It’s the rumor mill that’s got the WWE Universe on the edge of their seats – quite literally.
Hall of Famer Edge has recently indicated that he’s wrestling the last matches of his WWE contract. But is he really going to call it quits, or is something else afoot? Former WWE referee Nick Patrick certainly doesn’t think so, and he had quite a bit to say about the situation on his “Monday Mailbag” podcast.
Edge, whose real name is Adam Copeland, has had a phenomenal career in the WWE. He was forced into retirement due to a neck injury in 2011, but made a miraculous return in 2020. However, recent speculation concerning his contract – a deal that’s due to expire at the end of September – has fans questioning what comes next. In an intriguing video on X (formerly known as Twitter), Edge dismissed rumors of tension between him and WWE, stating, “There’s nothing going on. There’s no hard feelings between me and WWE. I love WWE, it’s my dream gig.”
So, what’s all the fuss about? Enter Nick Patrick, a seasoned referee in the wrestling biz. He’s been involved in both the WWE and WCW, so when he speaks, people listen. Patrick believes that Edge, at 49, is setting himself up to become an annual spectacle at WrestleMania, akin to the role The Undertaker took on in the latter part of his career. “He can’t do the road anymore — the road is for a young guy,” Patrick says. “He probably won’t be on all of [WWE’s premium live events], but I’m sure he’ll be on another WrestleMania again—soon.”
Patrick also shared a fascinating anecdote about Edge’s wrestling style. According to him, Vince McMahon once pulled Teddy Long aside, another retired referee, and told him to count Edge and Christian out if they cut it too close during their pre-counts. This led Edge and Christian to be wary of other referees, but Patrick assured, “I’ll work with you, brother. I’m new here, I’m not trying to make any waves.”
On top of that, Wade Keller from PWTorch claimed Edge had set terms WWE was unwilling to meet, likely with an AEW offer in his back pocket. However, this was contradicted by Edge, who revealed that he even has a contract extension in his inbox. If there’s a disconnect, it’s not showing.
— Adam Copeland (@RatedRCope) August 24, 2023
So what’s really going on? Is Edge bidding his time to become WWE’s next Undertaker-like icon, only appearing during the marquee WrestleMania events? Could he potentially sign the waiting contract extension and perhaps retire at a big stage like WrestleMania? The alternative is also mouthwatering: Edge might opt to wrestle in AEW, where several of his closest friends like Christian Cage and FTR are a part of the roster.
After Edge’s last match against Sheamus in Toronto, he expressed uncertainty over his wrestling future but indicated that “having fun” would guide his next steps. Given his storied career, he’s earned the right to pick and choose. After all, this is a man who returned from a career-threatening neck injury to wrestle again, and the notion that Vince McMahon is allowing him this leeway isn’t far-fetched.
Edge himself made it clear that he has multiple options, and whatever route he takes – be it re-signing with the WWE or possibly appearing in AEW, or retiring altogether – it will be one that will add another engrossing chapter to an iconic career.
No matter what Edge decides, one thing is for certain: The Rated-R Superstar isn’t finished captivating audiences, be it at WrestleMania or elsewhere.
Who knows? Edge’s return might coincide with Randy Orton’s, who, by the way, is still being rumored to be a part of a storyline with The Judgment Day.
