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Adam “Edge” Copeland was in the WWE for nearly two decades and became one of the most decorated Champions in pro-wrestling history. During his time in the WWE he won 31 Championships, including 11 World Title reigns. However in April, a career-ending injury forced Edge to retire from the ring. But life outside the ring has brought new opportunities. Edge is currently in the midst of a 4-episode guest-spot on the Syfy series Haven. He recently took time off his schedule to talk to us about his retirement from the WWE, his role on Haven, and life after the WWE. He also answers if he’ll ever return. *** Adam: It’s been a few months since you announced your retirement from the WWE due to injury. Since then, how have you been feeling physically and mentally with some time off the road? Edge: Physically far better now that I’m away from the physical punishment and travel of the WWE schedule. Mentally Haven has really helped with the retirement process. It’s helped me ease into retirement from wrestling and keep me creatively stimulated. *** Adam: Your last match was at Wrestlemania 27 when you successfully defended the World Heavyweight Title against Alberto Del Rio. At the time you didn’t know that was going to be your last match. But looking back now, how does it feel to end your career on a high note as The Heavyweight Champion at the biggest event of the year? Edge: Looking back now I’d have to say it would be tough to top it as a retirement. And it made it less emotional since I didn’t know it would be my last match. In a perfect world wrestling Christian at a Wrestlemania in Canada would be the ideal retirement, but the one I had is nothing to sneeze at. *** Adam: The last time we saw you in the WWE was in May when Christian won the World Heavyweight Title. Now Christian has been your best-friend throughout these years, tell me about being there as he won his first World Title. And what was the first thing you told him in the ring? Edge: My retirement didn’t feel bittersweet because I got to watch him finally realize his dream and take the opportunity my retirement presented. I’ll keep what I told him for my next book. *** Adam: Now that you’re out of the WWE, you landed a gig on the Syfy series Haven. What can you tell me about your character Dwight Hendrickson? Edge: Dwight is the guy who comes and sweeps things under the carpet. Like Mr.Wolfe in Reservoir Dogs. He takes care of the messy situations before prying eyes can see. *** Adam: You’ll be appearing in four episodes this season. Tell me about your experience shooting Haven. The best parts and the biggest challenges. Edge: t was a fun experience. It was great to spend most of the summer in Nova Scotia besides being away from my dogs. The cast was great, the crew was great, and everyone really took me in and made me feel welcome. The biggest challenge was pulling back my mannerisms from over the top WWE, to a camera that is so close up it picks up every little eye bulge or eyebrow raise. *** Adam: Haven is shot in Nova Scotia, so it must have been nice to shoot in Canada, the homeland? (laughs) Edge: I guess I already answered it but it was great to get back to the east coast since the last time I lived out there was 95. This time I had weekends off to be able to actually soak in the culture and a little older and wiser to be able to appreciate it. *** Adam: After your time on Haven, do you have other acting gigs lined-up? Edge: As of right now I have nothing acting wise lined up. It looks like Dwight will show up again, so that’s something to look forward to. The movie I shot for WWE Films last year is due out in January. I also have some WWE appearances in Paris but beyond that I think it’s time to find out what retirement is really like and catch the Foo Fighters and Pearl Jam on their current tours. *** Adam: When you’re not shooting TV shows, what have you been up to since being away from the WWE? Edge: I basically started shooting Haven directly from Extreme Rules when Christian won the title. So it basically took up the entire summer. I have an appearance at Summerslam and after that it’s some serious outdoor time. Kayaking, mountain biking, stand up paddle boarding, dog hiking, and whatever else I can find before winter hits. By then maybe it will be time to look for another acting gig (laughs) **** Adam: Since your time out of the ring, have you been paying attention what’s been going on in the WWE? If so, tell me what you think of what’s been going on (CM Punk, Christian’s 2nd Title Reign, etc.). Edge: I haven’t watched anything besides Christian’s stuff. *** Adam: Wrestlers always use the line “never say never”, so I’m going to ask this a different way to try to get a different answer. (laughs). Do you have any intentions of returning to the WWE, even in a non-wrestling Capacity? Edge: I’m sure I’ll make appearances from time to time like Shawn does. I’m not interested in commentating, but maybe at some point something behind the scenes if it didn’t involve the crazy travel. My days of over 200 days a year on the road are over. *** Adam: Finally, I ask this to all my interviewees. What have you been watching on TV lately? Edge: Game of Thrones, and Curb Your Enthusiasm on HBO. Modern Family. How I Met Your Mother, where Barney totally stole the use of awesomeness from Christian and I . (laughs) *** Special thanks to Edge for having a chat with me. You can see him on Haven on Friday nights, right after WWE Friday Night Smackdown on Syfy. credit: tvdonewright.com |