed with or got in there with. It’s fun. I’ve repeatedly said how much fun I’m having. That’s what it boils down to. No matter what I’m doing, I’m having fun, or I wouldn’t be doing it. I wouldn’t be wrestling Griff Garrison if I didn’t find the fun in that. I wouldn’t be wrestling Lee Moriarty if I didn’t find the fun in that. It’s just a blast.
Copeland later stated that he’s still having fun while wrestling. At this stage in his career, the Rated R Superstar wouldn’t keep going if he wasn’t enjoying himself.
This may sound like a lie, but I’m at a stage in life where, if it’s not fun, I don’t need the money. I know that sounds really bad, but I was always really smart. I still drive a pick-up truck. I don’t waste my money. It hurt too much to make. If I’m doing it, it’s purely for the joy of it.
Adam Copeland’s Road in AEW So Far
Tony Khan was quick to place Adam Copeland right in a feud with Christian Cage, a spot he remains to this day. As the two carry on, it is evident that there are a lot more stories to tell that reek of awesomeness.
Wrestling factions can go through a lot of changes in their lifetimes. Groups and and remove members, often violently.
WWE Hall of Famer Edge (Adam Copeland) and Damian Priest launched The Judgment Day as a duo, but it did not stay like that for long. Today’s incarnation is one of the most dominant forces in WWE, but the group looks quite different from what Copeland originally had in mind.
Judgment Day grew to be one of the biggest draws in WWE. With Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, JD McDonagh and Dominik Mysterio, the group is featured heavily on WWE television. Although they never took a turn into the supernatural realm as was originally rumored for the stable, they certainly took on a new life of their own.
While speaking to Sam Roberts on the Not Sam Wrestling podcast, Copeland spoke about the original concept for the Judgment Day.
Original Plan For WWE’s Judgment Day Stable
The Rated R Superstar says the Judgment Day came about when he was approached about starting up a ‘New Brood,’ the Attitude Era’s gothic trio of Edge, Christian and Gangrel. The Brood helped put Edge and Christian on the map when they first arrived on the scene in WWE, so maybe Copeland could do something similar for one of WWE’s rising stars.
“Well, you know, with the initial inception of the Judgement Day, I really I wanted it to be these underutilized talents that I thought could be far more than what they were being utilized for. Rhea Ripley is a star and Damian Priest is a star and Finn Balor’s a star.
So initially, it was brought to me like, ‘Hey, we want to kind of start a New Brood,’ or something that feels somewhat like that. I’m like, ‘Who would it be?’ I was like, ‘Ripley and Priest.’ ‘Well, we want it go be four.’ So, it’s like.. Balor! Okay, well, then it was like, ‘We want somebody really huge.’ I was like, okay.. all right.. and then I got a text two weeks later. ‘How about Balor?’ I’m like, ‘Yep! amazing idea.’ [Laughing]”
Edge was kicked out of Judgment Day when Finn Balor made his way to the stable. After that, the Rated R Superstar and his former stable went their separate ways.
As Judgment Day remains a stable on WWE programming, they still have Edge to thank. They might not publicly thank the man who helped start the faction, because he is with AEW now, but they know where the genesis of that sable came from.
Adam Copeland had a hard-fought No DQ match at Worlds End in Long Island, and he actually won the AEW TNT Title while he was at it. Sadly for him, that reign was incredibly short-lived, but the Rated R Superstar has the battle wounds to prove he was in a war.
Adam Copeland vs Christian Cage at AEW Worlds End
Adam Copeland made his AEW debut at WrestleDream and the WWE Hall of Famer was off to the races with his old friend, Christian Cage. His feud with former friend Christian Cage reached its peak in a No DQ match at AEW Worlds End. Copeland initially won the title but faced surprising twists that led to its loss.
Killswitch, who won a battle royal for a #1 contender match previously on the show, came out and presented that contract to Christian, who cashed in like it was a Money in the Bank situation to steal the TNT Title back. Now, Adam Copeland is revealing the aftermath of the intense match.
”It’s not a tumah! Now the work starts on becoming a 2 time TNT Champion.”
Adam Copeland and Christian Cage’s story in AEW doesn’t appear to be over yet. They are apparently going to stretch that feud into 2024, but they also have a lot of unfinished business between E&C.
The former Edge wants to hold the TNT Title again, and next time he wants it for more than 3 minutes.
Adam Copeland has suffered bumps and bruises for decades at this point, so that gash on his head isn’t going to keep him down. If anything, the blood in that AEW Worlds End match only added to the drama.
Edge may have established himself as the ‘Rated-R Superstar’ but he now believes that a current WWE Superstar is deserving of the moniker.
In late 2005, Edge debuted his nickname as the Rated-R Superstar, and alongside Lita would perform more and more headline-grabbing actions on TV.
Perhaps the most infamous came in January 2006, when Edge and Lita had a ‘live-sex celebration’ that was interrupted by both Ric Flair and John Cena
The Rated-R Superstar of Now
In 2021, Edge, just over a year after his return from retirement, began a feud with Seth Rollins, with the two men trading victories.
That feud saw Edge win at that year’s Summerslam, while Rollins would get his win back during an episode of SmackDown.
In the rubber match, Edge would return to Hell in a Cell, besting Rollins inside the barbaric structure at Crown Jewel 2021.
Speaking on the latest episode of the After The Bell podcast, Edge heaped praise on Rollins, calling him worthy of the Rated R moniker.
“we’re so damn similar. We look at things in a very similar way. You know, he’s carved his own path.
“To me if I look at it, and if I make the comparisons to rosters of yesteryear, like he is the Rated-R Superstar of now, he is firmly his own thing.”
Edge.
Continuing the Feud
Edge and Seth Rollins haven’t faced off in years but that doesn’t mean that a fourth match between the pair could not happen.
On the show, Edge explained that he remains open to a match against the former Universal Champion.
“Seth Rollins is a guy that we’ll never fully be through with each other.
“I just you know, to be honest anytime I can get in there with him I know what it feels like we both know what feels like the minute we touched I was like ‘Ooh okay, all right, we got something here. So hell yeah, I mean I do that in a heartbeat,’ you know, we had a trilogy that doesn’t mean can’t be more.”
Edge.
If Edge is planning a rematch, then the window of time is running out, as the Hall of Famer teased last year that he will be retiring the next time WWE comes to Canada in 2023.
It’s been reported that WWE planned on Edge Vs. Balor at the Royal Rumble but nixed the idea due to Edge’s commitments to the upcoming Percy Jackson series on Disney+.
WWE and Edge felt that with the Hall of Famer not being able to appear on Raw in the run-up to the Royal Rumble, the match would not have received proper booking.
It has been reported that the match in January was scheduled to take place inside Hell in a Cell, but there is no confirmation if this is the plan this time around.
The Judgment Day at WrestleMania
While Edge Vs. Balor has yet to be made official, it is expected to be confirmed for WrestleMania, which will be a busy night for the Judgment Day.
By winning the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble match, Rhea Ripley earned herself a match at WrestleMania, and will challenge SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair this April.
Though it has not been confirmed, many expect Dominik Mysterio to face his father Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania 39.
Upon entering WWE in the late 1990s, a young Edge received the opportunity to tango with some of wrestling’s most illustrious figures.
Under contract, “The Rated R Superstar” has worked through four different eras, including the Attitude Era, Ruthless Aggression, and the PG era. After his surprise return to the sport in 2020, Edge integrated himself into the “New Era,” and continues to run strong today.
Before he made his own mark as a legend, though, the WWE Hall of Famer worked with several other legends during his initial run in WWE. Reflecting on his career, Edge recalled some of the talent who helped shape him during his earlier days.
“It’s not lost on me the amount of talent I’ve had the opportunity to face,” he wrote via Twitter. “Perfect, Owen, Martel, Bad News, Hacksaw, Road Warriors, Funk, Lawler, Flair, Bulldog, Landell, Bossman, Earthquake, Boogy Woogy, Vader just to name a few, let alone the other 2 generations. Blows my mind.”
It’s not lost on me the amount of talent I’ve had the opportunity to face. Perfect, Owen, Martel, Bad News, Hacksaw, Road Warriors, Funk, Lawler, Flair, Bulldog, Landell, Bossman, Earthquake, Boogy Woogy, Vader just to name a few, let alone the other 2 generations. Blows my mind https://t.co/p7Jffjzx0X
Most of the WWE Superstars referenced by Edge did battle with him while Edge was still in his 20s. In early 2002, Edge met the late WWE Hall of Famer Mr. Perfect for the first and only time on Sunday Night Heat, winning the bout by disqualification.
Other notable opponents include Edge’s numerous matches involving fellow Canadian, Owen Hart. In September 1998, a 24-year-old Edge battled Hart at WWE’s In Your House 24: Breakdown, before the two met a few months later in tag team competition.
Of those mentioned, Ric Flair encountered Edge over fifty times throughout their careers in various tag team matches, battle royals, and singles competitions. Within a one-on-one capacity, the two first dueled in May 2004, as Edge gained the victory over “The Nature Boy.”
WWE’s next Hell in a Cell match may be a matter of weeks away according to the latest report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
In late 2022, it was reported that WWE was planning a Cell match between Edge and Finn Balor, that was scheduled to take place at the Royal Rumble PLE.
That match didn’t happen, and both men competed in the Men’s Royal Rumble match which was won by Cody Rhodes.
In the Observer, it is explained that WWE did plan on the Hell in a Cell match last month, but Edge’s acting commitments kept it from happening.
It is added that the match is a “possibility” for WWE WrestleMania 39 in April.
Edge and Balor will be on opposite teams for next week’s Elimination Chamber event, where they will team with Beth Phoenix and Rhea Ripley respectively.
Hell in a Cell at WrestleMania
While the Hell in a Cell match has been a WWE staple for over 25 years, the match has only happened three times at WrestleMania.
At WrestleMania 15, The Undertaker defeated the Big Boss Man, extending the Phenom’s WrestleMania winning streak to 8-0.
It wouldn’t be until WrestleMania 28 that the Cell returned to WWE’s biggest event, when The Undertaker defeated Triple H.
At WrestleMania 32 in 2016, The Undertaker once again emerged victorious inside the Cell, this time against Shane McMahon.
The Future of Hell in a Cell
The Hell in a Cell match is one of the more graphic stipulations WWE uses, though matches over the past decade have been somewhat lacking.
Fans have taken issue with the Hell in a Cell match having a PLE, believing it has lessened the significance of the structure.
Last year, it was reported that the Hell in a Cell PLE is “completely dead” in an edict by WWE’s Head of Creative Triple H.
A veteran of nine Cell matches, the Game believes that match should be used when it makes sense, rather than WWE forcing a Cell match “just because it’s October.”
Monday Night RAWkicked off with Edge and Beth Phoenix in the ring. Edge said that Judgment Day is his fault. He talked about how he only said “I quit” at Extreme Rules because Rhea Ripley assaulting Phoenix. Judgment Day, minus Ripley, made their way to the ring.
Bálor told Edge it was time to make him say “I Quit” again. Dominik Mysterio told them that he’ll treat them like he does his dad if they don’t back off Judgment Day. They all exchange barbs and Phoenix said she came to beat Ripley’s ass, but since she wasn’t there how about Bálor and Ripley face them at Elimination Chamber.
Dominik Mysterio Screams for Mami
Bálor said they will only if she and Edge make it to Elimination Chamber. They begin circling the ring when Angelo Dawkins comes to assist Edge and Phoenix. Mysterio attempted to leave only to be met by Montez Ford. Ford tosses him into the ring where Phoenix puts him in the Glam Slam, while he screamed for “MAMI!”
After the match, Phoenix sent a message to Ripley via Twitter. She posted a picture of a close up of Mysterio screaming “MAMI!” with the caption that reads, “missed you this week, Rhea!” She also made the image her Twitter avi.
Edge hasn’t been seen on WWE programming since his latest absence, as he lost an I Quit Match to Finn Balor at the Extreme Rules show in October.
The company already had some plans for him months ago, according to Fightful Select. As of late November, WWE had Edge penciled in for the first couple of PLE events of 2023.
Working Plans
The working plan was for Edge to take on Finn Balor upon his return to pick up their long-running feud. WrestlingNews.co reported that they would be competing at Royal Rumble.
The reason for the rivalry being spread out comes down to Edge working limited dates. Fightful also confirmed WrestlingNews.co’s report that as of that point ahead of Survivor Series, it was slated to be a Hell in a Cell match.
Fightful reports that Edge wasn’t the only one to be planned for the Elimination Chamber PLE in February. In November, WWE’s tentative plan was for Edge’s wife, Beth Phoenix, to be involved in the Montreal event by teaming with Edge to take on Rhea Ripley and Finn Balor.
It should be noted that things can change and can’t be considered official until WWE officially announces it themselves.
Posted January 9th, 2023 in WWE, News. Tagged: Edge.
It’s safe to say that 2022 has been one of the wildest years in the history of WWE.
From mass releases to the shock retirement of Vince McMahon, this is a year that none of us will ever, ever forget.
But with 2022 drawing to a close, attention turns to 2023, and a whole new year of matches to look forward to.
Here are five of the most anticipated matches of WWE in the new year.
5: Brock Lesnar Vs. GUNTHER
It has been reported that GUNTHER Vs. Brock Lesnar is in the works for WrestleMania 39.
Can you say PHYSICAL?!
In 2022, there are few names in WWE who have made an impact quite like our reigning Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER.
Debuting on the main roster earlier this year, the Austrian powerhouse wasted no time in winning his title from Ricochet, a title he has held for over 200 days.
It was reported recently that right now, WWE’s plan for WrestleMania 39 is for GUNTHER to face Brock Lesnar, in what could be the most hard hitting match we’ve seen in decades.
GUNTHER’s in-ring strength has never been in doubt, while Lesnar is a once in a lifetime athlete who’s 2022 has shown he still has a love for wrestling.
Whether the title is on the line or not, GUNTHER Vs. Lesnar has all the markings of an instant classic, and a match fans are eager to see.
4: Bray Wyatt’s First Match Back
Bray Wyatt returned with a ton of buzz, but WWE needs to pull the trigger with a match soon.
At Extreme Rules, WWE’s excellent White Rabbit build paid off with the return of Bray Wyatt, fifteen months after his controversial release from the company.
Since then, Wyatt has feuded with LA Knight, though his attentions seem to be more focused on the presence of the mysterious Uncle Howdy.
For all of Wyatt’s talk and promos though, Bray is yet to wrestle, something that has not gone unnoticed by fans.
It has been rumored that Wyatt will face Knight in a ‘Pitch Black’ match at the Royal Rumble, though whatever the rules are for said match is unclear.
I guess you could say that with the Pitch Black match, we’re ‘in the dark!’ (I crack myself up.)
While Bray returned with all the momentum in the world, it does feel like some of the shine has come off, and WWE needs to pull the trigger on a match for him soon.
Wyatt’s first match back is hotly anticipated, if nothing else than fans want to see what he can do in the ring as this new character, and we can only imagine his match will come in 2023.
3: Edge’s Final Match
Edge will have the chance to end his career on his own terms next year.
It’s hard to believe that next month will be the third anniversary of Edge’s startling return to wrestling.
In April 2011, fans (and Edge himself) had resigned themselves to the fact that his career was over, tragically cut short by neck issues.
This year has seen Edge compete six times, a slight dip from the ten matches in 2021, but next year may see his final match.
After competing in his native Toronto earlier this year, Edge strongly implied that he will be retiring the next time WWE comes to Canada, which is expected for mid-2023.
If so, then we are not long away from Edge’s final match, and hopefully WWE will give it the build and gravitas it deserves.
Edge’s return to wrestling has been nothing short of miraculous, but the Rated-R Superstar now has the chance to end his in-ring career again, this time on his own terms.
2: Roman Reigns Vs. Cody Rhodes
From the moment Cody Rhodes returned, there has been speculation on a match with Roman Reigns. (via WWE)
From the moment Cody Rhodes’ platform was raised at WrestleMania 38, this was a match fans anticipated.
The idea of Rhodes Vs. Reigns was cemented the following night when the American Nightmare spoke about his WWE return, and his desire to become World Champion.
Sure, Rhodes’ injury may have delayed those plans, but it is clear that Cody is destined to hold gold soon.
With rumors of Rhodes returning as part of the Men’s Rumble match, a match he is a favorite among many to win, a match with Reigns seems a matter of when, not if.
But this match will resonate for another reason. It will be WWE’s top star against someone for years considered the face of AEW.
The fact that Cody is in WWE now at all remains mind-blowing, and him facing Reigns has the substance to be an all-time great story, even if there’s one more for the Tribal Chief that fans are anticipating even more…
1: The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns
The Rock & Roman Reigns could be the biggest match WWE has held in a decade.
The People’s Champion Vs. The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
The Brahma Bull Vs. The Tribal Chief.
The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns.
Not since The Rock Vs. John Cena in 2012 has there been this level of excitement for a match, one that WWE has yet to confirm.
Both Reigns and Rock have teased for years that a match between them could happen, but never has it seemed more likely.
From Reigns being at his very best, to Rock’s movie filming schedule being suspiciously free for the first quarter of the year, all the signs are pointing to this match finally happening.
The Rock, now 50 years old, is not the spring chicken he once was, and if not next year, than this match, nor any other match with him, may never happen.
If WWE wants The Rock Vs. Reigns, then 2023 is the time, in what would be the biggest fight we’ve seen in years.
Edge had a memorable homecoming in the main event of the August 22 edition of WWE Monday Night Raw despite not being around every week leading up to the show to do the match with Damian Priest or the Finn Balor match at Extreme Rules. Since then, he hasn’t been seen since.
Fightful Select reports that Edge is on a deal with limited dates, which is why he has appeared periodically since splitting from the Judgment Day group.
One WWE higher-up said that the vignettes this past summer were a way to “buy some weeks” on television for him before he made his return to television and give them a little more time to build to some important matches throughout the rest of the year. This happened with the Balor and Priest matchups.
His Deal
In 2020 when Edge was medically cleared and made a deal with WWE, it was reported the Hall Of Famer had signed a three-year contract for 25 appearances and five matches per year. Edge had talks with All Elite Wrestling before his WWE deal was signed.
However, Fightful’s new report notes that it was either incorrect or amended, as Edge competed in ten matches in 2021 and has already competed in six matches in 2022.
It’s unclear when his deal is up or how many appearances are left on his existing deal, but if the length was correctly reported, that deal could be up soon. It’s always possible that the deal was frozen due to injury, but that’s not confirmed if that’s the case.
Posted December 21st, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: Edge.
Matt Hardy has big plans for his final-ever match, including facing a WWE Hall of Famer.
Hardy’s wrestling career began in 1992 and has seen Matt hold gold in WWE, TNA/Impact Wrestling, and Ring of Honor.
In April 2020, Hardy made his debut for All Elite Wrestling where he competes to this day.
Retirement
With 30 years in the wrestling business, Matt is fully aware that his days as an active competitor are coming to an end.
Speaking on his ‘Extreme Life’ podcast, Hardy revealed that he wants The Hardy Boyz’ final match to be against Edge & Christian.
“Our rivalry is just so iconic. I feel like that would be a pretty amazing way to end it, having one last match with those guys.”
Matt Hardy.
No Mercy 1999
The Hardys and Edge & Christian faced off countless times in WWE, but perhaps their best-known match took place at No Mercy 1999.
In the finals of the Terri Invitation Tournament (or T.I.T as Jerry Lawler reminded fans on commentary), the two teams faced off in the first tag-team ladder match in WWE history.
With their win, the Hardyz (then known as the New Brood) won $100,000 and the managerial services of Terri Runnels.
In their memoirs, ‘Exist 2 Inspire’ the Hardyz wrote that the four celebrated the match backstage with beers, the first time either Matt or Jeff drank alcohol.
The death-defying spots would cement both teams as ‘legitimate’ in the eyes of fans, with John Powell of SLAM! Wrestling writing at the time that the match overshadowed the Triple H Vs. Steve Austin WWF Title main event.
It’s hard to believe that The Rated R Superstar has been back in the wrestling world for more than two years and he is already talking about riding off into the sunset for good. The former World Champion discussed his intention of hanging up his boots during WWE’s tour of Canada earlier this year in August. He explained to the crowd in Toronto after Raw that he planned on seeing them one more time and ‘in a perfect world,’ say goodbye to the fans after that.
The 49-Year-Old was recently interviewed by The Nation Network. He was asked about his announcement and why he wants to retire in Toronto. Replying to it, Edge explained that he didn’t come back to win more championships. His goal was always to tell a good story before calling it a career:
“That’s the key. The first time I was told, ‘You gotta hang it up. That’s it, you’re done.’ It was WrestleMania. I retired world champ, and that sounds Cinderella, but I just didn’t know. That made it hard to chew on all those years, but I had to accept it and move on with what life is now. [I got to] start an amazing, beautiful family and the acting thing started to kind of take [off] a little but when I had the chance to get this back. The first thing I thought is, ‘I want to retire in Toronto.'” explained Edge,
He continued: “Because again, I know the window is not open for long. But if I can do it there, I think then I’ll be able to go right. I’m good. That was the last thing to kind of check off. I didn’t come back to win 4 more championships or anything like that. I really just came back to have fun, try and help teach a new generation of talent that I never got my hands on before. I always say, I call us storytellers. [I always intended to] come back and tell hell of a story for three or four years and then ride off into the sunset.”
You can check out Edge’s full interview in the video below:
WWE Superstar Edge has been cast in an upcoming series for Disney+.
He’s currently involved in a bitter rivalry with the group he created, The Judgment Day. This past Saturday at WWE Extreme Rules, Edge battled Finn Balor in an I Quit match. Judgment Day interfered but Rey Mysterio made the save. Rhea Ripley then attacked Edge’s wife, Beth Phoenix, and threatened to hit her with a con-chair-to if The Rated-R Superstar didn’t quit.
Edge uttered the words “I quit” to end the match, but Ripley opted to hit Beth with the con-chair-to anyway. Ripley recently took to Twitter and claimed that she’s the person that Edge wanted her to be.
Adam Copeland Cast In “Percy Jackson and the Olympians“
It was reported today by Variety that Adam Copeland (Edge), alongside Suzanne Cryer and Jessica Parker Kennedy, has been cast in the upcoming series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” for Disney +.
Edge will appear in the series as a recurring guest star. The 48-year-old will play “Ares” in the series, a character described to Variety as “handsome in a wicked way and arrogant, despite not being the sharpest tool in the shed. He loves conflict and acts as an agent of chaos wherever he goes.” The series is not scheduled to be released until early 2024.
Edge Set To Retire In Toronto Next Year
The Ultimate Opportunist defeated The Judgment Day’s Damian Priest in the main event of RAW in Toronto on August 22nd. After the match, Edge grabbed a microphone and revealed to the crowd that he plans on retiring when WWE returns to Toronto in 2023.
I can’t wait to hopefully come back one last time here in Toronto. I’m looking at the calendar, we usually come here in August. So next August, I plan on seeing each and every one of you. And in a perfect world, we all say goodbye to each other on that night.
Hey but that is okay man. This is the place we need to do it, okay? I mean this when I say it, I love all of you. And in case you missed it, I love being Canadian!
Posted October 13th, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: Edge.
WWE Hall of Famer Edge could be back on TV sooner than fans had first expected if a popular theory about the Rated-R Superstar is to be believed.
Edge hasn’t appeared since the September 12, Monday Night Raw, where he faced Dominik Mysterio.
During the match, all four members of the Judgment Day attacked Edge, taking him out of action.
The Injury
After the attack on Edge, it was reported on WWE’s The Bump that he had suffered a Grade-2 MCL sprain, though it is believed this is a kayfabe injury.
If it is legitimate, then Edge would not be expected to miss much in-ring time, as a Grade-2 MCL sprain typically takes two to four weeks to fully heal.
The Return
According to a popular theory, Edge’s return may come in time for WWE’s next Premium Live Event: Extreme Rules
Many fans have pointed out that on the poster for the event, Edge is featured, alongside other Superstars including Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins.
Typically, WWE avoids using any Superstars on a poster if they are not scheduled to appear, to avoid allegations of false advertising.
Edge is also the only Superstar on the poster without a match confirmed or expected for Extreme Rules at this time.
Extreme Rules 2022 will take place on October 8, at the Wells Fargo Center, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Another Return?
Edge may be back on WWE TV in time for Extreme Rules 2022, but he’s not the only possible return.
In an image promoting Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins’ Fight Pit, a lantern and fireflies can be seen, both synonymous with Bray Wyatt.
Seth Rollins vs Riddle Extreme Rules graphic contains hidden fireflies and lanterns ? pic.twitter.com/aziaYMFBwU
At WWE Clash at the Castle, Dominik Mysterio turned heel on his father Rey and Edge, who had won their match with The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and Damian Priest.
For many, Dominik’s heel turn had been a long-time coming, having been teased all the way back in 2020 during Rey’s feud with Seth Rollins.
On last week’s Raw Dominik was welcomed as an official member of The Judgment Day.
Monday Night Raw
Tonight, Dominik will have his first official match since turning heel, when he faces Edge on Monday Night Raw.
According to a report from PW Insider, a match may not be all from Dominik, as an angle could be shown from Edge’s home (via Cageside Seats.)
“PW Insider notes Rey & Dominik Mysterio were both in Asheville, North Carolina this past weekend, leading to speculation they may have shot an angle, or filmed something, at Edge’s house because that’s where he lives.”
The Rated-R Home
Edge, who ironically invaded John Cena’s home in 2006, is having to get used to uninvited guests in his domain.
Last October, Seth Rollins invaded Edge’s home during their feud, with the Rated-R Superstar rushing from SmackDown.
Edge even referenced AEW tag-team FTR, using the real names of Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood on a phone call to his wife Beth Phoenix.
In a recent interview, Rollins said that the idea for the home invasion came from Edge, and that this too was filmed in Asheville, North Carolina.
Finn Balor has offered up his thoughts on Edge departing The Judgement Day.
Balor was recently interviewed by BT Sport’s Ariel Helwani, ahead of Clash At The Castle this past weekend.
During the interview, Balor was asked for his thoughts on WWE Hall Of Famer Edge being removed from the Judgement Day faction so quickly.
Several weeks ago, upon Balor being introduced to the group, Balor, Damian Priest, and Rhea Ripley attacked Edge, seemingly kicking him out of the group. The creative decision was one that confused fans greatly at the time, seeing as it had only started a few weeks ago.
(via WWE)
As for Balor, he thinks the idea worked out in the long run, allowing the group to make it their own rather than playing “sidekick” to Edge.
“Things could always be different, and we can pick apart things that happen on a TV show weekly. But we have to adapt on the fly, unlike television. It is what it is. It wasn’t how I imagined it to be, but it’s a little cooler this way.
“For me personally, if Edge had been in the group, the reactions we would get – maybe myself, Rhea, and Damian – we would say ‘that’s because of Edge.’ But now the reactions we get, that’s because of us.
“We’re not leaning on Edge in any way, so it gives me more responsibility, Damian more responsibility, and Rhea the same. We can dive into this as ourselves as not as a sidekick to Edge. We’re excited with how it’s going.”
Currently, Edge is still feuding with The Judgement Day; which now consists of Balor, Priest, Ripley, and now Dominik Mysterio. The young Mysterio joined The Judgement Day on RAW this week after he turned on Edge and his father, Rey Mysterio, at Clash At The Castle.
Edge teamed up with Rey Mysterio to battle The Judgment Day tonight at Clash at the Castle.
On this past Monday’s edition of WWE RAW, Rey explained to Dominik that he wanted to partner with Edge at the premium live event because of his experience. Dominik told his father that he understood but clearly, that was a lie.
Rhea Ripley attacked Dominik ringside during the match but Rey broke it up with a Crossbody. Dominik then helped his father by tripping up The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor. Rey hit the 619 and Edge followed it up with a Spear for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Rey’s celebration with the Rated-R Superstar would be short-lived. Dominik hit Edge with a low blow and then leveled his father with a Clothesline. The Judgment Day cackled outside the ring as Dominik left his father laying in the ring.
The 48-year-old took to Twitter following Clash at the Castle and sent out a warning to Dominik. He also thanked the fans in the UK and Rey Mysterio for allowing him to be a luchador for a minute. Edge was sporting a luchador’s mask during his entrance tonight.
Cardiff. The UK. Thank you. Tonight you gave me something that will live in my heart forever. I think you can see what it means to me. We’re in it together. And I got to pay respect to Rey and be a luchador for a minute. Ok, now that I got that off my chest. See ya Monday Dom.
– Edge
Cardiff. The UK. Thank you. Tonight you gave me something that will live in my heart forever. I think you can see what it means to me. We’re in it together. And I got to pay respect to Rey and be a luchador for a minute. Ok, now that I got that off my chest. See ya Monday Dom. pic.twitter.com/3MMkG2tQKe
In 2005, WWE embarked on one of their most real feuds ever, pitting Matt Hardy against Edge.
While Hardy was out with an injury, Matt’s real-life girlfriend Lita had started a relationship with Edge, a real-life good friend of Hardy.
When Hardy made the affair public, WWE subsequently fired him, citing ‘unprofessional behavior’ on his behalf.
Summerslam
Weeks later, and after over 15,000 signatures on a petition, WWE rehired Hardy, and made his real-life issues with Edge and Lita into a feud.
At Summerslam 2005, the pair were scheduled to face off, with some unique advice from Vince McMahon.
On the latest episode of his ‘Extreme Life’ podcast, Matt recalled the unique way the then-WWE Chairman tried to motivate him (via Fightful.)
“This might sound crazy, but when two animals — the primal instincts kick in and survival kicks in, and it’s their basic primal instincts, and we all have them, even as human beings,” McMahon said, according to Hardy.
“If you see someone weaker than you, you see someone that’s crippled or in a wheelchair, deep down your primal instinct, you want to destroy them, you want to eat them, you want to eat them alive! […] You want to take the person who’s weaker than you, that is below you in the food chain, and you want to f***ing EAT THEM! Do you understand?! That’s what I want to see out of this match.”
“You see someone that’s crippled or in a wheelchair, deep down your primal instinct, you want to destroy them.”
Vince McMahon motivating Matt Hardy before Summerslam 2005.
Rather than the scrappy brawl McMahon was hoping for, the match went under five minutes long and ended via referee stoppage.
When Hardy was busted open on the ring post, he was unable to defend himself and the referee called for the bell, giving Edge the win.
After Summerslam
Despite the underwhelming Summerslam bout, Matt and Edge would continue feuding, with Hardy getting his win back in a Steel Cage match at Unforgiven.
At WWE Homecoming in October, marking Raw’s return to the USA Network, Edge defeated Matt in a Loser Leaves Town Ladder match for Edge’s Money in the Bank contract, and Hardy was moved to SmackDown.
Beth Phoenix was in the front row this past Monday to watch her husband, Edge, battle Damian Priest in the main event of RAW.
The match took place in Edge’s hometown of Toronto, Canada. Edge defeated The Judgment Day’s Damian Priest in the first step in destroying the group that betrayed him a couple of months ago.
After the match, Rhea Ripley hit the 48-year-old with a low blow and Finn Balor brought a chair into the ring. Beth hopped over the barricade and entered the ring with a chair of her own. The Judgment Day retreated as Beth stood tall with her husband as the show went off the air.
After the show went off the air, The Ultimate Opportunist revealed that he plans on retiring when WWE returns to Toronto. You can check out his full comments here.
Beth Phoenix warns Rhea Ripley
The Glamazon joined Busted Open Radio today with Dave LaGreca and Tommy Dreamer. During the discussion, Tommy asked if a potential match with Rhea is a possibility. Beth didn’t answer the question directly but hinted that it could happen.
“We’ll have to see. I don’t know. With wrestling, it’s like, I take it one day at a time. Everything changes, anything can happen,” said Pheonix. “I feel that is a young lady that I have loved watching grow, flourish and thrive, and Adam’s promo was a shoot. The intention in having Rhea, Damian Priest, and Finn Balor from the start was to give three talents that deserve to be at the top of the heap that platform.” [00:09-00:40]
She then discussed Rhea hitting Edge with a low blow and admitted that it really pissed her off.
“But they also have to shine on that platform. You saw Damian Priest kick ass on Monday. We saw Rhea Ripley, she’s standing out, and stepping up like she deserves. But I’m not really happy about the ball shot, but that really pissed me off. So, I hold a grudge really deep in my heart, and whether or not I get to exact some revenge remains to be seen, but I’d love to see that happen.” [00:41-01:05]
