This little section of the site will be dedicated to all of the tweets, messages, blogs, and videos that was made about Edge once he announced his sudden retirement from WWE due to spinal stenosis. Much thanks goes out to Laura of Paul-Lloydjr.com for making the header for the site and to Steven of J-Cena.com for coding and setting up this whole thing!

More is going to be added to this section in the coming days, so keep checking back!!!

Edge’s retirement this past Monday on Raw was a shocking surprise. I had no idea that it was going to happen even up until the time Edge came to the ring and gave us the emotional news. There are no wrestlers in the business that I respect more as a performer and a man than I do Adam Copeland aka Edge. When I signed him in the 90′s, he was a lanky, over achieving kid who simply wanted to live his dream of making it onto the WWE Roster. He and Christian were like brothers and both fed off the other in the ring as they each worked diligently every day to improve their game. I honestly can’t remember a single day when Adam Copeland ever did anything to disappoint me or cause our department or company any problems.

Edge has a brilliant mind, a kind soul, patience, and would be a great teacher, producer, broadcaster, scout, or whatever task he may want to undertake in WWE. I look for Edge to take some much needed time away from the business and enjoy the North Carolina mountains and his dogs that he loves so much. He deserves no less than to return to WWE in whatever role that creates a win/win for Edge and the company but only whenever Edge is ready to re-engage.

In my role as the head of WWE Talent, I signed many athletes/performers who ended up excelling in WWE but none, and I mean no one, was more of a pure joy to work with and to watch grow from a mid card, tag team wrestler into one of WWE’s most prominent and enduring superstars who will no doubt be inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame some day.

I shutter to think what would have happened to Edge in another generation of the biz as it relates to accurately diagnosing his injury. Most old timers would have ‘worked through it,’ or attempted to do so, until their body completely shut down. That’s sad and unnecessary. Modern medicine and the WWE attention to such matters regarding their talent’s health were a blessing for Edge who will now be able to lead a somewhat normal life. I am especially pleased that one of my guys has attained financial independence and that he was able to live his boyhood dream.

Notwithstanding the touching farewell address by the popular native of Ontario, no one can debate that this story did not have a happy ending. Good things more often than not happen to good people and Adam Copeland aka Edge was one of the truly ‘good guys’ I ever had the privilege of knowing in the business. Now, Adam, if he so chooses, can start phase two of his WWE life and potentially gift the younger talents with his wonderful knowledge and passion for the genre.

Do it on your schedule Adam. Enjoy those North Carolina mountains and reflect upon a job well done. It’s people like you that make me extremely proud to be in the business.

Boomer Sooner!

J.R.

By Josh Brewer (Featured Columnist) on April 12, 2011

In what is becoming a yearly post-WrestleMania tradition, another one of the most recognizable names in WWE walked away from the ring last night.

This time, it was the Rated-R Superstar, Edge. And his circumstances were just a bit different than those surrounding Shawn Michaels and Ric Flair.

Edge was essentially forced to walk away from the ring due to injury, an injury very similar to the one that ended the career of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.

Adam Copeland’s place in WWE history has been a hot topic over the last 18 hours. The most popular question seems to be: Is Edge a Hall of Famer?

The answer is a no-brainer. The only question that should be asked is: How quickly will he be inducted?

Since his WWE debut in June 1998, Edge has been one of the most revolutionary professional wrestlers to compete in any promotion. It is safe to say WWE would not be where it is today if it weren’t for Edge.

His resume is as stacked as any you might find. Edge is an 11-time world champion, a 14-time tag team champion, a five-time Intercontinental Champion, the 2001 King of the Ring, the winner of the 2010 Royal Rumble, and the first-ever Money in the Bank winner.

He is one of only two men (the other being Kurt Angle) to hold every active championship he is eligible to compete for in WWE. He holds the record for most World Heavyweight Championship reigns (seven) and most World Tag Team Championships (12) held in a career.

His biggest contribution to professional wrestling may be taking the ladder match to new heights, along with his storyline brother and real-life close friend, Christian.

Shawn Michaels is largely credited for popularizing the ladder match, and for good reason. He did. But Edge took the ladder match and helped make it the spectacle it became. He and Christian helped make tag-team wrestling cool during the Attitude Era.

The type of professional Edge was is echoed by the outpouring of kind words for the Rated-R Superstar. Wrestlers from promotions big and small are praising the work he did both in and out of the ring. Legends such as Bret Hart and Kurt Angle, as well as a litany of others, have wished the best to one of the most important wrestlers of this generation.

And Edge is just that: One of the most important wrestlers of this generation. He is as accomplished as just about anyone. He’s been through a serious injury and come out improved. He has been involved in some of the most memorable feuds of the last 15 years, with the likes of Matt Hardy, John Cena, and the three-way feud between he and Christian, The Hardys, and the Dudleys, which spawned the Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match.

It is always sad to see a wrestler (or any athlete, for that matter) forced to retire instead of going out on their own terms. Such was the case for 37-year-old Adam Copeland, better known as Edge. With the likes of Triple H, Undertaker, Sting, and Kurt Angle competing into their 40′s and beyond, it is safe to surmise that Edge’s career still had something left. Unfortunately, an injury changed the career of one of the greatest overall competitors of the last 25 years.

MVP: You know Edge the performer. I know Edge the person. 1 of the best in ring performers EVER. His mind for our craft is AMAZING! HOF’er!

Melina: everyone was sad. I know I’m being selfish for Wanting my Fav wrestlers to stay but I’m happy for them 4 leaving on their terms. Leaving such a great mark that we were able to witness. It is an honor to know him. He has done so much. He has been there for many young talent. I wish him great happiness and well being. But I will keep hoping he’ll be back. Smiley He will be missed & it’s difficult to see him retire. But I rather see him be safe. All I want is for him to be in good health, be happy and live life to the fullest. It brings things into perspective what can happen when you are a part of such physical professions. We shouldn’t take these people for granted. They give so much just to make us smile. Edge has given us so much. A great inspiration and a true talent. Like I said before, he may have retired but I hope to see him comeback to visit.

Randy Orton: Will miss Edge not only in ring, but in the lockeroom even more. He was one of the few who I could call a friend. I learned alot from him.

Alter Bridge: Our friend Adam Copeland (Edge) has retired from the WWE. We wish Adam all the best as he turns the page on this chapter in his life!

On Monday Night, almost out of nowhere, Edge (Adam Copeland) announced his retirement from pro wrestling. The first instinct of everyone was to think it was a not real. WWE, in the past two years, has done seemingly twenty five firings and fake retirements; only Shawn Michaels being real. What transpired on Monday Night Raw was as real a moment could be.

From my very first day (Feb 2002) in WWE in Milwaukee, Wi to the last day I worked with him (Jan 2008) when he came to do a guest shot on ECW to work with CM Punk, Edge was a nice, warm and passionate guy. He is a fan of wrestling, it’s all he ever wanted to do and you always saw that passion. He’s the kind of talent you dream to work with, create with and be a fan of. His speech tonight affirmed all of the reason I was a fan of the wrestler Edge and the person Adam.

The injury that sidelined Edge in 2003 is the same one now ending his career in 2011. Edge’s last show in 2003 was also my first show of taking over Smackdown as lead writer. Edge had really come into his own in 2002 as one of the “Smackdown 6″ as booked by Paul Heyman. He was having great single matches with Jericho, Angle, Benoit, Guerrero and teaming with Rey Mysterio. The injury stopped that momentum but didn’t stop his hunger.

Not many people know that Edge went to the boss and asked “what he could do” in the time off. And for a short period, Edge was part of the WWE creative process. I remember the first time I sent him the script he called me and asked, “Okay, now what do we do.” Edge would offer input, give ideas and really wanted to keep himself fresh. But his passion was focused on returning to the ring. As he got closer, we’d talk from time to time and he was chomping at the bit. He knew that when he came back, he would make it his time.

Edge returned and was moved to Raw. It was the right move for him and he had this new passion in his eyes. Nobody was going to deny him and nobody knew how big he was going to get. It was a night in his home town of Toronto where the crowd turned on him that started him on the road to being the “bad guy”. An off screen love triangle launched him into the hottest storyline of 2005 with Lita and Matt Hardy. While Matt Hardy was the hot story at first, it was Edge’s eye catching promo ability that showed he was really ready to break through to that main event level. And then he cashed in the Money in the Bank briefcase.

And in one night, Edge became the biggest thing in WWE. He cashed in the briefcase, beat John Cena and was “the Rated R Superstar”. This was before Twitter and things trending. This shocked EVERYONE. Ratings shot up immediately with WWE crossing over that 4.0 level. For the next few weeks, he was the star of Monday Night Raw and the numbers proved it. His TLC match with Ric Flair became an instant classic and cemented that he could really hang as not only a main event talent but draw ratings. But the plan was always for Edge to drop the title back to Cena a few weeks later. I remember the disappointment that Edge felt; feeling he had genuine momentum. He had shocked the world and his segments were now fueling the brand. But he didn’t give up.

He worked Wrestlemania with Mick Foley and proved he deserved to be at that level. He might not have had the title but he was right back in the mix after that. And like the nickname he adopted of the “Ultimate Opportunist”, he was always ready to step in and show he was the guy for the company. When WWE needed to get the title off RVD in the summer of 2006, Edge was the guy. Edge was the perfect antagonist for John Cena. Most of Cena’s opponents would bring in the cheers. Edge was smart enough to turn the crowd against him.

When Mr. Kennedy was hurt in the early summer of 2007, Edge took the opportunity and became the top guy on Smackdown defeating the Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Title. The kid who watched Hulk Hogan main event Wrestlemania 6 got to live out his dream at Wrestlemania 24. Edge wrestled in THE main event against The Undertaker to close the show. Edge was the reason to tune into Smackdown most weeks. His chemistry with Vickie Guerrero proved how versatile a performer he was and signaled a possible future in acting.

I saw Edge again for the first time since my departure from WWE as he was finishing up a few scenes for a WWE movie in Los Angeles. He had unknowingly booked himself in the same hotel as the WrestleReunion convention. He didn’t hide, he interacted with fans and came to watch our ROH show that night featuring Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin vs. Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli. Edge, along with Sinn Bohdi, started watched the match from behind the curtain. I remember telling Edge there was a better spot to watch from but he was so concerned from taking away from the match. We found him a spot he felt comfortable and he watched the match intently. He still was that same little kid, he was still a fan.

Edge’s future in the ring seems to be over but I don’t think his contributing is. I can see him being an agent/producer, an on air talent, or maybe he takes the dive full time into acting. The outpouring of emotion on Monday shows that no matter what Edge does, the fans will be with him.

Chris Jericho: “Edge is a great performer and 1 of my favorite opponents. He’s also got an incredible MIND for the business. Congrats on an amazing career”

Matt Hardy: “Heard Adam is retiring because of physical issues that won’t allow him to safely continue wrestling. He’ll be missed, we’ve certainly had our fair share of issues.. Both good and bad. But I tip my hat to Edge who is one of the greatest I’ve ever been in the ring with. Adam resides in NC now-sure I’ll run into him down the road. Glad that him & I are in a good place. We came in as friends, & went out that way.”

Kevin Nash: “the loss of Edge is a sad day 4 the WWE great in ring,but such a special guy out,he still has years left to give.”

Taz: “Edge, 1 of the GREAT guys in the biz. Awesone talent & awesome guy! I live the numbness in arms due to neck issues also, scary.Be well bro.”

Eric Bischoff: “Best of luck to Edge. Class guy and a great talent. He will find success in anything he pursues.”

Wade Barrett: “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Edge. A great career and a great human being.”

Christian: “I’ve shed my tears..And from here on out I choose 2celebrate 1 of the greatest careers in WWE history..Cant wait2 induct u in the HOF #Edge.”

Jim Ross: “Edge will always be one of my favorites. I’m so grateful I was in a role to help him launch his wwe dream. Dreams do come true. Edge=HOF!”

Kelly Kelly: “Thank you Adam for everything.. you’ve been such a great friend your an amazing person, n inspiration and I had the honor of working with u!”

Joey Styles: “In wrestling you make many acquaintances and few friends. Edge is a friend. My friend, seeing you was always a pleasure and never a chore.”

Gail Kim: “Thank u Edge for everything u have given to the business and ur friendship. We r sad 2 c u go but grateful 4 ur health.also can’t wait 2 c christian induct u to the HOF”

Howard Finkel: “Thank you Edge for everything that you gave and meant to this industry, and personally speaking, thank you for your friendship!”

Yoshi Tatsu: “I can’t believe it. I’m very sad. But thank you very much Edge.”

Eve Torres: “An emotional night for sure. #ThankYouEdge. One of the most creative, hard working, passionate, & helpful men in the WWE. We’ll miss you!”

Vickie Guerrero: “I’m so sad to see Edge leave…I’m honored I got to learn so much from him. He will be missed.”

Natalya Neidhart: “My thoughts are with Edge, and thank you so much for the wonderful memories. You’re a real, true friend and ill never forget it.”

Michelle McCool: “Didn’t catch raw but heard about most important part. I love you Edger! Thank you all you’ve given to a biz I have always loved! Mad respect. Goes out to all you’ve done not only for your fans, but for us as well. I am so blessed to call u a friend! Thx for always helping me!”

Bret Hart: “I remember training w/both Edge & Christian in a ring @ my house back in ’97 & he’ll always be one of my guys. Such an abrupt end to a great career saddens the entire wrestling world. Cheers to the rated-R Superstar.”

Shawn Michaels: “Have had contact w/Edge & he is looking 4ward 2what the future holds. It will b great, good things happen 2 good people & he is just that.”

Percy Pringle: “Wishing Edge the very best. What a outstanding gentleman and friend, notwithstanding a fine athlete and performer.”

Samoa Joe: “A Little late but I just heard about Edge’s Retirement. Good People, GREAT wrestler, and will sorely be missed in the ring.”

Jim Ross: “Gonna miss Edge. Have 2 think WWE will utilize Edge’s mind & teaching abilities. Great integrity.”

Tommy Dreamer: “My motto has always been I wrestle every single match like it is my last, cause 1 day I know it will b. Thanks Edge 4 everything u hav done”

Kurt Angle: “It’s sad to see my friend Edge Retire from WWE. Edge was one of the Best. Your Fans will miss You dearly. I know I will. Luv u Edge!!!!”

Charlie Haas: “EDGE will be missed. It was an honor to share the ring with him, and compete against him. Truly one of the best. Stay in touch Edger”

Maryse: “Thank you Edge…”

Zack Ryder: “Thank you Edge. You will be missed. Without you, there would be no Zack Ryder. I’ll always be an Edgehead. Love you man.”

Christopher Daniels: “Congratulations to Edge on a spectacular career! You deserved every bit of your success, and I hope you enjoy the fruits of your labors!”

Shawn Spears: “On this Day. I see clearly…” All the best to a fantastic champion, a future Hall of Famer and all around great guy…Edge.”

Carlito: “Heard it from the man himself, edge is done! Salud to edge…one of the nicest and most talented dudes in the biz! He will be missed.”

Shannon Moore: “Yeah my wife told me about Edge turning in his boots last night. I’m Happy that he knows when the ring is a danger. You guys remember that Wrestling is a Biz to us and luxury to you. Edge will do great in his next steps of Life. Thank you Edge for all the bumps and bruises that you put your body through. You where one of the best in the ring. Who knows he might get better and make a big return. You never know!!!!!”

Tommy Dreamer: “A toast to an amazing career & realizing a boyhood dream come true. Kudos my friend Edge http://plixi.com/p/91815564″

Beth Phoenix: “Seeing edge say goodbye was surreal. He is irreplaceable.”

Gangrel: “There would be no brood without @christian4peeps and edge was very sad to hear the news but happy to see him start a new life!”

Mick Foley: “A sad day for wrestling, but what an amazing career for Edge. I was so fortunate to have been his opponent, his partner, his friend.”

Scott Armstrong: “Edge u will b missed! Nature of the Beast!!!!”

Johnny Curtis: “Thank you Edge!”

Frankie Kazarian: “True class act. A boy with a dream is now a man who has left behind an incredible legacy. Thank you for all you have given Edge”

Kizarny: “Yes it’s real about Adam… No comment… Except, love you Fatty!”

By Chinmay (Featured Columnist) on April 12, 2011

WWE Raw dropped a bomb last night. Reigning world heavyweight champion Edge has announced his retirement due to injuries.

Edge’s retirement is a huge blow to the WWE. He was one of the most bankable performers and draws.

The way it came out of the blue, it has left all the fans searching for a reaction. There is still a lingering skepticism regarding his announcement, but every passing moment has certified its legitimacy.

Therefore it is a moment to pay homage to a star who gave us so many memories and entertained us for more than a decade.

If at all, the announcement turns out to be a work, then I will fall on my face for writing this tribute so hastily, but for once, I would rejoice in the fall.

The immortal phrase “the boyhood dream has come true” has always been used for HBK Shawn Michaels. If ever there has been another person who has lived this line, then it is Edge.

It is a well-known fact that Edge attended WrestleMania VI. It was the moment when he decided instantaneously that he would become a pro wrestler just like his hero, Hulk Hogan. Today, we all know that he did not just dream—he actually lived the dream.

It was a dream that put his body on the line. It was a dream that tested his mind and resilience every single night. But he rose above all the hurdles, he worked hard and accomplished more than probably every other star of his generation.

His career is no less than a storybook journey. It is a journey that has every ingredient of a god-written script. It has highs and it has its lows. It has a lot of controversies. It has some obscurity and above all, it has fitting glory.

Edge started his career as a gloomy psycho who would roam around on streets and attack strangers. Then he became a vampire. He teamed up with his longtime best friend Christian, which would be one of the best tag teams of all time—E&C Connection.

In the coming decade he did everything that is possible and achieved almost everything that is there. From winning Royal Rumble and King of the Ring to winning dozens of championships, he won it all. From capturing Money in the Bank to headlining WrestleMania with the Undertaker, he did it all. He engaged in amazing rivalries with the likes of Batista and the Undertaker.

But the special mention goes to his rivalry with John Cena. Both would have been incomplete without each other. Perhaps he was the quintessential Lex Luthor for Superman John Cena.

Amongst other things, he was part of a controversial rivalry along with Matt Hardy. He performed a live sex celebration on national television with ex-flame Lita. He also became the first on-screen boyfriend of Vicki Guerrero and made her a big heel in the process.

If he missed out on anything, it was that he never won a world/WWE championship at WrestleMania as a challenger, and he never won ECW championship. He would definitely miss the former feat and is unlikely to regret the latter.

On such a backdrop, it is strange that for all his incredible achievements, Edge did not exactly have the recognition he deserved. Probably it was because of some meaningless championship reigns. But it never really justified the case.

Edge never made the headlines like Triple H or John Cena. He never had the adulation that HBK and Taker have. His technical acumen was never revered as much as Chris Jericho or Kurt Angle. His mic work was never regarded in the same leagues as those of the greats of that art.

Hence, people often wondered about the list of his tremendous accomplishments. To just put it in a perspective, he has more accolades than the HBK and the Undertaker. What was the factor that made it possible?

Answers are several here. He was always there in the top 10 of every single category mentioned above. He was perhaps one of the most all-around performers of his generation. He had an element of every single such factor in him.

Secondly, he was extremely loyal. It is something that Vince admires more than anything else. He never left WWE except for injuries. His success would not have come without his loyalty.

He also had an “it” factor. That “it” included the flare of a dream. “It” included an attitude that takes you high, and “it” included undying passion that keeps you on top. Without his drive and passion, Edge would have never been where he is.

Above all, he had tremendous gratitude for the fans and for the business that gave him an “edge” over others. It never mattered if he was injured or tired; when you had Edge in the ring, it was certain that you will get a good match or a segment.

He himself summed it up beautifully on Raw when he said that in spite of the steel plate in his neck, in spite of rods in his teeth, he came out there every time and gave his all to entertain us—the fans.

Losing such a performer is a great loss for WWE. Edge personified new WWE as much as John Cena has done, but probably in a different way. He was an outstanding entertainer with great wrestling skills. He was one of the most important parts of the puzzle called WWE’s policy in the last decade.

He fit well in Attitude Era, he was excellent during Ruthless Aggression and without him PG era would have been poorer. It is not something many WWE stars can boast of.

However, it is a greater loss for fans, especially for older fans. Fans always have a better connection with performers they have followed from childhood.

These superstars are bridges between the two generations of fans and performers. These superstars hold our hand and take us through the journey of our fandom. Edge was one such superstar. He was one of the last great stars from the days of Attitude Era. He gave us the same comfort that HBK, Taker and Triple H did.

With time, we have lost many bridges to our better days and fond memories. We could relieve some dear moments, when these stars were there. We are losing this luxury faster than ever and the departure of Edge has expedited the process.

With Edge gone, we are now left with sparse appearances of the Undertaker and Triple H. These guys were part of our life for the better part of our lives. Losing them is quite akin to losing a part of ourselves and our joy. The void and the emptiness we feel is beyond words. It is something we dreaded the most and it is something that is upon us.

One thing, however, is certain: Edge’s story will remain an inspiration for all. A boy from Canada without any background in the business chased his dream like a stallion. He did not take the shortcuts. It was his passion and devotion that took him where he truly belongs. When opportunities came along, he turned them into the milestones.

This story is a story of a true superstar, of an ultimate opportunist.

We thank you, Edge, for all the memories and those wonderful 14 years.

“Here I am, on the road again

There I am, up on the stage

Here I go, playin’ star again

There I go, turn the page”

- Bob Seger

I feel that the aforementioned words that begin my blog fit like a glove on the hand of Adam Copeland, better known to the masses as Edge. And last night, he was up on that stage, the stage that for fourteen years took him on an amazing journey of him living the dream that he so enjoyed.

But last night, he did not play a star; no, he stunned everyone in the WWE Universe by effectively announcing his retirement from an industry that he so truly loved.

His decision was not one that he chose mentally; it was decided for him physically. Days upon days, months upon months, and years upon years of constant pain punishment, and wear and tear while doing what he loved finally turned Edge’s human body of a traffic light from green to red. Oh there were flecks of amber as well.

A surgery here, a surgery there; serious in nature, yet nothing more than a labor of love and determination for Edge to continue on, regardless of being (as he said) on borrowed time. And last night in Bridgeport, Connecticut, there was no more time to borrow; it had run out.

I met Adam for the first time in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on May 10, 1996. He appeared on a live event at the Copps Coliseum, wrestling under the name of Sexton Hardcastle. And after his match against Bob Holly, there was just something about this young man that made you feel that there was something there, something that was worth more than just another one and done situation.

He was eventually signed, came here to Stamford to take part in a training camp, and then on June 22, 1998 made his first appearance on Raw. Who knew then that “you think you know me” would become one of the most recognizable catch phrases ever uttered in WWE!

Through my years of ring announcing, I’ve had any number of special moments to announce. One of them was on July 24, 1999, when Edge won his first major title, the Intercontinental Championship. The prodigal son had returned. He came, he saw, he conquered!

And how fitting that it was in the SkyDome in Toronto, the place where after watching WrestleMania VI that he decided that he was going to do the same thing as what he witnessed on that event.

There are so, so many more accolades too numerous to mention for this most personable individual. To encapsulate everything, one can say that every measure of success that Edge attained through his WWE career was through hard work, dedication, and perseverance; it was well deserved!

Edge’s retirement is one which arguably will be a tough pill to swallow for those who started following WWE during the “Attitude Era”. He entered the battleground as baby during that period of time. He was one of that era’s “own”, and grew up to become one of the most revered superstars ever to lace up a pair of boots in our industry. And to retire as World Heavyweight Champion? Well it doesn’t get any better than that, going out on top!!

Today is a new day for Edge. He has turned the page, and the next chapter of his life has begun. He can go devour that big bowl or two of ice cream. Or as a devout fan of the Foo Fighters, he can put on the headphones and listen to their new release “Wasting Light” for hours on end.

“To the Mighty Fink…”
You know, here in my office at wwe.com I have an action figure of Edge that he signed with the following inscription: “To the Mighty Fink… Truly one of a kind!”

Might I return the favor in kind at this time and say: To my friend Adam Copeland…Truly one of a kind!!!