-Slam Article on Edge
After years on the southern Ontario indy scene, Toronto's Adam Copeland transformed
into Edge, a mystery man who appears out of nowhere to inflict punishment on unsuspecting
victims.
And his character's silence is forced upon Copeland outside the ring as well.
SLAM! Wrestling tried to catch up with him during a recent stop in Hamilton for a
Renegade Wrestling Alliance show, but the interview was thwarted.
So what do we know about Edge?
He was trained at Sully's Gym in Toronto by Ron Hutchison and Sweet
Daddy Siki. Other grads he trained with included Johnny Swinger, Joe E. Legend, Zakk Wylde
and Christian Cage.
His most frequent tag team partner was Christian Cage, and the two were known as The
Suicide Blondes. At that time, Copeland went as Sexton Hardcastle.
It took him a little more than five years to make it to the big leagues.
"Five years from now, I'd like to sign another five-year contract,"
Copeland told the Ottawa Sun's Tim Baines in a recent interview.
By early 1998, he was already a WWF vet, as an 'enhancement' wrestler for Canadian
shows under the Sexton Hardcastle, and Adam Copeland monikers. His wrestling travels had
taken him across Canada and to various spot shows in the U.S.
After participating in the WWF training camp run by Tom Pritchard and Dory Funk Jr.,
Copeland was given the Edge character.
He likes the character he's been given by WWF owner/choreographer Vince McMahon.
"I'm still this mysterious guy in the rafters running in and popping
people," Copeland told the Ottawa Sun.
Several WWF officials have raved about Copeland.
Jim Cornette said "This Canadian boy will likely make history." The WWF
Magazine's Vince Russo said Copeland will be "The next Ric Flair". Jim Ross
stated on his hotline that Copeland will one day be World Champion.
And, speaking of one days, hopefully SLAM! Wrestling will catch up with Copeland.
