View source for Edge (wrestler)

{{Short description|Canadian professional wrestler and actor (born 1973)}}
{{good article}}
{{use mdy dates|date=November 2016}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Edge<!-- MATCHES NAME OF THE ARTICLE -->
| image              = Adam_Copeland_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg
| image_size         = 
| caption            = Copeland at the 2024 [[San Diego Comic-Con]]
| other_names        = 
| birth_name         = Adam Joseph Copeland
| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|1973|10|30}}
| birth_place        = [[Orangeville, Ontario]], Canada
| occupation         = {{flatlist|
* professional wrestler
* actor
}}
| years_active       = {{flatlist|
* professional wrestler 1992–2011, 2020–present
* actor 2011–present
}}
| spouse             = {{unbulleted list|
{{marriage|Alannah Morley|November 8, 2001|March 10, 2004|end=div}}<ref>{{cite book |last=Copeland |first=Adam |title=Adam Copeland on Edge |publisher=[[WWE Books]] |date=November 2004 |page=[https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope/page/192 192] |isbn=0-7434-8347-2 |url=https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Copeland |first=Adam |title=Adam Copeland on Edge |publisher=[[WWE Books]] |date=November 2004 |page=273 |isbn=0-7434-8347-2 |url=https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope |url-access=registration }}</ref>
{{marriage|Lisa Ortiz|October 21, 2004|November 17, 2005|end=div}}<ref>Ian Hamilton. ''Wrestling's Sinking Ship: What Happens to an Industry Without Competition'', 152.</ref><ref name="citizen">{{cite news |first=Mike |last=Mooneyham |url=http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/jun/06/jim-ross-staying-wwe/ |title=Jim Ross staying in WWE |access-date=August 2, 2010 |date=June 6, 2010 |work=[[The Post and Courier]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725161959/http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/jun/06/jim-ross-staying-wwe/ |archive-date=July 25, 2010 }}</ref>
{{marriage |[[Beth Phoenix]]|October 30, 2016}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/03/beth-phoenix-edge-wwe-hall-of-fame-wrestling/amp|title=Beth Phoenix has ring announcer introduce husband Edge during her WWE Hall of Fame speech|work=For The Win |date=April 2017}}</ref>
}}
| children           = 2
| module             = {{Infobox professional wrestler
| child     = yes
| names     = '''Adam Copeland'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=932Adam|title=Edge Cagematch Profile}}</ref><br />Adam Impact<ref name="SLAMbio"/><br />Cope<br />[[Los Conquistadores|Conquistador Uno]]<ref name="WWF">{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_05_06.jsp|title=World Wrestling Federation Entertainment Drops The "F" To Emphasize the "E" for Entertainment|date=May 6, 2002|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=July 13, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090119180317/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_05_06.jsp|archive-date=January 19, 2009|df=mdy}}</ref><br />Damon Striker<ref name="WCW"/><br />Edge<ref name=wwebio/><br />Sexton Hardcastle<ref>{{cite book|last=Copeland|first=Adam|title=Adam Copeland on Edge|publisher=[[WWE Books]]|date=November 2004|page=[https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope/page/74 74]|isbn=0-7434-8347-2|url=https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope}}</ref>
| height    = 6 ft 5in<ref name=wwebio/>
| weight    = 241 lb<ref name=wwebio/>
| billed    = [[Toronto, Ontario, Canada]]<ref name=wwebio/>
| trainer   = [[Ron Hutchison]]<br />[[Sweet Daddy Siki]]
| debut     = July 1, 1992
| 
}}
}}

'''Adam Joseph Copeland''' (born October 30, 1973), better known by the [[ring name]] '''Edge''', is a Canadian [[professional wrestler]] and actor. He is signed to [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW), where he performs under his real name. He is best known for his tenures in [[WWE]], where he performed from 1998 to 2011 and again from 2020 to 2023.

Adam made his professional wrestling debut in 1992, wrestling in many [[independent promotions]] and competing in singles and tag team competition, the latter with long-time friend [[Christian Cage]]. In 1997, he signed a developmental deal with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, renamed WWE in 2002) and made his televised debut in 1998 under the ring name Edge. After winning the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] in 1999, he formed a [[Edge and Christian|tag team with Christian]], and the two won the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|World Tag Team Championship]] seven times. During this time, they gained notoriety due to their participation in [[Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match]]es. They are considered one of the major teams that revived tag team wrestling during the [[Attitude Era]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2889572-ranking-the-best-tag-teams-and-stables-of-wwes-attitude-era|title=Ranking the Best Tag Teams and Stables of WWE's Attitude Era|work=Bleacher Report|date=May 1, 2020|author=Erik Beaston}}</ref> The team split in 2001 and Edge embarked on a successful solo career. He won a total of 31 championships in WWE, holding the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]] (2002–2013 version) a record 7 times, the [[WWE Championship]] 4 times, the Intercontinental Championship five times, the [[WWE United States Championship|United States Championship]] once, the World Tag Team Championship a record 12 times, and the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Championship]] twice. He is WWE's [[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)#List of WWE Men's Triple Crown winners|14th Triple Crown Champion]] and [[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#Current format|7th Grand Slam Champion]]. He won the 2001 [[King of the Ring tournament]], the first [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] at [[WrestleMania 21]] in 2005, and the [[Royal Rumble (2010)|2010 Royal Rumble match]], making him the first wrestler to achieve all three.<ref>{{cite web|last=Murphy|first=Ryan|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/edge-career-history|title=WWE "Living on the Edge: The Career of Adam Copeland"|publisher=Wwe.com|date=April 14, 2011|access-date=October 30, 2011}}</ref>

Edge first retired in 2011 due to several neck injuries and was inducted into the [[WWE Hall of Fame]] the next year. Nine years after retiring, he returned to wrestling as a surprise entrant in the [[Royal Rumble (2020)|2020 Royal Rumble match]] and won the [[Royal Rumble (2021)|next year's Royal Rumble]], becoming the eighth man to win the Royal Rumble twice, the third to win it as the first entrant, and the first to win it after being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. He headlined multiple [[List of WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming supercards|pay-per-view (PPV) events]] for WWE, including [[WrestleMania 24]] and [[WrestleMania 37|WrestleMania 37 - Night 2]], being one of the company's most prolific PPV performers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers-with-most-wwf-wwe-appearances.html|title=Wrestlers with Most WWF/WWE PPV Appearances|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=June 21, 2018}}</ref> After his WWE contract expired in September 2023, he joined AEW the next month and debuted at [[WrestleDream (2023)|WrestleDream]], going on to win the [[AEW TNT Championship]] twice.

Adam Copeland has acted in the films ''[[Highlander: Endgame]]'' (2000), ''Bending the Rules'' (2012) and ''[[Money Plane]]'' (2020). He has made guest appearances on TV shows such as ''[[Weakest Link (U.S. game show)|Weakest Link]]'', ''[[Mind of Mencia]]'', ''[[Deal or No Deal (U.S. game show)|Deal or No Deal]]'', ''[[MADtv]]'', and ''[[The Flash (2014 TV series)|The Flash]]''. He played Dwight Hendrickson on the [[Syfy]] series ''[[Haven (TV series)|Haven]]'' (2011–2015), [[Ketill Flatnose]] in ''[[Vikings (2013 TV series)|Vikings]]'' (2017–2020), and [[Ares]] in the [[Disney+]] series ''[[Percy Jackson and the Olympians (TV series)|Percy Jackson and the Olympians]]'' (2023–present), the latter of which earned him an [[Children's and Family Emmy Awards|Emmy Award]] nomination for [[Children's and Family Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Performer|Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Preschool, Children's or Young Teen Program]].

== Early life ==
Adam Joseph Copeland<ref name="Brodi">{{cite journal|first=Caroline|last=Brodi|title=Grappling with the world-beaters|date=April 16, 2009|journal=[[Aberdeen Press & Journal]]|quote=One showdown guaranteed to have the crowds on their feet is the billed world heavyweight championship bout between Edge, real name Adam Joseph Copeland, and titleholder John Cena}}</ref> was born in [[Fergus, Ontario]],<ref name=SLAMbio/> on October 30, 1973,<ref name="copeland 16">{{cite book|last=Copeland|first=Adam|title=Adam Copeland on Edge|publisher=[[WWE Books]]|date=November 2004|page=[https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope/page/16 16]|isbn=0-7434-8347-2|quote=I was born weighing 10 pounds 12 ounces at 7:05 A.M. on October 30, 1973, at the Orangeville Hospital.|url=https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope}}</ref> the son of Judy Lynn Copeland,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://necrocanada.com/obituaries-2018/judy-copeland-january-2-1953-november-27-2018/|title=Judy Copeland January 2 1953 – November 27 2018, death notice, Canada|last=by|date=November 30, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Oliver|first=Greg|author-link=Greg Oliver|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2018/11/28/22788750.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129012950/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2018/11/28/22788750.html|archive-date=November 29, 2018|title=Judy Copeland, mother of Edge, passes|date=November 28, 2018|access-date=November 28, 2018|website=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> a single mother who worked two jobs to support him.<ref name="jordan press" /> He has claimed to have never met, or even seen a photograph of, his father.<ref>{{cite book|last=Nemeth|first=Jason D.|title=Edge|publisher=Capston Press|year=2010|page=[https://archive.org/details/edge0000neme/page/8 8]|isbn=978-1-4296-3346-8|url=https://archive.org/details/edge0000neme}}</ref> He became interested in [[professional wrestling]] at a young age; his favorite wrestlers included [[Curt Hennig|Mr. Perfect]], [[Randy Savage]], [[Hulk Hogan]], [[Ricky Steamboat]], [[Shawn Michaels]], and [[Bret Hart]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Copeland|first=Adam|title=Adam Copeland on Edge|publisher=[[WWE Books]]|date=November 2004|page=[https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope/page/129 129]|isbn=0-7434-8347-2|url=https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope}}</ref> He met fellow future wrestler [[Jason Reso]], known by his ring-name Christian Cage, in Orangeville when he was 10 years old, and they would make the trip to [[Maple Leaf Gardens]] in [[Toronto]] to watch their favourite wrestlers; at the age of 16, Copeland attended [[WrestleMania VI]] at the [[Toronto SkyDome]] in 1990, sitting in the 11th row at ringside.<ref>{{cite book |last=Copeland |first=Adam |title=Adam Copeland on Edge |publisher=[[WWE Books]] |date=November 2004 |page=[https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope/page/39 39] |isbn=0-7434-8347-2 |url=https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope }}</ref> He was cheering on WWF Champion Hulk Hogan against [[The Ultimate Warrior]], and he credits this match with making him realize he wanted to be a wrestler.<ref name="wwebio">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/edge |title=Edge's WWE Profile |access-date=October 5, 2010 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> When he was 17, he won an essay writing contest hosted by his local gym, the prize for which was free wrestling training with [[Sweet Daddy Siki]] and [[Ron Hutchison]] in Toronto.<ref name="jordan press">{{cite journal|first=Jordan|last=Press|title=Wrestle-maniac&nbsp;— Adam Copeland turns a childhood dream into a WWF career|journal=[[Toronto Star]]|page=D04}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Copeland|first=Adam|title=Adam Copeland on Edge|publisher=[[WWE Books]]|date=November 2004|page=[https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope/page/47 47]|isbn=0-7434-8347-2|url=https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope}}</ref> However, he put his wrestling aspirations aside to help his mother pay the bills,<ref>{{cite book|last=Nemeth|first=Jason D.|title=Edge|publisher=Capston Press|year=2010|page=[https://archive.org/details/edge0000neme/page/12 12]|isbn=978-1-4296-3346-8|url=https://archive.org/details/edge0000neme}}</ref> taking numerous jobs and then receiving a diploma in [[radio broadcasting]] from [[Humber College]] before resuming his wrestling training.<ref name="anstett">{{cite web|url=https://freep.newspapers.com/newspage/361236726/ |url-access=subscription |title=In the ring with angina |last=Anstett |first=Patricia |work=[[Detroit Free Press]] |page=83 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |date=June 14, 2002 |access-date=September 1, 2024}}</ref>

== Professional wrestling career ==
=== Early career (1992–1995) ===
{{Professional wrestling sidebar}}
Copeland made his professional wrestling debut on [[Canada Day]] 1992, in an event at [[Monarch Park Stadium]] in Toronto.<ref name="Toronto Star">{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/canada/toronto-star/20110417/281487862899153|title=Orangeville pro wrestler retires before he's forced to|work=[[Toronto Star]]|first=Kenneth|last=Kidd|date=April 17, 2011|access-date=January 14, 2019|via=[[PressReader]]}}</ref> Throughout the 1990s, he wrestled on the [[independent circuit]] in Ontario and the [[Great Lakes]] region of the United States under the [[ring name]] Sexton Hardcastle.<ref name="lamont" /> He became a part of the tag team Sex and Violence with [[Joe E. Legend]]. In the mid-1990s, he wrestled as Adam Impact for [[Tony Condello]]'s [[Winnipeg]] promotion. In 1997, Sex and Violence became part of a larger [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|stable]] called Thug Life, joining [[Christian Cage]], Zakk Wyld, Bill Skullion, and [[Rhino Richards]].<ref name="SLAMbio">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/edge.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519213150/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/edge.html|archive-date=May 19, 2015|access-date=February 1, 2009|title=Edge bio|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> During his independent career, he won the MWCW Tag Team Championship twice with Legend and the ICW Street Fight Tag Team Championship twice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/indy/mwcw-icw/mwcwtitles.html#mwcwtag|title=Midwest / Insane Championship Wrestling|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=October 23, 2009}}</ref>

The duo of Hardcastle and Cage were known as Hard Impact before changing their name to the Suicide Blondes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingEdge/copeland_interview.html|title=Edge speaks|last=Powell|first=John|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=September 25, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018034532/http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingEdge/copeland_interview.html|archive-date=October 18, 2015}}</ref> They also worked in Japan under the name The Canadian Rockers.<ref>{{cite journal|first=Alex|last=Marvez|title=Tag-Team Champ Is Happy To Live His Life On The Edge|date=September 15, 2000|journal=[[South Florida Sun-Sentinel]]|page=38}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=107643765&blogID=190578859&Mytoken=FA78C117-EF5E-4970-BFC004117D4AE1473040398|author=Adam Copeland|title=Blog from the last Japan trip|access-date=March 21, 2007|date=November 8, 2006|publisher=MySpace}}{{dead link|date=May 2019|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> Copeland also wrestled as Damon Striker against [[Tonga Fifita|Meng]] on an episode of ''[[WCW Pro]]'' in February 1996.<ref name="WCW">{{cite web|url=http://prorasslin.com/2011/04/15/full-match-friday-meng-vs-damon-striker/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426074446/http://prorasslin.com/2011/04/15/full-match-friday-meng-vs-damon-striker/|title=Full Match Friday: Meng vs Damon Striker|date=April 15, 2011|archive-date=April 26, 2012|publisher=prorasslin.com|access-date=July 13, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw96.htm|title=WCW in 1996|date=January 16, 2023 |publisher=History of WWE}}</ref> (Copeland stated in 2021 the name was intended to be "Damien Striker", but the on-screen caption of the name was incorrectly written.<ref>{{Citation|title=Edge - Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?| date=April 5, 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG8HP54L-ps| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211116/PG8HP54L-ps| archive-date=2021-11-16 | url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2021-04-05}}{{cbignore}}</ref>) In the summer of 1995, he worked a show in [[Ajax, Ontario]], where [[Bret Hart]]'s business manager, [[Carl De Marco]], was watching. Impressed, he suggested Copeland send an audition tape to the [[World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF).

=== World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE (1996–2023) ===

==== Early years (1996–1998) ====
On May 10, 1996, Copeland replaced [[Bob Holly]]'s opponent on short notice in the opening match of a WWF house show as Sexton Hardcastle in [[Hamilton, Ontario]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Cope |website=Cagematch |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=932&page=4&year=1996&promotion=1}}</ref>

In 1996, Copeland initially made $210 per week while working for the WWF without an official contract. The company also paid for his outstanding college debt, which was around $40,000.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDzTVXPEl0M | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018034531/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDzTVXPEl0M| archive-date=2015-10-18 | title=Edge Shoots on How Much WWE Paid Him & WWE paying $40,000 for his College |website = [[YouTube]]}}</ref> After a [[Grand Prix Wrestling]] tour in the summer of 1997, De Marco urged Copeland to go to [[Calgary]], where Hart was informally training wrestlers while recovering from knee surgery. He spent his tour earnings on a plane ticket and landed with no money or place to stay. He called [[Johnny Smith (wrestler)|Johnny Smith]], whom he met twice, and Smith agreed to give him food and shelter. Smith also drove Copeland to and from the gym and Hart's house, where he trained alongside [[Ken Shamrock]], [[Test (wrestler)|Test]], [[Mark Henry]] and [[Kurrgan]]. Copeland returned to the [[Maritimes]] for another Grand Prix tour before going back to Hart's house, bringing Christian with him. After this camp, Hart was impressed enough to put in a good word for both men at the WWF.

Copeland received a developmental contract with the WWF in 1997.<ref name="nemeth 14">{{cite book|last=Nemeth|first=Jason D.|title=Edge|publisher=Capston Press|year=2010|page=[https://archive.org/details/edge0000neme/page/14 14]|isbn=978-1-4296-3346-8|url=https://archive.org/details/edge0000neme}}</ref> His first match was on November 10, 1997, in [[Ottawa, Ontario]] losing to CFL football star [[Glen Kulka]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Cope |website=Cagematch |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=932&page=4&year=1997&promotion=1}}</ref> The next day in [[Cornwall, Ontario]], he faced and defeated Christian Cage at ''[[WWF Shotgun Saturday Night|Shotgun]]'' taping in a dark match,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=18&bild=1&details=7&liga=3&jahr=1997|title=Wrestlingdata.com – The World's Largest Wrestling Database|author=Axel Saalbach|work=wrestlingdata.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/cards/wwf/shotgun-saturday-night-47-taping-3814.html|title=WWF Shotgun Saturday Night #47 Taping at Cornwall Civic Complex wrestling results - Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.profightdb.com}}</ref> this match is included on [[WWE Home Video]]'s 2008 retrospective, ''Edge: A Decade of Decadence''. From March to June 1998, Copeland appeared in many house shows and dark matches. Upon completing his training, Copeland made his WWF television debut on the June 22, 1998 episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' as Edge. Copeland took the name Edge from an [[WPBZ-FM|Albany radio station]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Edge Shoots on How He Got the Edge Gimmick|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO6ipPbMlAQ&t=5m56s| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406071137/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO6ipPbMlAQ&t=5m56s| archive-date=2017-04-06 |website=YouTube|publisher=ProWrestlingPodcasts|access-date=25 February 2017}}</ref>

Edge's first televised match was on June 16 (aired June 22) against [[Jose Estrada Jr.]], which ended prematurely by [[countout]] when Edge performed a [[somersault senton]] from the ring to the outside, [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#legit|legitimately]] injuring Estrada's neck.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slashwrestling.com/raw/980622.html|title=WWF Raw is WAR recap|access-date=March 21, 2007|date=June 22, 1998|publisher=Slash Wrestling.com}}</ref> In his first pay-per-view match at [[SummerSlam (1998)|SummerSlam]] on August 30, he served as [[Sable (wrestler)|Sable]]'s mystery tag team partner defeating [[Jacqueline Moore|Jacqueline]] and [[Marc Mero]], and slammed Sable onto Mero in a [[Pin (professional wrestling)|pinning]] position to pick up the win.<ref>{{cite web|first=John|last=Powell|url=http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingArchive/aug31_summerslam.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725003158/http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingArchive/aug31_summerslam.html|archive-date=July 25, 2017|title=Ladder match dominates SummerSlam|access-date=May 25, 2008|date=August 31, 1998|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> At [[Breakdown: In Your House]] on September 27, Edge faced [[Owen Hart]] in a losing effort making it his first loss on WWF TV.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingArchive/sep28_breakdown.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309202358/http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingArchive/sep28_breakdown.html|archive-date=March 9, 2016|title=Austin loses title at Breakdown|first=John|last=Powell|date=1998-09-28|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=2008-04-26}}</ref> On the October 11 edition of ''[[Sunday Night Heat]]'', Edge defeated [[Big Van Vader|Vader]] in Vader's final televised WWF match<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/98.htm|title=WWF in 1998|date=January 16, 2023 |publisher=History of WWE}}</ref> and at [[WWF Capital Carnage]] on December 6, Edge faced [[Tiger Ali Singh]] in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/wwfuk.html#carnage|title=Capital Carnage Results|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=2008-08-31}}</ref>

==== Teaming with Christian (1998–2001) ====
{{Main|The Brood (professional wrestling)|l1=The Brood|Edge & Christian}}
[[File:Christian and Edge in April 1999 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Edge (right) with [[Christian Cage|Christian]] in their Brood attire, which they used along with gothic symbols, in April 1999]]

In September, Edge began a [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] against the vampire wrestler [[Gangrel]]. During the feud, Gangrel introduced Christian, Edge's [[Kayfabe|storyline]] brother, as his ally. Eventually, Gangrel and Christian convinced Edge to join them, and the three of them formed a [[Professional wrestling stable|stable]] known as [[The Brood (professional wrestling)|The Brood]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Copeland|first=Adam|title=Adam Copeland on Edge|publisher=WWE Books|year=2004|page=119|isbn=978-1-4165-1130-4}}</ref>

At [[Rock Bottom: In Your House]] on December 13, The Brood defeated [[The J.O.B. Squad]] in a [[six-man tag team match]]. At the [[Royal Rumble (1999)|Royal Rumble]] on January 24, 1999, Edge competed in the 30-man [[Royal Rumble match]], being eliminated by [[Road Dogg]]. The Brood was later abducted and converted into [[The Undertaker]]'s [[Ministry of Darkness]]. In May, the Brood broke away from the Ministry after Christian was attacked by [[Ken Shamrock]] and forced to reveal the location of the captive [[Stephanie McMahon]].<ref name="page120">{{cite book |last=Copeland |first=Adam |title=Adam Copeland on Edge |publisher=WWE Books |year=2004 |isbn=978-1-4165-1130-4 |page=120}}</ref> The Undertaker chose to have Christian punished for his trespass, but Edge and Gangrel stood by him and [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Turn|betrayed]] The Undertaker, leading to a brief feud with the Ministry. At [[Backlash: In Your House]] on April 25, the Brood faced Ministry members [[John Layfield|Bradshaw]], [[Faarooq]], and [[Mideon]] in a losing effort. At [[King of the Ring (1999)|King of the Ring]] on June 27, The Hardy Boyz defeated Edge and Christian in a match to determine the number one contender to the WWF Tag Team Championship, after their first match on ''Sunday Night Heat'' ended in a no-contest.

[[File:EDGE 1999.jpg|thumb|upright|Edge in April 1999]]

Edge captured his first singles championship, the [[WWF Intercontinental Championship]], on July 24, defeating [[Jeff Jarrett]] at a [[house show]] in Toronto, Ontario.<ref name="IC - 1999">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/322584 |title=History of the Intercontinental Championship&nbsp;— Edge (1) |date=July 24, 1999 |access-date=February 26, 2009 |publisher=[[WWE]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629062515/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/322584 |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |df=mdy }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Copeland|first=Adam|title=Adam Copeland on Edge|publisher=[[WWE Books]]|date=November 2004|page=[https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope/page/130 130]|isbn=0-7434-8347-2|url=https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope}}</ref> Interestingly, the match wasn't booked this way. Edge explained in an interview in 2021 with Loudwire: "During the match we did this thing where I pinned [Jeff Jarrett] and the crowd thought I won and then they were gonna reverse it, but then [[Jack Lanza]], who was the road agent at the time, walked out and said, 'Go get your belt.' I went, 'Whaaaa?' We're calling an audible here!"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/wwe-edge-first-singles-title-accident-wikipedia/|title=WWE Legend Edge Won His First Singles Title by Accident|website=[[Loudwire]]|date=April 5, 2021 }}</ref> Edge lost the title the next night to Jarrett at [[Fully Loaded (1999)|Fully Loaded]] on July 25.<ref name="IC - 1999" /><ref>{{cite book|last=Copeland|first=Adam|title=Adam Copeland on Edge|publisher=[[WWE Books]]|date=November 2004|page=[https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope/page/131 131]|isbn=0-7434-8347-2|url=https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope}}</ref> At [[SummerSlam (1999)|SummerSlam]] on August 22, Edge and Christian competed in a Tag team turmoil match where they eliminated three teams: The Hardy Boyz, Mideon and Viscera, and Droz and Prince Albert before getting eliminated from the match by The Acolytes. At [[Unforgiven (1999)|Unforgiven]] on September 26, Edge and Christian faced The New Age Outlaws for the WWF Tag Team Championship but failed to win the titles.

Later in the year, Edge was placed in a storyline angle with the [[Hardy Boyz]]. Gangrel soon betrayed both Edge and Christian and formed [[The New Brood]] with their enemies, The Hardy Boyz. They feuded with the Hardy Boyz, as they went on to compete in a [[ladder match]] at [[No Mercy (1999)|No Mercy]] on October 17 for the "[[manager (professional wrestling)|managerial services]]" of [[Terri Runnels]] and $100,000, which the Hardy Boyz won.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/oct18_nomercy.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714030011/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/oct18_nomercy.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=Tag match highlights No Mercy|date=October 18, 1999|last=Powell|first=John|access-date=January 20, 2008|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The match was widely praised and described as the match of the year by various reviewers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/dark-pegasus-video-review-no-mercy-1999/|title = 411Mania}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (1999)|Survivor Series]] on November 14, Edge and Christian and The Hardy Boyz faced Too Cool and The Hollys in a four-on-four Survivor Series elimination match where they lost. At [[Armageddon (1999)|Armageddon]] on December 12, Edge and Christian competed in an 8-team battle royal which was won by The Acolytes. At the [[Royal Rumble (2000)|Royal Rumble]] on January 23, 2000, Edge competed in the Royal Rumble match where he was eliminated by Al Snow and Val Venis. Edge and Christian began a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#turn|Heel turn]] At [[No Way Out (2000)|No Way Out]] on February 27, Edge and Christian defeated The Hardy Boyz in a tag team match to determine the number one contenders to the WWF Tag Team Championship. At [[WrestleMania 2000]] on April 2, Edge and Christian defeated the Hardy Boyz and the [[Dudley Boyz]] to win the [[WWF Tag Team Championship]] in a [[professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|Triangle]] [[Ladder match]], which ultimately led to the creation of the [[Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match]].<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work=Wrestling's historical cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=105}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|first=Ric|last=Russo|author2=Brian Fritz|title=WrestleMania Fallout&nbsp;— Solofa 'Rikishi' Fatu Is Riding High After 10 Years In Ring|date=April 7, 2000|journal=[[Orlando Sentinel]]|page=21}}</ref>

[[File:Edge and Christian WWF - King of the Ring 2000.jpg|thumb|left|Edge (right) and Christian performing one of their "five-second poses" at [[King of the Ring (2000)|King of the Ring]] in June 2000]]

At [[Backlash (2000)|Backlash]] on April 30, Edge and Christian defeated D-Generation X to retain the titles. At [[WWF Judgment Day (2000)|Judgment Day]] on May 21, Edge, Christian and Kurt Angle lost a six-man tag team match to Rikishi and Too Cool. Soon after, they lost the tag titles to Too Cool but won them back in a Four corners elimination match at [[King of the Ring (2000)|King of the Ring]] on June 25. At [[Fully Loaded (2000)|Fully Loaded]] on July 23, they defended the titles against The Acolytes Protection Agency where they got disqualified but retained the titles. After retaining the titles at [[SummerSlam (2000)|SummerSlam]] on August 27, at [[Unforgiven (2000)|Unforgiven]] on September 24, Edge and Christian defended the titles against The Hardy Boyz in a steel cage match where they lost the titles and were not allowed another title shot. At [[No Mercy (2000)|No Mercy]] on October 22, Edge and Christian, masked as [[Los Conquistadores]], defeated The Hardys for the titles. The next night on ''Raw'', the Hardy Boyz dressed as the Los Conquistadores and defeated Edge in a handicap match after Christian was taken out backstage to regain the WWF Tag Team Championship.

At [[Survivor Series (2000)|Survivor Series]] on November 19, Edge and Christian teamed with [[Right to Censor]]'s Bull Buchanan and The Goodfather in a four-on-four Survivor Series elimination match, where they lost to The Dudley Boyz and The Hardy Boyz, They regained the tag titles at [[Armageddon (2000)|Armageddon]] on December 10 in a fatal four-way match, but lost them eight days later to The Rock and The Undertaker. They won them back three days later on ''[[SmackDown!]]'' thanks to special guest referee Kurt Angle. During Edge and Christian's run as a tag team, they also competed as a team in the first three TLC matches, winning the first two over The Dudley Boyz and The Hardy Boyz, at [[SummerSlam (2000)|SummerSlam]] in 2000 and then again at [[WrestleMania X-Seven]].<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work=Wrestling's historical cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page= 106}}</ref><ref name="pwi107">{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work=Wrestling's historical cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=107}}</ref> At the [[Royal Rumble (2001)|Royal Rumble]] on January 21, 2001, Edge and Christian were defeated by the Dudley Boyz and lost the tag team titles.<ref name="pwi107" /> They unsuccessfully attempted to regain the tag team title at [[No Way Out (2001)|No Way Out]] on February 25 against the Dudley Boyz and [[The Brothers of Destruction]],<ref name="pwi107" /> but they succeeded at WrestleMania X-Seven on April 1 against the Dudley Boyz and The Hardyz in the second TLC match.<ref name="pwi107" /> At [[WWF Judgment Day (2001)|Judgment Day]] on May 20, Edge and Christian competed in a Tag Team Turmoil match which was won by Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit. Days later on the May 24 ''SmackDown!'', Edge and Christian competed in a Fatal 4-Way Tag Team TLC Match for the WWF Tag Team Championship where Benoit and Jericho retained the titles.

==== Championship reigns and various feuds (2001–2003) ====
Edge solidified himself as an emerging singles competitor by winning the [[King of the Ring (2001)|2001]] [[King of the Ring tournament]] and slowly becoming a [[Face (professional wrestling)|fan favourite]] by siding with the WWF during the [[The Invasion (professional wrestling)|Invasion storyline]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2001/06/25/angle-and-edge-rule-kotr/|title=Angle and Edge rule KOTR|date=June 25, 2001|last=Powell|first=Jason|access-date=February 13, 2009|publisher=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Christian betrayed Edge shortly afterward,<ref>{{cite journal|first=Eric|last=Quijones|title='Smackdown!' to be aired live|date=September 13, 2001|journal=[[The Star-Ledger]]|page=80}}</ref> and the two feuded over Edge's [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] (which he won at [[SummerSlam (2001)|SummerSlam]] on August 19) that he later lost to Christian at [[Unforgiven 2001|Unforgiven]] on September 23, though Edge later captured the title in a [[ladder match]] at [[No Mercy (2001)|No Mercy]] on October 21.<ref>{{cite book|last=Copeland|first=Adam|title=Adam Copeland on Edge|publisher=[[WWE Books]]|date=November 2004|page=[https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope/page/188 188]|isbn=0-7434-8347-2|url=https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope}}</ref>

Edge lost the Intercontinental Championship to [[Test (wrestler)|Test]] on the November 5 episode of ''Raw''<ref>{{cite book|last=Copeland|first=Adam|title=Adam Copeland on Edge|publisher=[[WWE Books]]|date=November 2004|page=[https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope/page/191 191]|isbn=0-7434-8347-2|url=https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope}}</ref> and shortly afterwards won the [[WCW United States Championship]] from [[Kurt Angle]] on the November 12 episode of ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/unitedstates/3044541114 |title=Edge's first reign |work=WWE |date=November 12, 2001 |access-date=September 23, 2009 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602003109/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/unitedstates/3044541114 |archive-date=June 2, 2009 }}</ref> Edge defeated Test at [[Survivor Series (2001)|Survivor Series]] on November 18 to regain the Intercontinental Championship which he unified with the United States Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingPPV/nov19_survivor-can.html|title=WWF pulls out Survivor Series win|date=November 19, 2001|last=Powell|first=John|access-date=February 13, 2009|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports|archive-date=July 14, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714140526/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingPPV/nov19_survivor-can.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> From there, Edge was placed in a feud with [[William Regal]] for the Intercontinental Championship. Edge first defeated Regal at [[Vengeance (2001)|Vengeance]] on December 9 to retain the championship: however, he lost the title to Regal at the [[Royal Rumble (2002)|Royal Rumble]] on January 20, 2002, and then his rematch against Regal at [[No Way Out (2002)|No Way Out]] on February 17 in a Brass Knuckles on a Pole match.<ref>{{cite book|last=Copeland|first=Adam|title=Adam Copeland on Edge|publisher=[[WWE Books]]|date=November 2004|page=[https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope/page/195 195]|isbn=0-7434-8347-2|url=https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania X8]] on March 17, Edge defeated [[Booker T (wrestler)|Booker T]] in a match that was the result of Edge beating out Booker T for a fictitious Japanese shampoo endorsement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingWM18/mar18_wmgramlich-can.html|title=Hogan passes torch at WrestleMania|date=March 18, 2002|last=Grmalich|first=Chris|access-date=February 13, 2009|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports|archive-date=July 31, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731100656/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingWM18/mar18_wmgramlich-can.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Shortly after defeating Booker T at WrestleMania, Edge was drafted to the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown!]] brand in the first [[WWE Brand Extension#March 2002 (Brand Extension: RAW and SmackDown!)|WWF Draft Lottery]]. During this time, Edge also gained ''[[Never Gonna Stop (The Red Red Kroovy)]]'' by [[Rob Zombie]] as his new entrance theme.

Upon arriving there, he began a feud with Kurt Angle. At [[Backlash (2002)|Backlash]] on April 21, Angle defeated Edge which later culminated in Edge shaving Angle's head following a [[Luchas de Apuestas|hair vs. hair match]] at [[WWE Judgment Day (2002)|Judgment Day]] on May 19.<ref name="Adam Copeland on Edge">{{cite book|last=Copeland|first=Adam|title=Adam Copeland on Edge|publisher=[[WWE Books]]|date=November 2004|page=[https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope/page/204 204]|isbn=0-7434-8347-2|url=https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope}}</ref> On the May 30 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Edge defeated Angle in a steel cage match to end the feud. During the match, Edge speared Angle from the top rope, injuring his own arm and forcing himself out of action for a month. Two months later, he won the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|WWE Tag Team Championship]] alongside [[Hollywood Hulk Hogan]] on the July 4 episode of ''SmackDown!'' by defeating [[Billy and Chuck]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/30445413211222|title=Edge & Hogan's first reign|work=WWE |date=July 4, 2002 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=September 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515054735/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/30445413211222|archive-date=May 15, 2007|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Edge and Hogan lost the titles at [[Vengeance (2002)|Vengeance]] on July 21 to [[The Un-Americans]] ([[Lance Storm]] and Christian), and at [[SummerSlam (2002)|SummerSlam]] on August 25, Edge defeated Eddie Guerrero then lost to Guerrero at [[Unforgiven (2002)|Unforgiven]] on September 22. They met one final time days later on ''SmackDown!'' in a No Disqualification match where Edge won, ending the feud. He then formed a tag team with [[Rey Mysterio]], and the two participated in a [[List of WWE tournaments#WWE Tag Team Championship Tournament|tournament]] for the newly created and ''SmackDown!'' exclusive [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Championship]]. They lost to Kurt Angle and [[Chris Benoit]] in the finals of the tournament at [[No Mercy (2002)|No Mercy]] on October 20; the match was voted [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] by the [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2002/results/|title=No Mercy 2002 official results|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=May 18, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071126081749/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2002/results/|archive-date=November 26, 2007|df=mdy-all}}</ref> After they failed in winning the titles, Mysterio and Edge defeated [[Los Guerreros]] in a number one contender's match on the October 24 episode of ''SmackDown!'' to earn a title shot.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/021024.html|title=SmackDown! results – October 24, 2002|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=May 18, 2008}}</ref> At the [[Rebellion (2002)|Rebellion]] pay-per-view on October 26, Edge faced [[Brock Lesnar]] and [[Paul Heyman]] in a Handicap match for the [[WWE Championship]] where Lesnar retained the title after Lesnar pinned Edge. On the November 7 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Edge and Mysterio defeated Angle and Benoit in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Series variations|two out-of-three falls match]] to win the WWE Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/330018 |title=Rey Mysterio and Edge's first Tag Team Championship reign |work=WWE |date=November 7, 2002 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |access-date=May 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329161744/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/330018 |archive-date=March 29, 2008 }}</ref> They soon lost the tag titles to Los Guerreros in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic elimination matches|triple threat elimination match]] that also involved former champions Angle and Benoit at [[Survivor Series (2002)|Survivor Series]] on November 17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2002/results/ |title=Survivor Series 2002 official results |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |access-date=May 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080223190500/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2002/results/ |archive-date=February 23, 2008 |df=mdy }}</ref>

After losing the title, Edge and Mysterio went their separate ways to focus on their singles careers. At the [[Royal Rumble (2003)|Royal Rumble]], Edge competed in the 30-man [[Royal Rumble match]] on January 19, 2003, where he had three eliminations before getting eliminated by Chris Jericho. Edge then teamed up with Chris Benoit, facing [[The World's Greatest Tag Team|Team Angle]] in a series of singles and tag team matches. Prior to [[No Way Out (2003)|No Way Out]], Edge suffered a [[List of professional wrestling terms#Legit|legitimate]] neck injury, rendering him unable to compete in his scheduled match. The injury stemmed from a bump he took on a closed ladder on the September 26, 2002 edition of ''SmackDown!'' while wrestling Eddie Guerrero, who then frog-splashed him while he was still laying on the ladder. His arms would then numb more and more in the following months before deciding to have the surgery, as he was gradually in more pain and did not want to risk dropping an opponent dangerously because of his numb arms.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.givemesport.com/1164103-edge-recalls-moment-when-his-wwe-careerending-neck-injury-began|title=Watch: Edge recalls the moment his WWE career-ending neck injury began|date=October 7, 2017}}</ref> At No Way Out on February 23, Edge was written off television through a backstage attack. He then underwent surgery with Dr. [[Lloyd Youngblood]] and was sidelined for over a year.<ref>{{cite journal|first=Alex|last=Marvez|title='Edge' Latest With Neck Problem As Injuries Come To A Head|date=February 28, 2003|journal=[[South Florida Sun-Sentinel]]|page=42}}</ref>

==== World championship pursuits (2004–2005) ====
[[File:AdamCopeland Edge2.jpg|left|thumb|Edge in 2005 with the Money In The Bank briefcase|alt=|251x251px]]Edge was drafted to the [[Raw brand]] in the [[2004 WWE draft lottery]] on the March 22, 2004 episode of ''Raw'', where he speared [[Eric Bischoff]] and returned to in-ring action shortly after the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://raw.wwe.com/results/032204/results.html|title=A Career Changing Night: RAW Results March 22, 2004|date=2004-05-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040411032539/http://raw.wwe.com/results/032204/results.html|archive-date=2004-04-11}}</ref> At [[Backlash (2004)|Backlash]] on April 18, Edge defeated Kane,<ref>{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Martin|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2004/1082342965.shtml|title=Full WWE Backlash (Raw) PPV Results – 4/18/04 from Edmonton, Alberta, CA|access-date=February 15, 2008|date=April 18, 2004|publisher=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080207231011/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2004/1082342965.shtml|archive-date=February 7, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> and on the April 19 episode of ''Raw'', he and [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Champion]] Chris Benoit won the World Tag Team Championship from [[Dave Bautista|Batista]] and [[Ric Flair]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=Second high for Benoit|date=April 22, 2004|journal=[[The Malay Mail]]|quote=To Raw's newest tag team&nbsp;... [Chris] Benoit & captured the World Tag Team Championship in front of their native Canadian fans by defeating Ric Flair & Batista}}</ref> They continued a close partnership even after losing the title; at [[WWE Bad Blood (2004)|Bad Blood]] on June 13, Edge and Benoit defeated [[La Résistance (professional wrestling)|La Résistance]] (who defeated them for the titles on the May 31 episode of ''Raw'') in a match for the World Tag Team Championship by disqualification but did not win the titles. The team disbanded when Edge won the Intercontinental Championship at [[Vengeance (2004)|Vengeance]] on July 11 defeating [[Randy Orton]], thus becoming a five time Intercontinental Champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/07/12/537080.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310030615/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/07/12/537080.html|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=Canadians have Edge at Vengeance|date=July 12, 2004|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=February 13, 2009|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> At [[SummerSlam (2004)|SummerSlam]] on August 15, Edge defeated Chris Jericho and Batista in a triple threat match to retain the Intercontinental Championship.<ref>{{cite web|first=Adam|last= Martin|date=2004-08-15|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2004/1092624666.shtml|title=Full SummerSlam (Raw/SmackDown!) PPV Results - 8/15/04|publisher=WrestleView|access-date=2008-02-15}}</ref> Following a legitimate groin injury in a non-televised match, Raw [[Professional wrestling authority figures#General Managers|General Manager]] [[Eric Bischoff]] stripped Edge of the Intercontinental title on the September 6 episode of ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Orton's great escape|date=September 9, 2004|journal=[[The Malay Mail]]}}</ref>

Upon his return, Edge began to pursue the World Heavyweight Championship. Edge, Chris Benoit, and [[Shawn Michaels]] received a title shot for [[Triple H]]'s World Heavyweight Championship at [[Taboo Tuesday (2004)|Taboo Tuesday]] on October 19. Michaels won the audience vote to receive the title shot, giving Edge and Benoit a tag team title shot against La Résistance. They regained the titles. During the match, an angry Edge abandoned Benoit and instead interfered in the World Heavyweight Championship match, costing Michaels the championship.<ref name="Taboo Tuesday">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/10/20/788799.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630052248/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/10/20/788799.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 30, 2012|title=Nothing Taboo at Tuesday PPV|date=October 20, 2004|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=February 13, 2009|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> On the November 1 episode of ''Raw'', Edge and Benoit lost the World Tag Team Championship back to La Résistance with Edge abandoning Benoit again and sitting in a chair and watching the match. After the conclusion of the match, Edge attacked Benoit, turning heel for the first time since 2001.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Ryan Allen |author2=Mike Greenslade |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2004/1099369001.shtml|title=WWE Raw Results – 11/01/04 – Peoria, IL (6 Man Tag + Tag Title Change)|access-date=October 23, 2009|date=November 1, 2004|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> Edge also gained a new entrance theme, ''[[One Day Remains|Metalingus]]'', performed by the then-newly established band, [[Alter Bridge]]. At [[Survivor Series (2004)|Survivor Series]] on November 14, Edge was part of Team Triple H along with Triple H, Batista, and [[Gene Snitsky]]. They were defeated by Team Orton (Randy Orton, Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, and [[Maven Huffman|Maven]]). During the match, Edge eliminated both Benoit and Jericho before getting eliminated by Orton.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/11/15/715092.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107141105/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/11/15/715092.html|archive-date=January 7, 2016|title=Orton survives at Series|work=SLAM! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]|first=Chris|last=Sokol|date=November 15, 2004|access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref>

On the November 29 episode of ''Raw'', both Edge and Benoit competed in a number one contender's [[battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]], but they eliminated each other simultaneously at the conclusion of the match, resulting in a draw.<ref name="November 29, 2004">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2004/1101788171.shtml|title=Raw Results – 11/29/04 – Baltimore, MD (World Title up for grabs...)|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=November 29, 2004|publisher=WrestleView|access-date=October 23, 2009}}</ref> As a result, Triple H was forced to defend the title in a [[triple threat match]]. In the match, Benoit locked the [[Crippler Crossface]] on Edge, who shifted his weight putting Benoit's shoulders on the mat for a [[pin (professional wrestling)|pin]]. This match also ended in a draw for Benoit and Edge, as Benoit made Edge [[Submission (combat sport)|submit]] at the same time the referee counted a pinfall for Edge.<ref name="November 29, 2004" /> As a result, the World Heavyweight title was vacated the following week on ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2004/1102392873.shtml|title=RAW Results - 12/6/04 - Charlotte, NC (World title situation + more)|website=WrestleView.com|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=December 6, 2004|access-date=June 2, 2025}}</ref> On January 9, 2005, Edge competed in his first [[Elimination Chamber]] match at [[New Year's Revolution (2005)|New Year's Revolution]] for the vacant World Heavyweight Championship. Special guest referee Shawn Michaels performed a [[superkick]] on Edge, in retaliation for an accidental [[Spear (wrestling)|spear]] by Edge, causing Edge to be the first eliminated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/01/10/901074.html|title=No Revolution: Triple H prevails|date=January 10, 2005|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=February 13, 2009|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports|archive-date=July 14, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714190205/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/01/10/901074.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> This led to a match at the [[Royal Rumble (2005)|Royal Rumble]] on January 30, in which Edge defeated Michaels. Edge also competed in the Royal Rumble match later that night, where he lasted until the final three but was eliminated by eventual winner Batista and [[John Cena]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/01/31/915606.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717001443/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/01/31/915606.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 17, 2012|title=Batista claims the Rumble|date=January 31, 2005|last=Plummer|first=Dale|author2=Tylwalk, Nick|access-date=February 13, 2009|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref>

==== WWE Champion (2005–2006) ====
At [[WrestleMania 21]] on April 3, Edge won the first ever [[Money in the Bank ladder match]], gaining a contract that gave him a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship within one year.<ref name="WM21">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/04/03/981377.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018034531/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/04/03/981377.html|archive-date=October 18, 2015|title=Main events weak at WrestleMania 21 – Batista, Cena go over but undercard steals the show|date=April 3, 2005|last=Plummer|first=Dale|author2=Tylwalk, Nick|access-date=January 21, 2009|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> According to a podcast interview with Chris Jericho, Copeland said that he did not initially like the idea of the ladder match and even told WWE management not to include him on the WrestleMania 21 card altogether. However, he was talked into competing by the other participants like Jericho and [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] who said the match had the potential to be a big success.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thesportster.com/wwe-edge-didnt-want-to-be-in-money-in-the-bank-wrestlemania-21/|title=Edge Originally Didn't Want To Be In The Money In The Bank Match At WWE WrestleMania 21|website=TheSportster.com|last=Blattberg|first=Eric|date=December 1, 2021|access-date=December 14, 2025}}</ref> At [[Backlash (2005)|Backlash]] on May 1, Edge defeated Chris Benoit in a [[Last Man Standing match]] to end the feud.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite news|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/05/02/1021811.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223065738/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/05/02/1021811.html|archive-date=December 23, 2015|title=Hulkamania rules Backlash|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2005-05-02|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=2008-12-22}}</ref> Several weeks after, Edge was then paired with [[Lita (wrestler)|Lita]], his real-life girlfriend at the time, in an [[Angle (professional wrestling)|angle]] in which she betrayed her storyline husband Kane, by costing him the Gold Rush tournament finals match to determine the number-one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship on the May 16 episode of ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-wwe-raw-report-05-16-05/|title=411's WWE Raw Report 05.16.05|work=411mania.com|first=Alex|last=Obal|date=May 16, 2005|access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> The next week, Edge received his World Heavyweight Championship match against Batista, which he lost.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2005/1116908158.shtml|title=RAW Results - 5/23/05 - Green Bay, WI (Batista vs. Edge and more)|work=WrestleView|first=Hunter|last=Golden|date=May 24, 2005|access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> Edge started a feud with Kane leading to several matches between them including one at [[Vengeance (2005)|Vengeance]] on June 26, when Edge lost to Kane.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/2005/results|title=Vengeance 2005 Results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> After trading several victories on ''Raw'', the feud ended in a [[stretcher match]] on the July 25 episode of ''Raw'' that Edge won, but shortly after, Kane performed a [[tombstone piledriver]] on Lita and later abducted her in an ambulance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/07/26/1148198.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724201519/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/07/26/1148198.html|archive-date=July 24, 2017|title=Eugene takes gold, Jericho doesn't rock|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|first=Chris|last=Sokol|date=July 25, 2005|access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref>
[[File:Edge vs. Cena.jpg|thumb|right|Edge facing off against [[John Cena]] during a [[WWE]] [[house show]] in 2006]]
On the July 11 episode of ''Raw'', Edge's match with Kane was interrupted when Matt Hardy made a surprise appearance. Hardy referred to Edge by his real name and issued a threat to Lita as well.<ref>{{cite journal|first=Ron|last=Jordan|title=Loose Cannon: Matt Hardy's Return Is Retirement Of Pillman's|date=July 16, 2005|journal=[[Winston-Salem Journal]]|page=9}}</ref> When Hardy was officially brought back to Raw, he and Edge continued their feud, including a match at [[SummerSlam (2005)|SummerSlam]] on August 21 where Edge defeated Hardy by referee stoppage, after causing Hardy to have excessive blood loss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/302480|title=All-Time SummerSlam Results|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=December 9, 2009}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', after a match Hardy had with [[Rob Conway]], Edge then appeared and overpowered Hardy. He then wedged Hardy's head between the steel steps and the ringpost, and then kicked the steel steps into Hardy's head.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2005/08/edge-vs-matt-hardy-in-a-street-fight-tonight-488917/|title=Edge vs. Matt Hardy In A Street Fight Tonight, More|date=August 30, 2005 |publisher=wrestlinginc.com|access-date= August 31, 2005}}</ref> On the August 29 episode of ''Raw'', Edge and Hardy fought in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Hardcore-based variations|Street Fight]], which resulted in a [[Professional wrestling#No contest|no contest]] when Hardy performed a [[Powerslam#Side slam|side effect]] on Edge off the entrance ramp into the sound speakers and other electrical equipment.<ref>{{cite web|first=Hunter|last=Golden|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2005/1125374206.shtml|title=Raw Results – 8/29/05 – Tampa, Florida (Hardy & Edge Street Fight)|access-date=September 23, 2009|date=August 29, 2005|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> They also fought in a [[Steel cage match]] at [[Unforgiven (2005)|Unforgiven]] on September 18 in which Hardy defeated Edge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/09/19/1223557.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018034532/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/09/19/1223557.html|archive-date=October 18, 2015|title=Unforgiven marred by unfortunate ending|date=September 19, 2005|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=January 21, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The feud culminated in a Loser Leaves Raw ladder match on ''Raw Homecoming'' on October 3, which Edge won.<ref name="homecoming">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/rawonusa|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208122538/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/rawonusa|archive-date=February 8, 2016|title=RAW is coming home to USA|access-date=January 8, 2016}}</ref> After the match, Hardy left the Raw brand to go to the SmackDown! brand, while Edge suffered a legit torn [[pectoralis major muscle]] that kept him shelved for a couple of months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/11/05/1293935.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018034531/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/11/05/1293935.html|archive-date=October 18, 2015|title=WWE starts to implode|first=TJ|last=Madigan|access-date=March 22, 2007|date=November 5, 2005|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> During his time off, he starred in his own talk show segment on Raw entitled ''[[WWE Raw#Recurring segments|The Cutting Edge]]'',<ref name="December 5, 2005" /> dubbing himself the "[[Motion Picture Association of America film rating system|Rated-R]] Superstar". Edge used his talk show to start a feud with [[Ric Flair]] following Flair's well-publicized arrest in connection with a [[road rage]] incident.<ref name="December 5, 2005">{{cite web|first=Hunter|last=Golden|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1133844305.shtml|title=Raw Results – 12/5/05 – North Charleston, SC (Eric Bischoff Fired...)|access-date=January 12, 2010|date=December 5, 2005|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Martin|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1134459395.shtml|title=Raw Results – 12/12/05 – Boston, MA (Elimination Chamber & more)|access-date=January 12, 2010|date=December 12, 2005|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> Edge eventually began using ''The Cutting Edge'' as a soapbox to run down Flair until, after weeks of public mockery, Flair eventually showed up and attacked Edge.<ref>{{cite web|first=Hunter|last=Golden|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1135659373.shtml|title=Raw Results – 12/26/05 – Bridgeport, CT (McMahon/Beat the Clock)|access-date=January 12, 2010|date=December 26, 2005|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> Edge and Flair formally met at the [[New Year's Revolution (2006)|New Year's Revolution]] event on January 8, 2006, in a match for Flair's [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]], which resulted in Flair retaining after Edge was [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualified]].<ref name="NYR 2006">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/01/09/1385492.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018034532/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/01/09/1385492.html|archive-date=October 18, 2015|title=Edge surprise champ after Revolution|date=January 9, 2006|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=February 13, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref>
[[File:Edge and Lita in July, 2005.JPG|thumb|upright|left|Edge and Lita in July 2005]]
Although Edge had lost his scheduled match at New Year's Revolution, that would not be his only match that evening as the main event saw [[John Cena]], the reigning WWE Champion, defend his title in an [[Elimination Chamber|Elimination Chamber match]]. After a bloody Cena won the match, WWE chairman [[Vince McMahon]] revealed that Edge was cashing in his Money in the Bank contract to face Cena for the championship immediately. After two spears, Edge quickly defeated Cena to win the [[WWE Championship]], marking his first world title win.<ref name="NYR 2006"/>

The following night on ''Raw'', Edge decided to celebrate his victory by having "hot, unbridled sex" in the middle of the ring. He and Lita engaged in [[foreplay]] until they were interrupted by Flair, who called Edge a disgrace and "that he was horrible in the sack".<ref name="hershey">{{cite web|first=Hunter|last=Golden|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2005/1136868615.shtml|title=Raw Results – 1/9/06 – Hershey, PA (Live sex celebration and more)|access-date=December 9, 2009|date=January 9, 2006|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> Flair, however, ended up on the receiving end of a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Con-chair-to|con-chair-to]] on the announcers' table until Cena came out to Flair's aid and performed an [[Fireman's carry takeover|FU]] on Lita.<ref name="hershey" /> The "Live Sex Celebration" segment earned ''Raw'' a 5.2 rating,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/rawratingsrise|title=Raw ratings rise|access-date=March 21, 2007|date=January 10, 2006|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> the highest ''Raw'' rating in over a year,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/listthis/greatrawmoments/rawmoments7|title=Raw's Sex Edge-ucation|last=McAvennie|first=Mike|access-date=March 21, 2007|date=December 24, 2006|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> leading Edge to call himself the "most watched champion ever".<ref name="Raw-Jan-16">{{cite web|first=Dale|last=Plummer|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/01/17/1398586.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018034531/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/01/17/1398586.html|archive-date=October 18, 2015|title=Raw: A little TLC goes a long way|access-date=December 9, 2009|date=January 17, 2006|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> On the January 16 episode of ''Raw'', Edge defeated Ric Flair in a TLC match to retain the WWE Championship.<ref name="Raw-Jan-16" /> At the [[Royal Rumble (2006)|Royal Rumble]] on January 29, Edge lost the WWE Championship back to Cena.<ref>{{cite journal|first=Bob Jr.|last=Emanuel|title=Wrestling Fans Get Their Show|date=January 30, 2006|journal=[[The Miami Herald]]|page=3D}}</ref>

Edge then lost a rematch on the February 16 episode of ''Raw'' and blamed [[Professional wrestling match types#Special referee|special guest referee]] [[Mick Foley]] for his loss.<ref>{{cite web|first=Wade|last=Keller|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_16158.shtml|title=Keller's Raw Report 2/20: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live show|access-date=January 12, 2010|date=February 20, 2006|publisher=PW Torch}}</ref> They feuded until [[WrestleMania 22]] on April 2, where Edge defeated Foley in a [[Hardcore wrestling|hardcore match]] by Spearing him through a flaming table<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/04/03/1517785.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018034532/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/04/03/1517785.html|archive-date=October 18, 2015|title=WrestleMania delivers big time on PPV|date=April 3, 2006|last=Plummer|first=Dale|author2=Tylwalk, Nick|access-date=February 13, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> but suffered [[second degree burn]]s, thanks to anti-flame material not being applied to the table, at both wrestlers' request.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt54lUPqWEk| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211116/dt54lUPqWEk| archive-date=2021-11-16 | url-status=live|title=Bruce Prichard shoots on Edge vs Mick Foley at Wrestlemania| website=[[YouTube]]|access-date=July 31, 2019|date=December 27, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="lamont">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/mar/29/adam-copeland-wrestling|title=How I got my body&nbsp;— Adam 'Edge' Copeland|date=March 29, 2009|last=Lamont|first=Tom|access-date=March 30, 2009|publisher=[[guardian.co.uk]]|work=[[The Observer]]}}</ref> According to Copeland, the match with Foley proved him as a main eventer.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Van Vliet |first1=Chris |title=Edge On Facing Mick Foley At Wrestlemania 22 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNXyDpybYl4 |website=Youtube |date=July 15, 2024 |access-date=20 July 2024}}</ref> After losing a [[triple threat match]] at [[Backlash (2006)|Backlash]] for the WWE Championship,<ref>{{cite journal|last=Brown|first=Jeremy|title=Unholy Alliance|journal=WWE Raw|volume=12|date=July 2006|pages=44–51}}</ref> Edge teamed with Foley, pointing as [[WWE Hardcore Championship|Hardcore Champions]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Martin|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2006/1147761046.shtml|title=Raw Results – 5/15/06 – Lubbock, TX – (New IC Champion and more)|access-date=January 12, 2010|date=May 15, 2006|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> At [[ECW One Night Stand (2006)|ECW One Night Stand]] on June 11, Edge, Foley and Lita defeated Dreamer, [[Terry Funk]] and [[Beulah McGillicutty]] in an Extreme Rules tag team match.<ref name="One Night Stand 2006">{{cite web |last=Elliott |first=Brian |date=June 12, 2006 |title=ECW resurrected at PPV |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/06/12/1628639.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716020802/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/06/12/1628639.html |archive-date=2012-07-16 |access-date=February 13, 2009 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> Later in the event, Edge interfered in the WWE Championship match between John Cena and challenger [[Rob Van Dam]], helping Van Dam win the title after he speared Cena through a table.<ref name="One Night Stand 2006" />

[[File:Edge R.jpg|thumb|upright|Edge, pictured with his custom "Rated-R" Spinner belt, at [[Unforgiven (2006)|Unforgiven]] during his second [[WWE Championship]] reign]]
While Edge lost a match for the WWE title at [[Vengeance (2006)|Vengeance]] on June 25,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1151289839.shtml|title=Vengeance (Raw) PPV Results – 6/25/06 – Charlotte, NC (DX, more)|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=June 25, 2006|publisher=WrestleView|access-date=September 23, 2009}}</ref> he won the championship on the July 3 episode of ''Raw'' during a triple threat match.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ed|last=William III|title=Stolen Championship|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07032006/mainarticle|access-date=May 2, 2008|date=July 3, 2006|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> This angle re-ignited Edge's feud with Cena, retaining the title against him at [[SummerSlam (2006)|SummerSlam]] on August 20.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/08/21/1767711.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018034531/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/08/21/1767711.html|archive-date=October 18, 2015|title=Flair & Hogan top average SummerSlam|date=August 21, 2006|last=Plummer|first=Dale|author2=Tylwalk, Nick|access-date=February 13, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The night after SummerSlam, Lita disposed of Cena's customized "spinner" belt into the [[Long Island Sound]] and he unveiled the new "Rated-R" version of the belt.<ref name="August 21, 2006">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2006/1156217017.shtml|title=Raw Results – 8/21/06 – Bridgeport, CT (Foley fired, & New title belt)|last=Golden|first=Hunter|date=August 21, 2006|publisher=WrestleView|access-date=September 23, 2009}}</ref> Edge lost the title to Cena in a TLC match at [[Unforgiven (2006)|Unforgiven]] on September 17, a PPV that took place in Edge's hometown of Toronto.<ref name="Unforgiven '06">{{cite web|first=Dale|last=Plummer|author2=Brian Elliott|title=Unforgiven just averages out|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/09/18/pf-1857195.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530095919/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/09/18/pf-1857195.html|archive-date=May 30, 2015|access-date=December 25, 2010|date=September 18, 2006|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref>

==== Rated-RKO (2006–2007) ====
{{Main|Rated-RKO}}
[[File:RatedRKO.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Edge tagging with [[Randy Orton]] as [[Rated-RKO]] in 2006]]
On the October 2 episode of ''Raw'', interference from the newly reformed [[D-Generation X]] (DX) (Triple H and Shawn Michaels) cost Edge his "[[professional wrestling match types#Last Chance Match|final chance]]" at John Cena's WWE Championship in a [[Steel cage match]], though their interference was a response to the interference of [[Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Zack|last=Zeigler|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/09252006/mainarticle|title=SmackDown beatdown|access-date=December 26, 2007|date=September 25, 2006|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> It led to Edge approaching [[Randy Orton]] and asking him to join forces to defeat DX, which Orton accepted and joined an alliance with Edge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2006/1160450871.shtml|title=Raw Results – 10/9/06 – Columbia, SC ('Raw Family Reunion' Results)|last=Golden|first=Hunter|date=October 9, 2006|publisher=WrestleView|access-date=September 24, 2009}}</ref> The two formed the tag team [[Rated-RKO]].<ref name="cyber sunday block">{{cite web|first=Zack|last=Zeigler|url=http://www.thewrestlingtimes.com/2012/04/edges-contract-with-wwe-is-set-to.html|title=Edge's contract with WWE is set to expire on 5/1 – Edge wrestling on TNA soon !|access-date=December 28, 2007|date=October 9, 2006|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=December 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203153826/http://www.thewrestlingtimes.com/2012/04/edges-contract-with-wwe-is-set-to.html}}</ref> At [[Cyber Sunday (2006)|Cyber Sunday]] on November 5, Rated-RKO defeated DX with [[Eric Bischoff]] as the special guest referee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/11/06/2253314.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018034532/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/11/06/2253314.html|archive-date=October 18, 2015|title=K-Fed costs Cena at Cyber Sunday|date=November 6, 2006|last=Elliott|first=Brian|access-date=February 13, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the November 13 episode of ''Raw'', Rated-RKO defeated Ric Flair and [[Roddy Piper]] to win the World Tag Team Championship, making Edge a record eleven-time tag team champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/11132006/mainarticle|title=Rated-RKO Champions|date=November 13, 2006|first=Zack|last=Zeigler|access-date=January 6, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref name="rkoedgeteam">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/244843211|title=History of the World Tag Team Championship&nbsp;— Edge & Randy Orton|date=November 13, 2006|access-date=January 6, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515101600/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/244843211|archive-date=May 15, 2007|df=mdy-all}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (2006)|Survivor Series]] on November 26, Rated-RKO teamed with [[John Morrison (wrestler)|Johnny Nitro]], [[Mike Knox]] and [[Gregory Helms]] to face Team DX (Triple H, Shawn Michaels, CM Punk, Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy) in a Survivor Series match, but lost when all members of Team Rated-RKO were eliminated in a clean sweep.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1164599352.shtml|access-date=November 26, 2006|title=Survivor Series Results|publisher=WrestleView.com| date=March 17, 2008}}</ref> Also that month, Lita retired, and her on-screen relationship with Edge abruptly ended, with no explanation.

As part of the storyline angle, Rated-RKO attacked Ric Flair with steel chairs to enrage DX on the November 27 episode of ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2006/1164688191.shtml|title=Raw Results – 11/27/06 – Pittsburgh, PA (The Hardy Boyz Reunite...)|last=Golden|first=Hunter|date=November 27, 2006|publisher=WrestleView|access-date=September 24, 2009}}</ref> At [[New Year's Revolution (2007)|New Year's Revolution]] on January 7, 2007, Rated-RKO defended the World Tag Team Championship against DX, but the match was declared a no-contest when Triple H suffered a legitimate injury during the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/01/08/3235732.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018034532/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/01/08/3235732.html|archive-date=October 18, 2015|title=Cena retains, Triple H injured at Revolution|date=January 8, 2007|last=Plummer|first=Dale|author2=Tylwalk, Nick|access-date=February 13, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> At the [[Royal Rumble (2007)|Royal Rumble]] on January 28, Edge competed in the 30-man Royal Rumble match where he lasted the longest in the match with a time of 44 minutes, eliminating 5 men and making it to the final 4 in the match before getting eliminated by Shawn Michaels. With Triple H out of action, the team continued their on-screen rivalry with remaining DX member Shawn Michaels. Michaels teamed with John Cena to defeat Rated-RKO for the World Tag Team Championship on January 29, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/01/30/3481310.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310040113/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/01/30/3481310.html|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=Raw: HBK & Cena Trump Edge & Orton|last=Plummer|first=Dale|date=January 30, 2007|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=September 24, 2009}}</ref> Edge and Orton suffered a series of losses to Cena and Michaels in the following months. Edge competed in the Money in the Bank ladder match at [[WrestleMania 23]] on April 1 in a losing effort. During the match, Matt Hardy threw him onto a ladder and encouraged Jeff Hardy, who was close to the winning briefcase, to finish him off. Hardy then leaped off the 20-foot-high (6.1 m) ladder, and drove him through the ladder with a leg drop, seemingly injuring both Edge and himself. The two were unable to continue the match and were removed from ringside on stretchers.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|date=2007-04-01|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/04/15/4024168.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107155136/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/04/15/4024168.html|archive-date=January 7, 2016|title=Undertaker the champ, McMahon bald|access-date=2008-02-22|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>  After this Edge and Orton also became rivals in their goals of achieving the WWE Championship. Neither Edge nor Orton won the championship, and they lost their claims as number one contenders after a failed match with Cena at [[Backlash (2007)|Backlash]] on April 29.<ref>{{cite web|first=Brian|last=Elliott|date=April 29, 2007|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/04/29/4140920.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627071202/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/04/29/4140920.html|archive-date=June 27, 2015|title=No filler makes for a consistent Backlash|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports|access-date=September 24, 2009}}</ref>

==== La Familia (2007–2009) ====
{{Main|La Familia (professional wrestling)|l1=La Familia}}
After WrestleMania, it was revealed that the winner of the 2007 Money in the Bank contract, [[Mr. Kennedy]], suffered an injury, so WWE booked Edge to defeat him for the briefcase on the May 7 episode of ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2007/dec/02/mr_kennedy_endures_pitfalls23762/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090619043525/http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2007/dec/02/mr_kennedy_endures_pitfalls23762/|title='Mr. Kennedy' endures pitfalls|last=Mooneyham|first=Mike|work=[[The Post and Courier]]|date=December 2, 2007|archive-date=June 19, 2009|access-date=September 24, 2009}}</ref> Edge thus became the first person to gain the Money in the Bank contract twice and the first not to do so in the ladder match.<ref name="EdgeMitB2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/05072007/mainarticle|access-date=July 9, 2008|last=DiFino| first=Lennie|title=Gold digging|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> He cashed the briefcase four days later on ''[[SmackDown!]]'' against the  [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Champion]] [[The Undertaker]] after he retained the title against [[Dave Bautista|Batista]] in a steel cage match and was attacked by [[Mark Henry]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=WWE hits the buffers|first=Patrick|last=Lennon|date=May 11, 2007|journal=[[Daily Star (United Kingdom)|Daily Star]]}}</ref> As a result, Edge became a member of the SmackDown! roster. Edge then retained the title against Batista at [[WWE Judgment Day (2007)|Judgment Day]] on May 20,<ref>{{cite web|first=Brian|last=Elliott|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/05/21/4197038.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165455/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/05/21/4197038.html|archive-date=March 3, 2016|title=WWE just passes on Judgment Day|access-date=May 2, 2008|date=May 20, 2007|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> [[One Night Stand (2007)|One Night Stand]] on June 3 in a steel cage match,<ref>{{cite journal|first=Brett|last=Kaplan|title=Cena wins again; Hardys retain tag belts|date=June 4, 2007|journal=[[The Miami Herald]]}}</ref> and [[Vengeance: Night of Champions|Vengeance]] on June 24 in a last chance match, though he did lose to Batista in a non-title match on the June 29th, 2007 episode of ''SmackDown!'', to end the feud.<ref>{{cite web|first1=John|last1=Powell|last2=Powell|first2=Justin|title=Vengeance banal and badly booked|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/06/24/4287727.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519060127/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/06/24/4287727.html|archive-date=May 19, 2015|work=SLAM! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|date=June 25, 2007|access-date=November 6, 2007}}</ref> Edge then began a feud with [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] after SmackDown! General Manager [[Theodore Long]] announced Kane as the new number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship at [[The Great American Bash (2007)|The Great American Bash]] on July 22.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/smackdown/smackdown2006/1183778546.shtml|title=Smackdown Results – 7/6/07 – Dallas, TX (Edge & Kane&nbsp;— much more)|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=July 6, 2007|publisher=WrestleView|access-date=September 24, 2009}}</ref> Edge was forced to relinquish the World Heavyweight Championship due to a legitimately torn left [[Pectoralis major muscle|pectoral muscle]] on the July 20 episode of ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/07/21/4356566.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018034532/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/07/21/4356566.html|archive-date=October 18, 2015|title=Smackdown: A champion is crowned|date=July 21, 2007|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=February 26, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>

[[File:Edge Hawkins Ryder Milwaukee WI 031008.jpg|left|thumb|upright|Edge alongside [[Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder]], three principal members of [[La Familia (professional wrestling)|La Familia]]]]
On November 18, at [[Survivor Series (2007)|Survivor Series]], Edge made his return, interfering in a World Heavyweight Championship [[Hell in a Cell]] match between Batista and The Undertaker, helping Batista win the match.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|author2=Plummer, Dale|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/11/18/4666920.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519180931/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/11/18/4666920.html|archive-date=May 19, 2015|title=Survivor Series ends with an Edge|access-date=May 2, 2008|date=November 18, 2007|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The following ''SmackDown!'' show saw Edge and General Manager [[Vickie Guerrero]] make their relationship public,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/11232007/articles/ratedtfortombstone|title=Rated "T" for Tombstone|date=November 24, 2007|last=Dee|first=Louie|access-date=January 17, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> making his official in-ring return in a World Heavyweight Championship match against Batista on the November 30 episode of ''SmackDown!'', a match that ended after The Undertaker interfered.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/11302007/articles/threedoggednight|title=Three-dogged night|date=December 1, 2008|last=McAvennie|first=Mike|access-date=January 24, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> At [[Armageddon (2007)|Armageddon]] on December 16, Edge won his second World Heavyweight Championship, after giving The Undertaker two [[chair shot]]s and pinning the defending champion Batista (who had been [[Tombstone piledriver|Tombstoned]] by The Undertaker prior) in a Triple Threat match. During the match, [[the Major Brothers]], who looked similar to Edge, distracted Batista and Undertaker.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/12/17/4728475.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309205913/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/12/17/4728475.html|archive-date=March 9, 2016|title=Edge brings in the clones to win at Armageddon|date=December 17, 2007|last=Kapur|first=Bob|access-date=May 2, 2008|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>

As a champion, a stable was created, which included The Major Brothers, repackaged as [[Curt Hawkins]] and [[Zack Ryder]], [[Chavo Guerrero]], Vickie Guerrero and Bam Neely, being known as [[La Familia (professional wrestling)|La Familia]] (Spanish for "The Family"). Edge then successfully defended the World Heavyweight Championship over Rey Mysterio at the [[Royal Rumble (2008)|Royal Rumble]] on January 27, 2008<ref>{{cite web|first=Craig|last=Tello|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2008/matches/52676103211111/results/|title=All in the family|access-date=2008-01-29|date=2008-01-28|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> and again at [[No Way Out (2008)|No Way Out]] on February 17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2008/matches/6323422/results/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212215633/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2008/matches/6323422/results/|title=World Title's telltale hour|archive-date=February 12, 2010|access-date=February 17, 2008|last=Tello|first=Craig| publisher=WWE|date=February 17, 2008}}</ref>

[[File:Edge before his title defense at WrestleMania XXIV.jpg|thumb|upright|Edge before facing [[The Undertaker|Undertaker]] at WrestleMania XXIV in 2008]]
At [[WrestleMania XXIV]] on March 30, Edge lost the World Heavyweight Championship to The Undertaker when he tapped out to the [[Gogoplata|Hell's Gate]].<ref>{{cite journal|first=Scott|last=Fishman|title=A final bow for Flair|date=March 31, 2008|journal=[[The Miami Herald]]}}</ref> The match was booked for Edge to retain and break the Undertaker's streak, but Edge refused to win the match.<ref>{{Citation |title=🤯 EDGE REFUSED TO END UNDERTAKER'S STREAK |url=https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fF1m326NTas |access-date=2023-07-13 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-29 |title=Edge Refused To End The Undertaker's Streak: 'That Makes Zero Sense To Me' |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/edge-refused-end-undertaker-streak-200000244.html |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=Yahoo Entertainment |language=en-US}}</ref> In a WrestleMania rematch, The Undertaker defeated Edge once again at [[Backlash (2008)|Backlash]] on April 27 to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=2009-01-03|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/04/28/5407546.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160629140409/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/04/28/5407546.html|archive-date=June 29, 2016|title=HHH reigns again after Backlash|work=canoe.com |publisher=Canoe: Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Following Backlash, The Undertaker was stripped of the World Heavyweight Championship by Vickie Guerrero for using the Hell's Gate, which she previously banned.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05022008/articles/titleturmoil|title=Title turmoil|date=May 2, 2008|last=Dee|first=Louis|access-date=May 3, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> After winning a tournament to determine who would face The Undertaker for the vacant championship,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Passero|first1=Mitch|last2=Martin|first2=Adam|date=2008-05-09|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/smackdown/smackdown2008/1210444309.shtml|title=Smackdown Results - 5/9/08 - London, Ontario - ('World Title' chase)|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|work=WrestleView|access-date=2008-09-25}}</ref> the two met at [[WWE Judgment Day (2008)|Judgment Day]] on May 18, which ended in Edge losing via countout. However, since championships cannot change hands via countout, no champion was crowned.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bob|last=Kapur|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/05/18/5609326.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630141635/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/05/18/5609326.html|archive-date=June 30, 2015|title=Judgment Day spoils streak of good shows|access-date=June 16, 2008|date=May 18, 2008|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> A rematch was scheduled for [[One Night Stand (2008)|One Night Stand]] on June 1, in a [[TLC match]]. On the May 23 episode of ''SmackDown'', Vickie Guerrero added a stipulation that stated if The Undertaker were to lose, he would be [[kayfabe]] [[Professional wrestling match types#Loser Leaves Town match|banished]] from the WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-wwe-smackdown-report-05-23-08/|title=411's WWE Smackdown Report 05.23.08|work=411mania.com|first=Larry|last=Conska|date=May 23, 2008|access-date=January 20, 2019}}</ref> At One Night Stand, Edge defeated The Undertaker, winning the World Heavyweight Championship for the third time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/05/30/5721341.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005001716/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/05/30/5721341.html|archive-date=October 5, 2015|title=One Night Stand WWE's best this year|date=May 30, 2008|last=Mackinder|first=Matt|access-date=March 28, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>

On June 29, Edge retained his championship against Batista at [[Night of Champions (2008)|Night of Champions]], after interference from La Familia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_26077.shtml|title=Keller's WWE Night Of The Champions PPV Report 6/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of event|date=September 29, 2008|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|access-date=September 28, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', Edge appeared to gloat that two of the top championships were on SmackDown, as WWE Champion [[Triple H]] was drafted to SmackDown in the [[2008 WWE draft|WWE draft]] earlier that week. A vengeful Batista then appeared and incapacitated Edge with the [[Batista Bomb]]. Just as Batista was leaving, [[CM Punk]] ran to the ring carrying his Money in the Bank briefcase, with referee in tow, who then cashed in the briefcase. Edge, who was still knocked down from the attack by Batista, was easily pinned by Punk after a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Go 2 Sleep|Go To Sleep]], losing the World Heavyweight Championship. Due to this win, the championship became exclusive to the Raw brand.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06232008/mainarticle |title=A Draft Disaster |date=July 1, 2008 |last=Sitterson |first=Aubrey |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |access-date=July 1, 2008 |df=mdy }}</ref>

On the July 4 episode of ''SmackDown'', Edge took his frustrations out on Vickie because he lost the title and told her the wedding was off.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07042008/mainarticle|access-date=July 12, 2008|last=Passero|first=Mitch|title=A champion scorned|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> The following week, however, after Guerrero saved Edge from a con-chair-to by [[Big Show (wrestler)|The Big Show]], Edge re-proposed, and the wedding was back on.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/results/|access-date=July 12, 2008|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|title=SmackDown&nbsp;— Eternal Love?|work=WWE | publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> On the July 18 episode of ''SmackDown'', at the wedding reception, Triple H came out and showed a video of Edge cheating on Guerrero the day before with the wedding planner, [[Alicia Fox]]. At [[The Great American Bash (2008)|The Great American Bash]] on July 20, Edge faced Triple H for the WWE Championship in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2008/1216608570.shtml|title=Great American Bash PPV Results – 7/20 – Long Island (HHH & Edge)|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=July 20, 2008|publisher=WrestleView|access-date=September 28, 2009}}</ref> Edge attempted to apologize to Guerrero, but she revealed to him that she had rehired The Undertaker and that Edge would face him in a Hell in a Cell match at [[SummerSlam (2008)|SummerSlam]] on August 17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07252008/mainarticle|access-date=August 8, 2008|date=August 25, 2008|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|title=SmackDown: A woman's scorn, a Deadman reborn|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> Edge then turned on La Familia during the August 8 episode of ''SmackDown'', performing a one-man con-chair-to on Chavo Guerrero in the ring, and tossed Vickie out of her wheelchair, effectively disbanding the faction.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/results/|access-date=August 12, 2008|date=August 8, 2008|last=Passero|first=Mitch|title=Edge's descent into darkness|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> At SummerSlam, The Undertaker defeated Edge, and after the match, The Undertaker [[chokeslam]]med Edge off the top of a ladder and through the ring canvas, with flames rising from the hole.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2008/matches/6541940/|access-date=February 5, 2009|title=Unleashed in Hell|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|date=August 17, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110420020439/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2008/matches/6541940|archive-date=April 20, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

[[File:Edge Raises WWE Title.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Edge celebrating after winning his fourth [[WWE Championship]]]]
On November 23, at [[Survivor Series (2008)|Survivor Series]], Edge returned to WWE after an introduction by SmackDown General Manager and his on-screen wife Vickie Guerrero, replacing Jeff Hardy in the Triple Threat match for the WWE Championship involving champion Triple H and [[Vladimir Kozlov]]. He pinned Triple H to become the WWE Champion for the [[List of WWE World Champions|third time]] in his career.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/11/24/7514611.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519022414/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/11/24/7514611.html|archive-date=May 19, 2015|title=Two new world champs at dull Survivor Series|last=Plummer|first=Dale|author2=Nick Tylwalk|date=November 24, 2008|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=October 23, 2009}}</ref> Edge lost the title to Hardy at [[Armageddon (2008)|Armageddon]] on December 14 in a triple threat match, which also featured Triple H.<ref>{{cite journal|first=Dustin|last=Watson|title=The Wrestling Genius: Brotherly history|journal=[[Observer-Dispatch]]}}</ref> At the [[Royal Rumble (2009)|Royal Rumble]] on January 25, 2009, however, Edge regained the title in a no disqualification match, following [[Matt Hardy]]'s interference.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2009/matches/9055494/|title=Hardy's twisted fate brings gold to Edge|date=January 25, 2009|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|access-date=January 26, 2009|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> At [[No Way Out (2009)|No Way Out]] on February 15, Edge lost the WWE Championship in an Elimination Chamber match after being pinned by Jeff Hardy, being the first to be eliminated, with the title eventually being won by Triple H.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/matches/9253224/results/|access-date=February 28, 2009|date=February 15, 2009|title=Regaining the throne|last=Passero|first=Mitch|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=March 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304074552/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/matches/9253224/results/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Later that night, Edge inserted himself into the World Heavyweight Championship Elimination Chamber match after attacking [[Kofi Kingston]] and barricading himself inside one of the chamber's pods, proceeding to win his fourth World Heavyweight Championship, last eliminating Rey Mysterio and taking the title over to SmackDown.<ref name="nicks">{{cite web|url=http://www2.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/matches/9229100/results/|access-date=February 28, 2009|last=Tello|first=Craig|title=Shameless in Seattle|date=February 15, 2009|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228032120/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/matches/9229100/results/|archive-date=February 28, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania 25]] on April 5, Edge lost the championship to [[John Cena]] in a Triple Threat match, which also included Big Show (causing the title to go back to Raw),<ref>{{cite journal|first=Scott|last=Fishman|title=HBK, Taker strike gold at WWE WrestleMania's silver anniversary|date=April 6, 2009|journal=[[The Miami Herald]]}}</ref> but regained the championship for a fifth time at [[Backlash (2009)|Backlash]] on April 26, when he defeated Cena in a [[Last Man Standing match]], after interference by Big Show, bringing the title back to SmackDown.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/9808960/results/|access-date=April 26, 2009|date=April 26, 2009|last=Passero|first=Mitch|title=Fueled by hatred and desperation|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=April 28, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428163904/http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/9808960/results/|url-status=dead}}</ref> After a successful defense against Jeff Hardy at [[WWE Judgment Day (2009)|Judgment Day]] on May 17,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/matches/9587726/results/|access-date=August 10, 2009|date=May 17, 2009|last=Passero|first=Mitch|title=Game changer|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> he lost the title to Hardy at [[Extreme Rules (2009)|Extreme Rules]] on June 7 in a ladder match. While Hardy was celebrating, CM Punk cashed in his Money in the Bank and defeated Hardy to win the World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|first=Matt|last=Mackinder|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/06/07/9711341.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721223955/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/06/07/9711341.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 21, 2012|title=Extreme Rules sees many title changes, but fails to live up to its name|access-date=April 4, 2010|date=June 7, 2009|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Guerrero resigned as the Raw General Manager due to being humiliated, and Edge came out to apologize. Instead, however, he confessed he married Guerrero only because she had authoritative powers as the General Manager, and sought a [[divorce]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/06/08/9731446.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702133009/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/06/08/9731446.html|archive-date=July 2, 2015|title=RAW: Batista hurt, Vickie quits, Triple H returns|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|first=Dave|last=Plummer|date=June 8, 2009|access-date=January 21, 2019}}</ref> On the June 15 episode of ''Raw'', Edge received his rematch for the World Heavyweight Championship in a triple threat match against both Hardy and Punk, but was pinned by Punk.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06152009/mainarticle|title=Trumping the competition|publisher=[[WWE]]|date=June 15, 2009|access-date=January 21, 2010}}</ref>

Edge won the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship (the unified version of the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|World Tag Team Championship]] from the Raw brand and the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Championship]] from the SmackDown brand) with [[Chris Jericho]] at [[The Bash]] on June 28 after he and Jericho were inserted into what was originally a match between reigning champions [[The Colóns (2002–2010)|The Colóns]] and [[The Legacy (professional wrestling)|Legacy]]. The win made Edge a record-setting 12 time World Tag Team Champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thebash/matches/10535742/results/|access-date=August 10, 2009|date=July 28, 2009|last=Adkins|first=Greg|title=Uninvited guests|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051813/http://www.wwe.com/shows/thebash/matches/10535742/results|url-status=dead}}</ref> On July 3, Edge suffered a torn [[Achilles tendon]] while competing at a live event in San Diego in a match against Jeff Hardy, and later underwent surgery. It was reported that he could be out of action for up to a year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/news/10773900|title=Edge undergoes surgery|publisher=WWE|date=July 7, 2009|access-date=July 13, 2009}}</ref> During Edge's absence, Jericho replaced him with Big Show (forming [[Jeri-Show]]) and Jericho began to speak badly of Edge, mocking him for his injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/12/14/12156476.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208154349/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/12/14/12156476.html|archive-date=December 8, 2015|title=RAW: Dennis Miller, Slammys can't save three-hour show|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|first=Dave|last=Plummer|date=December 14, 2009|access-date=January 20, 2010}}</ref>

==== Record-breaking World Heavyweight Champion (2010–2011) ====
At the [[Royal Rumble (2010)|Royal Rumble]] pay-per-view event on January 31, 2010, Edge returned from injury by entering the [[Royal Rumble#Match|Royal Rumble match]] as the twenty-ninth surprise entrant, where he won the Royal Rumble match for the first time in his career, after last eliminating John Cena.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/matches/9887158/results/|title=Results: Opportunity shocks|first=Ryan|last=Murphy|date=January 31, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=February 1, 2010|archive-date=February 4, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204093357/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/matches/9887158/results/|url-status=dead}}</ref> At [[Elimination Chamber (2010)|Elimination Chamber]] on February 21, after Chris Jericho won the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]], Edge challenged Jericho for the World Heavyweight Championship at [[WrestleMania XXVI]] after a surprise attack on Jericho, turning [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] for the first time since 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02222010/mainarticle|title=Taking the bull by the horns| first=Greg|last=Adkins|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|date=February 22, 2010|access-date=March 29, 2010}}</ref> At WrestleMania on March 28, Edge failed to win the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania26/2010/03/29/13391706.html|author1=Plummer, Dale|author2=Tylwalk, Nick|title=Undertaker ends Shawn Michaels' career in thrilling rematch to cap off Wrestlemania XXVI|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports|access-date=April 4, 2010|date=March 29, 2010|archive-date=June 30, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630024236/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania26/2010/03/29/13391706.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Edge defeated Jericho in a steel cage match at [[Extreme Rules (2010)|Extreme Rules]] on April 25, ending their feud.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/history/2010/matches/14169130/|title=Results: No escape for Chris Jericho|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=April 26, 2010|date=April 25, 2010}}</ref>

On April 26, as part of the [[2010 WWE draft]], Edge was drafted to the Raw brand, also costing Randy Orton a title shot, by spearing him in a triple threat match against [[Dave Batista|Batista]] and [[Sheamus]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Dale|last=Plummer|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/04/26/13731411.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714163634/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/04/26/13731411.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=Raw: Feeling a draft|access-date=May 3, 2010|date=April 26, 2010|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> On the April 30 episode of ''SmackDown'', Edge said goodbye to the SmackDown fans. However, Edge turned on the fans by calling them "puppets" for chanting for him and later tried a sneak attack on his former tag team partner Christian, thus turning [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] once again.<ref>{{cite web|first=Dave|last=Hillhouse|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/01/13790226.html|title=Smackdown!: Comings and goings|access-date=May 3, 2010|date=May 1, 2010|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports|archive-date=July 13, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713161004/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/01/13790226.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Edge began a feud with Randy Orton, with both Edge and Orton gaining the upper hand over one another. Much of the antagonism stemmed of Orton's refusal to re-form Rated-RKO with Edge, as Edge wanted to pursue the tag team titles he had been stripped of.<ref>{{cite web|first=James|last=Caldwell|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_41382.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 5/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of commercial-free Raw – Buzz Aldrin, Bret Hart vs. The Miz|access-date=June 9, 2011|date=May 17, 2010|publisher=PWTorch}}</ref> Edge and Orton met in a match at the [[Over the Limit (2010)|Over the Limit]] pay-per-view on May 23, with the match resulting in a double countout.<ref>{{cite news|first=Kevin|last=Eck|url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2010/05/over_the_limit_thoughts.html|title=Ring Posts: Over the Limit thoughts|access-date=June 9, 2010|date=May 24, 2010|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|archive-date=April 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409135747/http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2010/05/over_the_limit_thoughts.html}}</ref> At [[WWE Fatal 4-Way|Fatal 4-Way]] on June 20, Edge participated in a fatal four-way match that also included Orton, John Cena, and Sheamus for the WWE Championship, though Edge failed to win the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2010/06/fatal_fourway_thoughts.html#more|title=Fatal Fourway thoughts|date=June 21, 2010|last=Eck|first=Kevin|access-date=July 21, 2010|work=The Baltimore Sun|archive-date=April 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409135819/http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2010/06/fatal_fourway_thoughts.html#more}}</ref> Edge then participated in the Raw Money in the Bank ladder match at the [[Money in the Bank (2010)|Money in the Bank]] pay-per-view on July 18, but failed to win the briefcase, as it was won by [[The Miz]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/matches/14863112/results/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722063727/http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/matches/14863112/results/|title="Miz-ter" Money in the Bank|work=WWE |access-date=July 19, 2010|archive-date=July 22, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> Edge then went on to participate in the main event of [[SummerSlam (2010)|SummerSlam]] on August 15 in a seven-on-seven elimination tag team match against [[The Nexus (professional wrestling)|The Nexus]]. Although he was eliminated by [[Heath Slater]], his team was victorious.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2010/08/summerslam_thoughts_3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819034832/http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2010/08/summerslam_thoughts_3.html|title=SummerSlam thoughts|date=August 16, 2010|last=Eck|first=Kevin|access-date=August 16, 2010|archive-date=August 19, 2010|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref> On the 900th episode of ''Raw'', Edge disqualified himself in the main event in a five-on-five elimination match against The Nexus. This saw him enter into a feud with the [[anonymous Raw General Manager]], during which the general manager cost him several matches. At [[Night of Champions (2010)|Night of Champions]] on September 19, Edge participated in a six-pack elimination challenge for the WWE Championship, but once again failed to win the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/matches/15463384/results/|title=Results: Fanging on for dear life|work=WWE |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=2010-09-19}}</ref>
[[File:Edge after wins the royal rumble.jpg|left|thumb|Edge after winning [[Royal Rumble (2010)|2010 Royal Rumble]]]]
At the [[Hell in a Cell (2010)|Hell in a Cell]] pay-per-view on October 3, Edge defeated [[Jack Swagger]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/10/04/15571526.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310032704/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/10/04/15571526.html|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=Hell in a Cell: Betrayal, fan interference, and flying shoes|work=SLAM! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|first=Dave|last=Hillhouse|date=October 3, 2010|access-date=January 16, 2019}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', he was traded back to SmackDown for CM Punk, due to him destroying the Anonymous Raw General Manager's computer, turning [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] once again.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_44265.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007212018/https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_44265.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 10/4: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Raw with Hell in a Cell fall-out - John Cena joins Nexus|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|first=James|last=Caldwell|archive-date=October 7, 2010|access-date=January 16, 2019}}</ref> On the October 15 episode of ''SmackDown'', he defeated [[Dolph Ziggler]] to become part of Team SmackDown at [[Bragging Rights (2010)|Bragging Rights]]. At Bragging Rights on October 24, Edge won the match for Team SmackDown alongside [[Rey Mysterio]], eliminating R-Truth, John Morrison and The Miz.

On the October 29 episode of ''SmackDown'', Edge defeated Rey Mysterio and [[Alberto Del Rio]] to become the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship at [[Survivor Series (2010)|Survivor Series]]. On the November 12 episode of ''SmackDown'', Edge lost his match with [[David Otunga]], thanks to [[Paul Bearer]]'s interference. Edge then kidnapped Bearer and used him to cost Kane his match with [[Big Show]]. The following week, Edge tortured Paul Bearer, forcing him to play dodgeball and force-feeding him, planning to wear down Kane. He then ambushed Kane in the garage when he was a few feet from Paul Bearer and drove away with his hostage. At Survivor Series on November 21, Edge failed to win the title after the referee determined the match a draw, due to both men pinning each other at the same time.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/matches/16147578/results/|title=Results:Shoulder blocked|newspaper=Wwe|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=2010-11-21}}</ref> At [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2010)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] on December 19, Edge defeated [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]], [[Rey Mysterio]], and [[Alberto Del Rio]] in a four-way [[Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match]] to win the World Heavyweight Championship for a record sixth time and making him a ten time World Champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/12/20/16615521.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106005631/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/12/20/16615521.html|archive-date=November 6, 2015|title=TLC delivers highs, lows and a new champ|date=December 20, 2010|last=Sokol|first=Bryan|access-date=December 20, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Edge then defended the World Heavyweight Championship against Kane in a winning effort in a Last Man Standing match on the January 7, 2011 episode of ''SmackDown'', thus ending their feud.

[[File:Edge y christian destrozando el coche de Del Rio.jpg|thumb|right|Edge destroying [[Alberto Del Rio]]'s car after their match at [[WrestleMania XXVII]]]]
At the [[Royal Rumble (2011)|Royal Rumble]] on January 30, Edge successfully defended his World Heavyweight Championship against [[Dolph Ziggler]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/currentepisode/16818814|title=Irrepressible Spear|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=January 30, 2011}}</ref> On the [[List of WWE SmackDown special episodes|600th episode of ''SmackDown'']] on February 18, acting General Manager Guerrero fired Edge in storyline, and awarded the World Heavyweight Championship to her on-screen boyfriend Ziggler. SmackDown General Manager [[Theodore Long]] returned later that night, and rehired Edge. Edge then defeated Ziggler to become the World Heavyweight Champion for the record seventh and final time, his 11th world championship overall.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|title=Smackdown: 600 birthday smacks|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/19/17338356.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705233503/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/19/17338356.html|archive-date=July 5, 2015|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=2011-02-20|date=2011-02-19}}</ref> At the [[Elimination Chamber (2011)|Elimination Chamber]] pay-per-view on February 20, Edge successfully defended his World Heavyweight Championship in an Elimination Chamber match by finally pinning Rey Mysterio. After he won the match, he was attacked by Royal Rumble winner Alberto Del Rio, but was saved by the returning Christian.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_47887.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Elimination Chamber PPV Results 2/20: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Miz vs. Lawler, two Chamber matches|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2011-02-20|access-date=2011-02-21}}</ref> [[Edge and Christian]] briefly reunited to defeat Del Rio and his bodyguard [[Brodus Clay]] on the March 11 episode of ''SmackDown''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/12/17591736.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309145026/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/12/17591736.html|archive-date=March 9, 2016|title=Smackdown: Less rock, more talk|date=2011-03-11|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=2011-03-22|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania XXVII]] on April 3, Edge successfully defended the World Heavyweight Championship against Del Rio.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania27/2011/04/03/17863646.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016212345/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania27/2011/04/03/17863646.html|archive-date=October 16, 2015|title=The Rock costs Cena as The Miz retains at WrestleMania XXVII|date=April 3, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=April 4, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>

==== First retirement and WWE Hall of Famer (2011–2019) ====
On the April 11 episode of ''Raw'', Edge gave an emotional speech about his career and the realities of wrestling. He reflected upon his previous neck injury and cervical vertebral fusion, and stated that he had felt numbness in his arms. He passed basic-strength tests prior to WrestleMania, but WWE had urged him for further testing and an MRI result forced him to retire. This was diagnosed as [[cervical spinal stenosis]], and doctors would not clear him to compete, for risk of neck-down paralysis or even death should he take a hard enough fall.<ref name="Retire">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/edge-announcement|title=Injury forces Edge to retire|publisher=WWE|first=Greg|last=Adkins|date=April 11, 2011|access-date=April 11, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_49219.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/11: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live Raw - Gauntlet match, Edge "retirement" tease, Ross back on TV|date=April 11, 2011|access-date=February 14, 2018|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/20220/|title=Major star announces retirement; Extreme Rules main event|date=April 11, 2011|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|access-date=April 12, 2011|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413052029/http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/20220/ |archive-date= Apr 13, 2011 }}</ref> Later that same week, on the April 15 episode of ''SmackDown'', Edge officially relinquished the World Heavyweight Championship, retiring as the World Heavyweight Champion while recapping his announcement and expressing gratitude over this happening now rather than when it was too late.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_49335.shtml|title= Cupach's WWE Smackdown Report 4/15: Look-back to last week's Smackdown - Edge's farewell, battle royal |date=Apr 22, 2011 |first1=Michael |last1=Cupach |website=PWTorch.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820182829/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_49335.shtml |archive-date= Aug 20, 2023 }}</ref>

On the April 22 episode of ''SmackDown'', Edge interrupted Alberto Del Rio's mock retirement party for him.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_49523.shtml|title= Parks' WWE Smackdown Report 4/22: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Alberto Del Rio's retirement party for Edge|website=PWTorch.com |date=Apr 22, 2011 |first1=Greg |last1=Parks |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404174109/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_49523.shtml |archive-date= Apr 4, 2023 }}</ref> At [[Extreme Rules (2011)|Extreme Rules]] on May 1, Edge helped his friend Christian defeat Del Rio in a ladder match to win the vacant World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_49726.shtml|title= Caldwell'S WWE Extreme Rules PPV Results 5/1: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - three title changes and a host of gimmick matches|website=PWTorch.com |date=May 1, 2011 |first1=James |last1=Caldwell |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502180507/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_49726.shtml |archive-date= May 2, 2023 }}</ref> At [[SummerSlam (2011)|SummerSlam]] on August 14, Edge was in Christian's corner for his [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]] defense against [[Randy Orton]] but, disappointed by the cowardly tactics Christian used to win his second World Heavyweight Championship, berated him and walked out on him. Christian then lost the title to Orton for a second time.<ref>{{cite web|last=Passero|first=Mitch|title=Randy Orton def. Christian in a No Holds Barred Match (New World Heavyweight Champion)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2011/randy-orton-christian |date=August 14, 2011 |publisher=WWE|access-date=August 16, 2011}}</ref> On the September 16 episode of ''SmackDown'', in his hometown of Toronto, Edge hosted ''The Cutting Edge'' between [[Mark Henry]] and the World Heavyweight Champion, Randy Orton. After the show went off the air, they held ''Edge Appreciation Night'' to celebrate his career.
[[File:Edge_and_Christian_April_2018_crop.jpg|right|thumb|Edge and [[Christian Cage|Christian]] inducting [[The Dudley Boyz]] to the [[WWE Hall of Fame (2018)|Hall Of Fame 2018]]|upright]]
On March 31, 2012, Edge was inducted into the [[WWE Hall of Fame]] by Christian, during [[WrestleMania XXVIII]] weekend.<ref name="Edge">{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/inductees/edge|title=Edge|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=January 9, 2012}}</ref> Edge made a surprise appearance on the April 23 episode of ''Raw SuperShow'', confronting his long-time rival [[John Cena]] about [[Brock Lesnar]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-04-23/wwe-raw-supershow-results|title=Raw Results |author=Tom Herrera|date=April 23, 2012|publisher=WWE |access-date=April 24, 2012}}</ref> On the September 21 episode of ''SmackDown'', Edge made an appearance addressing [[Team Hell No]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Cupach|first=Michael|title=Cupach's WWE Smackdown Report 9/21: Alt. perspective review of Edge returning, Tag Champs dominating, Mike's Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_65405.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 30, 2012}}</ref> Edge returned on the September 9, 2013, episode of ''Raw'' in his hometown of Toronto where he hosted his talk show ''The Cutting Edge'' having [[Daniel Bryan]] as his special guest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-09-09/wwe-raw-results-26146920|title=Raw results: Orton shatters Goldust's dreams, but Bryan gets the last laugh|work=WWE |access-date=August 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130913094842/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-09-09/wwe-raw-results-26146920|archive-date=September 13, 2013}}</ref>

Edge insulted Triple H in the segment, who retaliated by sending The Shield to attack Edge's friend Christian. Later that week, Edge hosted ''The Cutting Edge'' on the September 13 episode of ''SmackDown'', where he mocked Randy Orton and watched as Orton's attack on Bryan backfired.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_73348.shtml|title=PARKS'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 9/13: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton on The Cutting Edge|publisher=PWTorch|first=Greg|last=Parks|date=September 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130918045356/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_73348.shtml|archive-date=September 18, 2013}}</ref> Edge and Christian hosted the December 29, 2014 episode of ''Raw'', where they held the first ever ''Cutting Edge Peep Show'' interviewing [[Seth Rollins]], who, along with [[Big Show]], attacked them.  Rollins held Edge hostage, thus forcing John Cena to reinstate [[The Authority (professional wrestling)|the Authority]]. When Rollins tried to break Edge's neck anyway, Cena ended up making the save.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Keller|first1=Wade|title=Keller's WWE Raw report 12/29: Lesnar and Heyman show up, Ziggler vs. Rusev in a champion vs. champion match, Edge & Christian host, Bryan's big announcement|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_82500.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=December 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230161915/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_82500.shtml|archive-date=December 30, 2014}}</ref> Edge returned on the January 2 episode of ''SmackDown'' and with The Authority back in power, apologized to the pair for the Seth Rollins attack.

Edge and Christian appeared in a backstage segment on the September 7 episode of ''Raw'', where they were seen playing their trademark kazoos after a confrontation with Rollins. They later became involved in an altercation with The New Day and The Dudley Boyz. In 2016, Edge and Christian began hosting the WWE Network Show, "The Edge and Christian Show That Totally Reeks of Awesomeness", a second season would eventually go on to air.

On February 15, 2016, it was announced Edge and Christian would host an installment of ''The Cutting Edge Peep Show'' at [[Fastlane (2016)|Fastlane]] with The New Day as their special guests. At the event, Edge and Christian joined forces with The New Day against The League of Nations with The New Day completing a 'Face turn'. On November 15, 2016, on the 900th episode of ''SmackDown'', Edge hosted a special edition of ''The Cutting Edge'' with the men's SmackDown [[Survivor Series (2016)|Survivor Series]] team members as his guests and was later interrupted by the returning [[The Undertaker|Undertaker]]. He later reunited with his 'Edgeheads' [[Zack Ryder]] and [[Curt Hawkins]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|title=WWE Smackdown Results – 11/15/16 (Live from Wilkes-Barre, 900th episode, The Undertaker and Edge return)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/69572-wwe-smackdown-results-111516-live-wilkes-barre-900th-episode-undertaker-edge-return/|work=WrestleView|date=November 15, 2016|access-date=November 15, 2016}}</ref> Edge was present at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony in 2017 as his wife [[Beth Phoenix]] was inducted. On April 7, 2018, Edge and Christian inducted the Dudley Boyz into the WWE Hall of Fame.<ref>{{cite web|title=Edge & Christian to induct The Dudley Boyz into the WWE Hall of Fame|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-hall-of-fame/wwe-hall-of-fame-2018/article/edge-christian-induct-dudley-boyz-wwe-hall-of|publisher=WWE|access-date=March 21, 2018}}</ref> Later that year on October 16 at the [[List of WWE SmackDown special episodes|1,000th episode of ''SmackDown'']], Edge hosted ''The Cutting Edge'' with [[SmackDown Women's Champion]] [[Becky Lynch]] as his guest.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/10/16/10-9-wwe-smackdown-report-kellers-report-on-smackdown-1000-including-evolution-reuniting-rey-mysterio-vs-shinsuke-miz-vs-rusev-batista-ric-flair/|title=10/9 WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT: Keller's report on Smackdown 1000 including Evolution reuniting, Rey Mysterio vs. Shinsuke, Miz vs. Rusev, Batista, Ric Flair|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|author=Wade Keller|date=October 16, 2018|access-date=October 16, 2018}}</ref>

At the [[SummerSlam (2019)|SummerSlam]] pay-per-view event on August 11, 2019, Edge interrupted [[Elias (wrestler)|Elias]]' performance and performed a [[Professional wrestling strikes#Spear|spear]] on him, engaging in physical wrestling for the first time since his retirement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2019/edge-returns-to-summerslam-to-spear-elias|title=Edge Returns To Summerslam to Spear Elias|work=wwe.com|date=August 11, 2019|access-date=August 11, 2018}}</ref> This sparked rumours that Edge had been medically cleared to wrestle, which he denied.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-news-rumors-edge-denies-recent-talk-of-potential-in-ring-return-to-the-company/|title=WWE news, rumors: Edge denies recent talk of potential in-ring return to the company|work=[[CBS Sports]]|first=Brent|last=Brookhouse|date=December 20, 2019|access-date=December 21, 2019}}</ref>

==== In-ring return and Universal Championship pursuits (2020–2022) ====
At the [[2020 Royal Rumble]] on January 26, Edge entered the [[Royal Rumble match|Men's Royal Rumble match]] at the number 21 spot to the loudest crowd reaction of the show, competing in his first [[professional wrestling]] match after a nine-year retirement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/edge-shakes-up-the-wwe-universe-with-shocking-royal-rumble-return|title=Edge shakes up the WWE Universe with shocking Royal Rumble return|work=wwe.com|date=January 27, 2020|access-date=January 27, 2020}}</ref> He eliminated three participants, including former teammate [[Randy Orton]], before being eliminated by [[Roman Reigns]].<ref name="RR2020">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt vs. Daniel Bryan in a strap match for the WWE Universal Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Asuka for the Raw Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/01/26/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-the-fiend-bray-wyatt-vs-daniel-bryan-in-a-strap-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-becky-lynch-vs-asuka-for-th/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 26, 2020|access-date=January 26, 2020}}</ref> The following night on ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'', Edge was attacked by Orton,<ref name="Raw01272020">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=01/27 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Edge's return, Royal Rumble winners Drew McIntyre and Charlotte Flair, Seth Rollins and Buddy Murphy vs. Samoa Joe and Kevin Owens for the Raw Tag Titles, Liv Morgan vs. Lana |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/01/27/01-27-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-edges-return-royal-rumble-winners-drew-mcintyre-and-charlotte-flair-seth-rollins-and-buddy-murphy-vs-samoa-joe-and-kevin-owens-for-the-raw-tag-titles-l/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=January 28, 2020|date=January 27, 2020}}</ref> leading to a [[Last Man Standing match]] between them on the second night of [[WrestleMania 36]] on April 5, which Edge won.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Edge def. Randy Orton (Last Man Standing Match)|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-36/edge-vs-randy-orton-results|work=WWE|date=April 5, 2020|access-date=April 5, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WrestleMania 36 results: Powell's live review of Night Two featuring Brock Lesnar vs. Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship, John Cena vs. "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt in a Firefly Funhouse match, Edge vs. Randy Orton in a Last Man Standing match, Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair for the NXT Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/04/05/wrestlemania-36-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-featuring-brock-lesnar-vs-drew-mcintyre-for-the-wwe-championship-john-cena-vs-the-fiend-bray-wyatt-in-a-firefly-funhouse-match/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 5, 2020|access-date=April 5, 2020}}</ref> They had another match at [[Backlash (2020)|Backlash]] on June 14, where Orton was victorious.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WWE Backlash results: Powell's review of Edge vs. Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre vs. Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship, Asuka vs. Nia Jax for the Raw Women's Championship, Braun Strowman vs. The Miz and John Morrison for the WWE Universal Championship, Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/06/14/wwe-backlash-results-powells-review-of-edge-vs-randy-orton-drew-mcintyre-vs-bobby-lashley-for-the-wwe-championship-asuka-vs-nia-jax-for-the-raw-womens-championship-braun-strowman-vs-the-mi/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=June 14, 2020|access-date=June 14, 2020}}</ref> During the match, Edge suffered a torn triceps<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/edge-injury-update-torn-triceps|title=Edge suffers torn tricep|publisher=wwe.com|date=June 16, 2020}}</ref> and it was reported that the injury would sideline him for four to eight months.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/edge-injured-torn-triceps-wwe-confirms|title=WWE Confirms Edge Underwent Successful Surgery For A Torn Triceps|publisher=Pro Wrestling Sheet|date=June 16, 2020}}</ref> After a seven-month hiatus, Edge returned on the January 25, 2021 episode of ''Raw'', where he declared that he would enter the [[Royal Rumble (2021)|2021 Royal Rumble match]],<ref name="Raw01252021">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/25/1-25-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-drew-mcintyre-and-goldbergs-face-to-face-meeting-asuka-vs-alexa-bliss-for-the-raw-womens-championship-charlotte-flair-vs-shayna-baszler-riddle-v/|title=1/25 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Drew McIntyre and Goldberg's face to face meeting, Asuka vs. Alexa Bliss for the Raw Women's Championship, Charlotte Flair vs. Shayna Baszler, Riddle vs. MVP, Cedric Alexander, and Shelton Benjamin in a gauntlet match, final Royal Rumble hype|date=January 25, 2021|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=January 30, 2021}}</ref> which he won after entering first, by last eliminating Orton.<ref name="Powell">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Drew McIntyre vs. Goldberg for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens in a Last Man Standing match for the WWE Universal Championship, Sasha Banks vs. Carmella for the Smackdown Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/31/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-drew-mcintyre-vs-goldberg-for-the-wwe-championship-roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-last-man-standing-match-for-the-wwe/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 31, 2021|access-date=January 31, 2021}}</ref> With this victory, Edge became the eighth man to win the Royal Rumble match twice, the third to win it from the number one position, and the first to win it after being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.<ref name="Powell"/> The following night on ''Raw'', Edge, with the help of [[Alexa Bliss]], defeated Orton to end their feud.<ref name="Raw02012021">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/02/01/2-1-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-night-after-the-royal-rumble-with-bobby-lashley-vs-riddle-for-the-u-s-championship-cedric-alexander-and-shelton-benjamin-vs-lince-dorado-and-gran/|title=2/1 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of the night after the Royal Rumble with Edge vs. Randy Orton, Bobby Lashley vs. Riddle for the U.S. Championship, Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin vs. Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik for the Raw Tag Titles, Bad Bunny on Miz TV|date=February 1, 2021|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=February 1, 2021}}</ref>

At [[Elimination Chamber (2021)|Elimination Chamber]] on February 21, Edge attacked [[WWE Universal Champion]] [[Roman Reigns]] with the spear, making his decision to face him at [[WrestleMania 37]].<ref name="EC2021">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus vs. Randy Orton vs. Kofi Kingston vs. AJ Styles vs. Jeff Hardy in an Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns faces an Elimination Chamber match winner for the WWE Universal Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/02/21/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-drew-mcintyre-vs-sheamus-vs-randy-orton-vs-kofi-kingston-vs-aj-styles-vs-jeff-hardy-in-an-elimination-chamber-match-for-the-wwe-champions/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=February 21, 2021|access-date=February 21, 2021}}</ref> At [[Fastlane (2021)|Fastlane]] on March 21, Edge attacked Daniel Bryan, costing him the title.<ref>{{cite web|last=Garretson|first=Jordan|title=Universal Champion Roman Reigns def. Daniel Bryan|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2021/roman-reigns-vs-daniel-bryan-results|work=[[WWE]]|date=March 21, 2021|access-date=March 21, 2021}}</ref> On the March 26 episode of ''SmackDown'', Daniel Bryan was added to the match, making it a [[triple threat match]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/03/26/3-26-wwe-smackdown-tv-results-kellers-report-on-fastlane-fallout-including-edges-actions-to-break-up-bryans-apparent-tapout-win-over-reigns/|title=3/26 WWE SmackDown TV results: Keller's report on Fastlane fallout including Edge's actions to break up Bryan's apparent tapout win over Reigns|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|first=Wade|last=Keller|author-link=Wade Keller|date=March 26, 2021|access-date=March 27, 2021}}</ref> On the second night of WrestleMania 37 on April 11, Edge ultimately lost the match to Reigns following the assistance from [[Jey Uso]], thus becoming the first person to win the Royal Rumble twice and lose both championship matches at WrestleMania.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Garretson|first=Jordan|title=Universal Champion Roman Reigns def. Daniel Bryan and Edge|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-37-night-2/roman-reigns-vs-edge-vs-daniel-bryan-results|work=[[WWE]]|date=April 11, 2021|access-date=April 11, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/podcast/188537-live-podcast-full-results-and-review-of-the-second-night-of-wrestlemania-37/|title = Live Podcast: Full results and review of the second night of WrestleMania 37|date = April 12, 2021}}</ref> After a two-month hiatus, Edge made his return on the June 25 episode of ''SmackDown'', attacking both Reigns and [[Jimmy Uso]].<ref name="SmackDown06252021">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=6/25 WWE SmackDown TV results: Keller's report on Big E vs. Crews for MITB, Cesaro & Belair vs. Rollins & Bayley, Head of Table celebration|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/06/25/6-18-wwe-smackdown-tv-results-kellers-report-on/|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=June 25, 2021|access-date=June 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626070905/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/06/25/6-18-wwe-smackdown-tv-results-kellers-report-on/|archive-date=June 26, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> The following day on ''Talking Smack'', it was announced that Edge would face Reigns for the Universal Championship at [[Money in the Bank (2021)|Money in the Bank]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-wwe-talking-smack-report-06-26-21-seth-rollins-reacts-to-reigns-edge-at-mitb-big-e-asks-mcafee-about-wrestling-again-and-more/|title=411's WWE Talking Smack Report: 06.26.21 – Seth Rollins Reacts to Reigns/Edge at MITB, Big E Asks McAfee About Wrestling Again, and More!|work=[[411Mania]]|first=Robert|last=Leighty Jr.|date=June 26, 2021}}</ref> At Money in the Bank on July 18, Edge was unsuccessful in capturing the title due to interference from [[Seth Rollins]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=July 18, 2021 |title=7/18 WWE Money in the Bank PPV Results: Keller's report and analysis of Reigns vs. Edge, Lashley vs. Kofi, Money in Bank matches |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/07/18/7-18-wwe-money-in-the-bank-ppv-results-kellers-report-and-analysis-of-reigns-vs-edge-lashley-vs-kofi-money-in-bank-matches/ |access-date=October 25, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720163343/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/07/18/7-18-wwe-money-in-the-bank-ppv-results-kellers-report-and-analysis-of-reigns-vs-edge-lashley-vs-kofi-money-in-bank-matches/ |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Over the following weeks, Edge and Rollins kept confronting and attacking each other until the August 6 episode of ''SmackDown'', where Edge challenged Rollins to a match at [[SummerSlam (2021)|SummerSlam]], which Rollins accepted, starting the feud.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Edge vs. Seth Rollins|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2021/edge-vs-seth-rollins|first=Jon|last=Chik|work=WWE|date=August 6, 2021|access-date=August 7, 2021}}</ref> At SummerSlam on August 21, Edge defeated Rollins by submission.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Edge def. Seth Rollins|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2021/edge-vs-seth-rollins-results|work=WWE|date=August 21, 2021|access-date=August 21, 2021}}</ref> Edge then faced Rollins on the September 10 episode of ''SmackDown''<ref name="SmackDown09032021">{{cite web|last=McDonald|first=Alex|title=9/3 WWE SmackDown TV Results: McDonald's "alt perspective" report on Balor-Reigns, Cesaro-Rollins, Street Profits-Usos, Becky-Belair follow up|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/09/03/9-3-wwe-smackdown-tv-results-mcdonalds-alt-perspective-report-on-balor-reigns-cesaro-rollins-street-profits-usos-becky-belair-follow-up/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=September 3, 2021|access-date=May 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128080433/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/09/03/9-3-wwe-smackdown-tv-results-mcdonalds-alt-perspective-report-on-balor-reigns-cesaro-rollins-street-profits-usos-becky-belair-follow-up/|archive-date=November 28, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> where Rollins won and attacked Edge post-match in order to hospitalize him.<ref name="SmackDown09102021">{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/09/10/vip-9-10-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-and-analysis-of-edge-vs-rollins-becky-belair-contract-signing-usos-vs-profits-lesnar-appears/|title=9/10 WWE SmackDown Results: Keller's report and analysis of Edge vs. Rollins, Becky-Belair contract signing, Usos vs. Profits, Lesnar appears|date=September 10, 2021|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210911073436/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/09/10/vip-9-10-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-and-analysis-of-edge-vs-rollins-becky-belair-contract-signing-usos-vs-profits-lesnar-appears/|archive-date=September 11, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of the [[2021 WWE Draft|2021 Draft]], Edge was drafted to the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] [[WWE brand extension|brand]].<ref name="SmackDown10012021"/> On the October 8 episode of ''SmackDown'', Edge challenged Rollins to a [[Hell in a Cell]] match at [[Crown Jewel (2021)|Crown Jewel]] after Rollins broke into his house the previous week.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Nemer|first=Roy|date=October 8, 2021|title=WWE SmackDown Results – 10/8/21 (King of the Ring, Queen's Crown Tournament)|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/209625-wwe-smackdown-results-10-8-21-king-of-the-ring-queens-crown-tournament/|url-status=live|access-date=October 21, 2021|website=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008235624/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/209625-wwe-smackdown-results-10-8-21-king-of-the-ring-queens-crown-tournament/ |archive-date=October 8, 2021 }}</ref><ref name="SmackDown10012021">{{Cite web|last=Nemer|first=Roy|date=October 1, 2021|title=WWE SmackDown Results – 10/1/21 (Draft Night 1, Edge, Sasha Banks)|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/featured-top-story/208616-wwe-smackdown-results-10-1-21-draft-night-1-edge-sasha-banks/|url-status=live|access-date=October 21, 2021|website=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002234058/https://www.wrestleview.com/featured-top-story/208616-wwe-smackdown-results-10-1-21-draft-night-1-edge-sasha-banks/ |archive-date=October 2, 2021 }}</ref> At Crown Jewel on October 21, Edge subsequently defeated Rollins to end their feud.<ref name="CrownJewel2021">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Crown Jewel results: Powell's live review of Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks vs. Bianca Belair for the Smackdown Women's Championship, Big E vs. Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship, Edge vs. Seth Rollins in a Hell in a Cell match, Goldberg vs. Bobby Lashley in a No Holds Barred match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/21/wwe-crown-jewel-results-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-brock-lesnar-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-becky-lynch-vs-sasha-banks-vs-bianca-belair-for-the-smackdown-womens-championshi/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 21, 2021|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref> Edge returned on the November 29 episode of ''Raw'', where he was confronted by [[The Miz]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=11/29 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Edge's return, WWE Champion Big E vs. Kevin Owens in a non-title match, Finn Balor vs. Seth Rollins, RKBro vs. Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler for the Raw Tag Titles, Damian Priest vs. Apollo Crews for the U.S. Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/29/11-29-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-edges-return-wwe-champion-big-e-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-non-title-match-finn-balor-vs-seth-rollins-rkbro-vs-robert-roode-and-dolph-ziggler-for-the-r/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=November 30, 2021|date=November 29, 2021}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', after another heated verbal exchange between the two during a Miz TV segment, Miz challenged Edge to a match at [[WWE Day 1 (2022)|Day 1]], with Edge accepting.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=December 6, 2021|title=12/6 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan for the Raw Women's Championship, WWE Champion Big E vs. Kevin Owens in a non-title steel cage match, Edge appears on Miz TV|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/12/06/12-6-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-becky-lynch-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-raw-womens-championship-wwe-champion-big-e-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-non-title-steel-cage-match-edge-appears-on/|url-status=live|access-date=January 6, 2022|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207010531/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/12/06/12-6-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-becky-lynch-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-raw-womens-championship-wwe-champion-big-e-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-non-title-steel-cage-match-edge-appears-on/ |archive-date=December 7, 2021 }}</ref> At Day 1 on January 1, 2022, Edge defeated Miz with help from his wife, [[Beth Phoenix]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=January 1, 2022|title=WWE Day 1 results: Powell's review of Big E vs. Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan for the Raw Women's Championship, The Usos vs. Kofi Kingston and King Woods for the Smackdown Tag Titles, Edge vs. The Miz|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/01/wwe-day-1-results-powells-review-of-big-e-vs-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-vs-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-championship-becky-lynch-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-raw-womens-championship/|url-status=live|access-date=January 6, 2022|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102001817/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/01/wwe-day-1-results-powells-review-of-big-e-vs-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-vs-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-championship-becky-lynch-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-raw-womens-championship/ |archive-date=January 2, 2022 }}</ref> At [[Royal Rumble (2022)|Royal Rumble]] on January 29, Edge and his wife Beth Phoenix defeated The Miz and Maryse in a [[mixed tag team match]].<ref name="RR2022">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Universal Championship, Becky Lynch vs Doudrop for the Raw Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/29/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-for-the-wwe-championship-roman-reigns-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-universal-championship/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 29, 2022|access-date=January 29, 2022}}</ref>

==== The Judgment Day, final feuds and departure (2022–2023)====
{{main|The Judgment Day|l1 = The Judgment Day}}
On the February 21 episode of ''Raw'', Edge reflected on all the [[WrestleMania]] moments in his career and then he issued an open challenge for [[WrestleMania 38]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/02/21/2-21-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-milestone-episode-featuring-new-wwe-champion-brock-lesnar-randy-orton-and-riddle-vs-seth-rollins-and-kevin-owens-and-miz-tv-on-the-elimination-cha/|title=2/21 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of the milestone episode featuring new WWE Champion Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton and Riddle vs. Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens, and Miz TV on the Elimination Chamber fallout edition|date=February 21, 2022|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=February 28, 2022}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', his challenge was accepted by [[AJ Styles]], but Edge viciously attacked him, turning [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] for the first time since 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/02/28/2-28-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-damian-priest-vs-finn-balor-for-the-u-s-championship-edge-addressing-his-wrestlemania-future-raw-tag-champions-alpha-academy-vs-seth-rollins-and-kev/|title=2/28 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Damian Priest vs. Finn Balor for the U.S. Championship, Edge addressing his WrestleMania future, Raw Tag Champions Alpha Academy vs. Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens in a non-title match, RK-Bro vs. The Street Profits|date=February 28, 2022|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=February 28, 2022}}</ref> In the buildup to WrestleMania, Edge debuted a new gimmick and a new entrance theme, ''[[The Last Hero (album)|The Other Side]]'' by [[Alter Bridge]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ringsidenews.com/2022/04/03/edge-debuts-new-entrance-at-wwe-wrestlemania-38/|title = Edge Debuts New Entrance at WWE WrestleMania 38|date = April 4, 2022}}</ref> On the second night of WrestleMania 38 on April 3, Edge defeated Styles following a distraction by [[Damian Priest]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WrestleMania 38 results: Powell's live review of night two with Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar for the Unified WWE Championship, RK-Bro vs. The Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy for the Raw Tag Titles, Edge vs. AJ Styles, Johnny Knoxville vs. Sami Zayn in an Anything Goes match, Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory, Bobby Lashley vs. Omos|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/03/wrestlemania-38-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-roman-reigns-vs-brock-lesnar-for-the-unified-wwe-championship-rk-bro-vs-the-street-profits-vs-alpha-academy-for-the-raw-tag-titles/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 3, 2022|access-date=April 3, 2022}}</ref> Edge formed a faction with Priest named [[The Judgment Day]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=4/18 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. an opponent of Seth Rollins' choosing, Finn Balor vs. Theory for the U.S. Title, Sasha Banks and Naomi vs. Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan for the WWE Women's Tag Titles, RK-Bro vs. The Street Profits in a non-title match, commitment ceremonies, lie detector test|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/18/4-18-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-finn-balor-vs-theory-for-the-u-s-championship-sasha-banks-and-naomi-vs-rhea-ripley-and-liv-morgan-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-titles-kevin-owens-gives/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 18, 2022|access-date=April 25, 2022}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania Backlash (2022)|WrestleMania Backlash]] on May 8, Edge defeated Styles with the help of [[Rhea Ripley]], who became the newest member of The Judgment Day.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE WrestleMania Backlash results: Powell's live review of Roman Reigns and The Usos vs. Drew McIntyre and RK-Bro, Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey in an I Quit match for the Smackdown Women's Title, Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins, Edge vs. AJ Styles, Bobby Lashley vs. Omos, Happy Corbin vs. Madcap Moss|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/05/08/wwe-wrestlemania-backlash-results-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-and-the-usos-vs-drew-mcintyre-and-rk-bro-charlotte-flair-vs-ronda-rousey-in-an-i-quit-match-for-the-smackdown-womens-title/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=May 8, 2022|access-date=May 8, 2022}}</ref> At [[Hell in a Cell (2022)|Hell in a Cell]] on June 5, The Judgment Day defeated Styles, [[Finn Bálor]] and [[Liv Morgan]] in a [[six-person mixed tag team match]].<ref name="HIAC2022">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Hell in a Cell results: Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins in a HIAC match, Bianca Belair vs. Asuka vs. Becky Lynch for the Raw Women's Title, Theory vs. Mustafa Ali for the U.S. Title, Bobby Lashley vs. Omos and MVP in a handicap match, Kevin Owens vs. Ezekiel, Judgment Day vs. AJ Styles, Finn Balor, and Liv Morgan|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/06/05/wwe-hell-in-a-cell-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-seth-rollins-in-a-hiac-match-bianca-belair-vs-asuka-vs-becky-lynch-for-the-raw-womens-title-theory-vs-mustafa-ali-for-the-u/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=June 5, 2022|access-date=June 5, 2022}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', Edge introduced Bálor as the newest member of The Judgment Day. Almost immediately, Bálor, Priest and Ripley suddenly turned on their leader, attacking Edge with his own signature con-chair-to move and kicking him out of the group.<ref>{{cite news|last=Brookhouse|first=Brent|title=WWE Raw results, recap and grades: Seth Rollins blindsides Cody Rhodes with brutal attack|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-and-grades-seth-rollins-blindsides-cody-rhodes-with-brutal-attack/live/|access-date=June 7, 2022|work=[[CBS Sports]]|date=June 6, 2022}}</ref>

[[File:Edge at MSG.jpg|thumb|upright|Edge making his entrance in July 2023]]
At [[SummerSlam (2022)|SummerSlam]] on July 30, Edge returned as a face to help [[The Mysterios]] ([[Rey Mysterio|Rey]] and [[Dominik Mysterio|Dominik]]) win their [[No Disqualification match]] vs. The Judgment Day.<ref name="SSlam2022">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar in a Last Man Standing match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch for the Raw Women's Title, The Usos vs. The Street Profits for the Undisputed WWE Tag Titles, Liv Morgan vs. Ronda Rousey for the Smackdown Women's Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/07/30/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-brock-lesnar-in-a-last-man-standing-match-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-bianca-belair-vs-becky-lynch-for-the-raw-womens/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=July 30, 2022|access-date=September 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731035421/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/07/30/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-brock-lesnar-in-a-last-man-standing-match-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-bianca-belair-vs-becky-lynch-for-the-raw-womens/|archive-date=July 31, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> He also returned with his previous theme song [[Metalingus]] by [[Alter Bridge]] on the next show of ''Raw''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 1, 2022 |title=8/1 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of the SummerSlam fallout show with The Usos vs. The Mysterios for the Undisputed WWE Tag Titles, the winners of Dolph Ziggler vs. Ciampa vs. Chad Gable and AJ Styles vs. Mustafa Ali vs. The Miz meet for a shot at the U.S. Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/01/8-1-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-summerslam-fallout-show-with-the-usos-vs-the-mysterios-for-the-undisputed-wwe-tag-titles-the-winners-of-dolph-ziggler-vs-ciampa-vs-chad-gable-and/ |access-date=September 10, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At [[Clash at the Castle (2022)|Clash at the Castle]] on September 3, Edge teamed up with Rey Mysterio to defeat The Judgment Day. After the match however, Dominik attacked Edge with a low blow and clotheslined his father Rey.<ref name="ClashCastle">{{cite web|last=McGuire|first=Colin|title=WWE Clash at the Castle results: McGuire's review of Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Gunther vs. Sheamus for the Intercontinental Title, Liv Morgan vs. Shayna Baszler for the Smackdown Women's Title, Seth Rollins vs. Riddle, Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley, Iyo Sky, and Dakota Kai|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/09/03/wwe-clash-at-the-castle-results-mcguires-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-drew-mcintyre-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-gunther-vs-sheamus-for-the-intercontinental-title-liv-morgan-vs-s/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=September 3, 2022|access-date=September 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903220011/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/09/03/wwe-clash-at-the-castle-results-mcguires-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-drew-mcintyre-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-gunther-vs-sheamus-for-the-intercontinental-title-liv-morgan-vs-s/|archive-date=September 3, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Extreme Rules (2022)|Extreme Rules]] on October 8, Edge was defeated by Bálor in an [["I Quit" match]] after interference from Dominik, Priest and Ripley. After he said "I Quit", Ripley attacked his wife, [[Beth Phoenix]] (who also interfered during the match on his behalf), with a violent con-chair-to, causing her an injury ([[kayfabe]]).<ref name="ER2022">{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=October 8, 2022|title=WWE Extreme Rules results: Powell's review of Matt Riddle vs. Seth Rollins in a Fight Pit match with Daniel Cormier as special referee, Bianca Belair vs. Bayley in a ladder match for the Raw Women's Title, Liv Morgan vs. Ronda Rousey in an Extreme Rules match for the Smackdown Women's Title, Drew McIntyre vs. Karrion Kross in a strap match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/10/08/wwe-extreme-rules-results-powells-review-of-matt-riddle-vs-seth-rollins-in-a-fight-pit-match-with-daniel-cormier-as-special-referee-bianca-belair-vs-bayley-in-a-ladder-match-for-the-raw-womens/|access-date=October 8, 2022|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|archive-date=October 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010122511/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/10/08/wwe-extreme-rules-results-powells-review-of-matt-riddle-vs-seth-rollins-in-a-fight-pit-match-with-daniel-cormier-as-special-referee-bianca-belair-vs-bayley-in-a-ladder-match-for-the-raw-womens/|url-status=live}}</ref> After a 3-month hiatus, Edge returned at the [[Royal Rumble (2023)|Royal Rumble]] on January 28, 2023, at #24 eliminating Bálor and Priest before being eliminated by them after interference from Dominik.<ref name="RR2023">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss for the Raw Women's Championship, Bray Wyatt vs. LA Knight in a Pitch Black match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/01/28/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-bianca-belair-vs-alexa-bliss-for-the-raw-women/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 28, 2023|access-date=January 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129095535/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/01/28/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-bianca-belair-vs-alexa-bliss-for-the-raw-women/|archive-date=January 29, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Elimination Chamber (2023)|Elimination Chamber]] on February 18, Edge and Phoenix defeated Bálor and Ripley in a [[mixed tag team match]] despite interference from Dominik.<ref name="EC2023">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of Roman Reigns vs. Sami Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley, two Elimination Chamber matches, Edge and Beth Phoenix vs. Rhea Ripley and Finn Balor|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/02/18/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-sami-zayn-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-two-elimination-chamber-matches-edg/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=February 18, 2023|access-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226003446/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/02/18/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-sami-zayn-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-two-elimination-chamber-matches-edg/|archive-date=February 26, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> In a press conference after the event, Edge answered [[Austin Theory]]'s open challenge for the [[WWE United States Championship|United States Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Heydorn|first=Zack|title=WWE Hall of Famer to accept US Championship open challenge on WWE Raw|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/02/18/wwe-hall-of-famer-to-accept-us-championship-open-challenge-on-wwe-raw/|access-date=February 20, 2023|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=February 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219051816/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/02/18/wwe-hall-of-famer-to-accept-us-championship-open-challenge-on-wwe-raw/|archive-date=February 19, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> On the next ''Raw'' show, Edge failed to win the title after an interference from Finn Bálor.<ref name="Raw02202023">{{cite news|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=2/20 WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Keller's report on Theory vs. Edge, Seth vs. Miz, Elimination Chamber fallout, pivot to WM hype|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/02/20/2-20-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-theory-vs-edge-seth-vs-miz-elimination-chamber-fallout-pivot-to-wm-hype/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=February 20, 2023|access-date=February 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222152201/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/02/20/2-20-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-theory-vs-edge-seth-vs-miz-elimination-chamber-fallout-pivot-to-wm-hype/|archive-date=February 22, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> On Night 2 of [[WrestleMania 39]], Edge defeated Bálor in a [[Hell in a Cell match]], ending his rivalry with The Judgment Day.<ref name="WM39N2">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=4/2 WWE WrestleMania 39 – Night 2: Keller's report on Reigns vs. Cody, Belair vs. Asuka, Gunther vs. Sheamus vs. McIntyre, Balor vs. Edge, Lesnar vs. Omos|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/04/02/4-2-wwe-wrestlemania-39-night-2-kellers-report-on-reigns-vs-cody-belair-vs-asuka-gunther-vs-sheamus-vs-mcintyre-balor-vs-edge-lesnar-vs-omos/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=April 2, 2023|access-date=April 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403232205/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/04/02/4-2-wwe-wrestlemania-39-night-2-kellers-report-on-reigns-vs-cody-belair-vs-asuka-gunther-vs-sheamus-vs-mcintyre-balor-vs-edge-lesnar-vs-omos/|archive-date=April 3, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the [[2023 WWE Draft]], Edge was drafted to the SmackDown [[WWE brand extension|brand]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=April 28, 2023 |title=4/28 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review of the WWE Draft night one, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn vs. Jimmy and Jey Uso for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles, Zelina Vega vs. Sonya Deville |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/04/28/4-28-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-the-wwe-draft-night-one-kevin-owens-and-sami-zayn-vs-jimmy-and-jey-uso-for-the-undisputed-wwe-tag-team-titles-zelina-vega-vs-sony/ |access-date=April 29, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-smackdown-live-results-wwe-draft-begins|title=WWE SmackDown live results: The WWE Draft begins|date=April 28, 2023|last=Bath|first=Dave|work=[[Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online]]|access-date=April 28, 2023}}</ref> Following being drafted to SmackDown, Edge would enter the tournament to crown the inaugural [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Champion]]. On the May 12 episode of ''SmackDown'', Edge faced AJ Styles and Rey Mysterio in the first round of the tournament, but lost after being pinned by Styles.<ref name="SmackDown05122023">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=WWE SmackDown Results 5/12: Keller's report on WWE World Title Tournament, Theory vs. Lashley vs. Sheamus, Styles vs. Edge vs. Mysterio|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/05/12/wwe-smackdown-results-5-5-kellers-report-on-wwe-world-title-tournament-theory-vs-lashley-vs-sheamus-styles-vs-edge-vs-mysterio/|date=May 12, 2023|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520020830/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/05/12/wwe-smackdown-results-5-5-kellers-report-on-wwe-world-title-tournament-theory-vs-lashley-vs-sheamus-styles-vs-edge-vs-mysterio/|archive-date=May 20, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> On the July 7 episode of ''SmackDown'', Edge was interviewed by [[Grayson Waller]] on ''The Grayson Waller Effect'', where Edge shot down rumors of his retirement. Later that night, Edge defeated Waller and praised him, following the match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aguilar |first=Matthew |date=7 July 2023 |title=Edge Shoots Down Retirement, Battles Grayson Waller in SmackDown In-ring Debut |url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/edge-shoots-down-retirement-battles-grayson-waller-in-smackdown-in-ring-debut/ |access-date=2023-07-08 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en}}</ref>  On the August 18 episode of ''SmackDown'', which celebrated his 25 years with WWE, Edge defeated Sheamus in his hometown of Toronto in what would be his last appearance and match for WWE. Edge's contract with WWE expired on September 30.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/285654-wwe-smackdown-results-8-18-23-edges-25-years-womens-tag-team-match/|title=WWE SmackDown Results - 8/18/23 (Edge's 25 years, Women's Tag Team Match)|first=Roy|last=Nemer|date=August 18, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/update-edge-free-agency-status/|title=Update on Edge Free Agency Status, His Entrance Music & Ring Name|work=[[411Mania]]|first=Jeffrey|last=Harris|date=October 1, 2023|access-date=October 2, 2023}}</ref>

=== All Elite Wrestling (2023–present) ===

==== TNT Champion (2023–2024) ====
[[File:Copeland N’ Danielson.jpg|thumb|255x255px|Copeland and [[Bryan Danielson]] in October 2023]]

On October 1, 2023, Copeland debuted in [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW) at the end of AEW's [[WrestleDream (2023)|WrestleDream]] PPV event under his real name and the "Rated R Superstar" monicker, saving [[Sting (wrestler)|Sting]] and [[Darby Allin]] from an attack by [[Christian Cage]], [[Luchasaurus]], and [[Nick Wayne]].<ref name="WD">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW WrestleDream results: Powell's live review of Darby Allin vs. Christian Cage in a best of three falls match for the TNT Title, Bryan Danielson vs. Zack Sabre Jr., Swerve Strickland vs. Hangman Page|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/01/aew-wrestledream-results-powells-live-review-of-darby-allin-vs-christian-cage-in-a-best-of-three-falls-match-for-the-tnt-title-bryan-danielson-vs-zack-sabre-jr-swerve-strickland-vs-hangman-pa/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 1, 2023|access-date=October 1, 2023}}</ref> During the post-event media scrum, it was revealed that Copeland signed a full-time multi-year contract with AEW.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/adam-copeland-aew-debut-full-time-dynamite/|title=Adam Copeland On His AEW Debut, Will Be Full-Time & Debut On This Week's Dynamite|date=October 2, 2023|last=Thomas|first=Jeremy|work=[[411Mania]]|access-date=October 2, 2023}}</ref> Copeland made his AEW in-ring debut on the October 10 episode of ''[[AEW Dynamite|Dynamite]]'', defeating Luchasaurus.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=A. E. W. |date=2023-10-11 |title=AEW Dynamite: Title Tuesday Results |url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-dynamite-title-tuesday-results |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=All Elite Wrestling |language=en}}</ref> Copeland began a feud with Cage, facing him and his stable, [[The Patriarchy (professional wrestling)|The Patriarchy]], teaming with Allin & Sting to defeat them in a six-man tag team match at [[Full Gear (2023)|Full Gear]] on November 18.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2023-11-18 |title=AEW Full Gear results: Powell's live review of MJF vs. Jay White for the AEW World Championship, Hikaru Shida vs. Toni Storm for the AEW Women's Title, Swerve Strickland vs. Hangman Page in a Texas Death Match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/11/18/aew-full-gear-results-powells-live-review-of-mjf-vs-jay-white-for-the-aew-world-championship-hikaru-shida-vs-toni-storm-for-the-aew-womens-title-swerve-strickland-vs-hangman-page-in-a-texas/ |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> Copeland went on to defeat Cage for the [[TNT Championship]] at [[Worlds End (2023)|Worlds End]] on December 30, but lost it back to Cage when Cage invoked the title shot earned by his Patriarchy member Killswitch (formerly Luchasaurus) earlier that night to get an immediate rematch, ending Copeland's reign in approximately three minutes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Black |first=Matt |date=December 30, 2023 |title=TNT Championship Changes Hands Twice At AEW Worlds End |url=https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1432715-tnt-championship-changes-hands-twice-at-aew-worlds-end |access-date=December 31, 2023 |website=Wrestlezone |language=en-US}}</ref> Copeland regained the title in an [["I quit" match]] on March 20, 2024, which started as the main event of ''Dynamite'' and concluded on a special live ''[[AEW Rampage|Rampage]]'' airing immediately after, ending their six-month feud.<ref name="Dynamite03202024">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/20/aew-dynamite-results-3-20-powells-live-review-of-christian-cage-vs-adam-copeland-in-an-i-quit-match-for-the-tnt-title-eddie-kingston-vs-kazuchika-okada-for-the-continental-title-hook-vs-chri/|title=AEW Dynamite results (3/20): Powell's live review of Christian Cage vs. Adam Copeland in an I Quit match for the TNT Title, Eddie Kingston vs. Kazuchika Okada for the Continental Title, Hook vs. Chris Jericho|date=March 20, 2024|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=March 20, 2024}}</ref>

Copeland defended the TNT Championship on ''Dynamite'' and ''[[AEW Collision|Collision]]'' in a series of open challenges, he dubbed "The Cope Open", successfully defending the title against the likes of [[Matt Cardona]], [[Penta El Zero Miedo]], [[Buddy Matthews]], [[Brody King]] and [[Kyle O'Reilly]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nash |first=Anthony |date=March 31, 2024 |title=Matt Cardona Answers The Cope Open On 3/30 AEW Collision |url=https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1459410-matt-cardona-answers-the-cope-open-on-3-30-aew-collision |access-date=March 31, 2024 |website=Wrestlezone |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=2024-04-10 |title=AEW airs footage of CM Punk/Jack Perry altercation from All In |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/aew-airs-footage-of-cm-punk-jack-perry-altercation-from-all-in |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, AEW News, AEW results |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Quinlan |first=Olivia |date=2024-05-01 |title=AEW Dynamite Results 5/1 - We Hear From Kenny Omega, TNT Championship On The Line & More |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1573468/aew-dynamite-may-1-we-hear-from-kenny-omega-tnt-championship-on-the-line-more/ |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=Wrestling Inc. |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mueller|first=Chris|date=2024-05-08 |title=AEW Dynamite Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights From May 8|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10120252-aew-dynamite-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights-from-may-8|access-date=2024-05-09|website=Bleacher Report|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mrosko |first=Geno |date=2024-05-11 |title=AEW Collision & Rampage results, live blog (May 11, 2024) |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2024/5/11/24153839/aew-collision-rampage-results-live-blog-may-11-2024-cope-kor-bryan-bcc-dax-dynamite-kid |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=Cageside Seats |language=en}}</ref> In March, Copeland began a feud with the [[House of Black]] ([[Malakai Black]], [[Brody King]] and [[Buddy Matthews]]).<ref>{{cite web|title=Adam Copeland, Eddie Kingston, And Mark Briscoe Challenge House Of Black To Trios Match At AEW Dynasty|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/adam-copeland-eddie-kingston-and-mark-briscoe-challenge-house-black-trios-match-aew-dynasty|work=Fightful|first=Robert|last=Defelice|date=March 30, 2024|access-date=March 30, 2024}}</ref> At the [[Dynasty (2024)|Dynasty]] event on April 21, Copeland teamed with [[Mark Briscoe]] and [[Eddie Kingston]] to face the House of Black in a six-man tag team match, but lost.<ref name="Dynasty2024">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW Dynasty results: Powell's live review of Samoa Joe vs. Swerve Strickland for the AEW World Championship, Will Ospreay vs. Bryan Danielson, FTR vs. Young Bucks in a ladder match for the AEW Tag Titles|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/21/aew-dynasty-results-powells-live-review-of-samoa-joe-vs-swerve-strickland-for-the-aew-world-championship-will-ospreay-vs-bryan-danielson-ftr-vs-young-bucks-in-a-ladder-match-for-the-aew-tag-ti/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 21, 2024|access-date=April 21, 2024}}</ref> On May 26 at [[Double or Nothing (2024)|Double or Nothing]], Copeland successfully defended the TNT Championship vs. [[Malakai Black]] in a [[barbed wire steel cage match]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-27 |title=2024 AEW Double or Nothing results, recap, grades: MJF returns; Mercedes Mone, Will Ospreay win titles |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2024-aew-double-or-nothing-results-recap-grades-mjf-returns-mercedes-mone-will-ospreay-win-titles/live/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> However, during the match, Copeland suffered a legitimate fractured tibia after leaping from the top of the cage, and was stripped of the title in [[kayfabe]] by AEW executive vice presidents [[The Young Bucks]] (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson) on the May 29 episode of ''Dynamite'', ending his second reign at 70 days.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/130499-aew-adam-copeland-tibia-fracturada-cirugia | title=Adam Copeland sufrió una fractura de tibia en AEW Double or Nothing 2024 | work=Solowrestling | date=May 28, 2024 | author1=Solowrestling }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

==== Rated FTR; Reunion with Christian Cage (2024–present) ====
{{Main|Edge & Christian#All Elite Wrestling_(2025–present)|l1 = Adam Copeland & Christian Cage}}

At [[Worlds End (2024)|Worlds End]] on December 28, Copeland returned from injury and aligned himself with [[FTR (professional wrestling)|FTR]] ([[Cash Wheeler]] and [[Dax Harwood]]) against the [[Death Riders]]  ([[Jon Moxley]], [[Claudio Castagnoli]], [[Pac (wrestler)|Pac]], and [[Wheeler Yuta]]). The trio of Copeland and FTR would go by the name "Rated FTR".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-29 |title=AEW Worlds End 2024 live results: Kazuchika Okada wins Continental Classic, Kenny Omega returns |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/live/aew-worlds-end-2024-live-results-full-card-start-time-winners-and-losers-updates-and-highlights-053052882.html |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> In January 2025, Copeland adopted the ring name '''Cope'''<ref>{{cite web|last=Elizabeth|first=Claire|date=January 1, 2025|title=AEW Dynamite Fight For The Fallen results, live blog: The Mother of All Simulcasts|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2025/1/1/24333527/aew-dynamite-live-results-north-carolina-hurricane-relief-first-max-streaming-worlds-end-fallout |access-date=January 2, 2025|work=Cageside Seats}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Jay White Challenges Jon Moxley And Claudio Castagnoli To Face Him And Cope At AEW Grand Slam: Australia {{!}} Fightful News |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/jay-white-lays-out-challenge-brisbane-brawl-tag-team-match-aew-grand-slam-australia |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=www.fightful.com |date=February 6, 2025 |language=en}}</ref> and feuded with the [[AEW World Champion]] Jon Moxley, where he faced him at [[Revolution (2025)|Revolution]] on March 9 for the title (which became a [[three-way match]] after Christian Cage invoked a title shot contract during the match)<ref name="Revolution2025">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW Revolution results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley vs. Adam Copeland for the AEW World Championship, Toni Storm vs. Mariah May for the AEW Women's Title, MJF vs. Hangman Page|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/03/09/aew-revolution-results-Powell s-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-adam-copeland-for-the-aew-world-championship-toni-storm-vs-mariah-may-for-the-aew-womens-title-mjf-vs-hangman-page/|date=March 9, 2025|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=March 9, 2025}}</ref> and on the March 19 episode of ''Dynamite'' in a [[Street Fight (professional wrestling)|street fight]], but failed to win both matches.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berge |first=Kevin |title=AEW Dynamite Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights From March 19 |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25173028-aew-dynamite-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights-march-19 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=bleacherreport.com |language=en}}</ref> On April 6 at [[AEW Dynasty (2025)|Dynasty]], Rated FTR unsuccessfully challenged the Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli, Pac, and Wheeler Yuta) for the [[AEW World Trios Championship]]. After the match, Cope was attacked by FTR, ending their alliance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mueller |first=Chris |title=AEW Dynasty 2025 Results, Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25181840-aew-dynasty-2025-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=bleacherreport.com |language=en}}</ref>

On July 12 at [[All In (2025)|All In]], Cope returned after a three-month absence, saving Christian Cage from an attack by FTR and The Patriarchy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2025-07-12 |title=AEW All In Texas results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley vs. Hangman Page in a Texas Death Match for the AEW World Championship, Toni Storm vs. TBS Champion Mercedes Mone for the AEW Women's Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/07/12/aew-all-in-texas-results-powells-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-hangman-page-in-a-texas-death-match-for-the-aew-world-championship-toni-storm-vs-tbs-champion-mercedes-mone-for-the-aew-women/ |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> After returning, Cope quietly reverted to performing under his real name.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matches « Adam Copeland « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=932&page=4 |access-date=2025-08-27 |website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> On the August 13 episode of ''Dynamite'', Cage came to the aid of Copeland from an attack by FTR, Nick Wayne, and [[Kip Sabian]]. Copeland then embraced Cage and a tag match was announced between the duo and Wayne (later replaced by Killswitch) and Sabian on August 24 at [[Forbidden Door (2025)|Forbidden Door]], where Copeland and Cage were victorious.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moss |first=Jeff |date=2025-08-13 |title=AEW Dynamite live results: Hangman & MJF face-to-face |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/aew-results/aew-dynamite-live-results-hangman-page-and-mjf-face-to-face/ |access-date=2025-08-14 |website=F4W/WON |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Howard |first=Ryan |date=2025-08-24 |title=AEW Forbidden Door results: Unsanctioned cage match |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/aew-results/aew-x-njpw-forbidden-door-live-results-all-star-lights-out-steel-cage-match/ |access-date=2025-08-24 |website=F4W/WON |language=en-GB}}</ref> At [[All Out (2025)|All Out]] on September 20, the team were victorious against FTR. After the match, FTR attacked Copeland, Cage, and Copeland's wife [[Beth Phoenix|Beth]], while Copeland was handcuffed.<ref name="AllOut2025">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW All Out results: Powell's live review of Hangman Page vs. TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher for the AEW World Championship, FTR vs. Adam Copeland and Christian Cage|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/09/20/aew-all-out-results-powells-live-review-of-hangman-page-vs-tnt-champion-kyle-fletcher-for-the-aew-world-championship-ftr-vs-adam-copeland-and-christian-cage/|date=September 20, 2025|work=[[Pro Wrestling Dot Net]]|access-date=September 20, 2025}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Dynamite'', Copeland explained to Cage that he would be leaving for a while to take care of his family and unsure if he would return; this was done to allow Copeland to go on hiatus to film season 3 of ''[[Percy Jackson and the Olympians (TV series)|Percy Jackson and the Olympians]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-25 |title=Adam Copeland-WWE Rumor Killer |url=https://www.sescoops.com/news/wwe/adam-copeland-wwe-rumor-killer/ |access-date=2025-09-26 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Skylar |date=2025-09-25 |title=Adam Copeland To Christian Cage After AEW All Out: I Have To Go |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/adam-copeland-christian-cage-aew-all-out-257283?xv=20250925010258 |access-date=2025-09-26 |website=Fightful {{!}} WWE News, AEW News, Pro Wrestling Backstage News |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Professional wrestling style and persona==
[[File:Edge-spear-2007 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Edge hitting his finishing move, the spear, on [[Ken Anderson (wrestler)|Mr. Kennedy]] at [[WrestleMania 23]]]]

Edge utilizes the [[Professional wrestling attacks#Spear|spear]] as his finisher.<ref name="wwebio"/> WWE announcer [[Michael Cole (wrestling)|Michael Cole]] praised the psychology Edge included in the move, since "he knew that the longer he made the audience wait, the better it was going to be".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/article10036399.shtml|title=WWE Network: Lynch's WWE Countdown review - Best Finishing Moves|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|first=James|last=Lynch|date=March 19, 2014|access-date=May 15, 2019}}</ref> He has also performed other finishers including a [[lifting DDT]] called the ''Edgecution'' in WWE or the ''Impaler'' in AEW, and an [[inverted sharpshooter]] submission hold called the ''Edgecator''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.accelerator3359.com/Wrestling/moves/edge.html|title=Edge's signature moves|work=accelerator3359.com|publisher=The Accelerator's Wrestling Rollercoaster|access-date=January 14, 2019}}</ref>

Weeks before his WWE debut in 1998, [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms|vignettes]] were aired depicting Edge as a [[loner]], mysteriously roaming across [[New York City]] in various locations such as on rooftops and the [[New York City Subway]]. The vignettes also depicted him, as [[Jim Ross]] described it on his debut, as "some sort of a tortured soul" by showing an excessive amount of rage and beating up on innocent pedestrians. A female voice is also heard describing who Edge's persona is and his characteristics, the same voice that would be used to say, "You think you know me?" in the opening of Edge's entrance themes throughout his career in WWE. Upon his debut, Edge would enter the arena through the crowd for his matches and would continue to do so until becoming a tag team with Christian. In a 2019 interview, Copeland described how "as much as it didn't make sense, I still knew that they [WWE] were trying to set me up as much as they could."<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHGHJz26qqQ |title=Edge Hilariously Recalls His Debut In WWE |date=2019-10-22 |last=Inside The Ropes |access-date=2024-06-29 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Djeljosevic |first=Danny |date=2020-10-22 |title=Every Version Of Edge, Ranked From Worst To Best |url=https://www.thesportster.com/wrestling/every-version-edge-ranked-worst-to-best/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |website=TheSportster |language=en}}</ref>

Upon teaming with Christian and Gangrel, the group's [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] was that of a clan of [[vampire]]s, although they were often merely described by announcers as living a "[[gothic lifestyle]]". The trio would often make a dramatic entrance into arenas by emerging through a ring of fire onto the elevated stage floor, with Gangrel holding a [[chalice]] of "blood". Gangrel would typically take a sip from the chalice and sometimes share it with Edge or Christian before spitting it towards the crowd. One of their signature moves was giving their opponents a "blood bath" either before or after a match, where the lights would go out, followed by Gangrel's red flashing entrance lights, and then the arena lights coming back on to reveal their target covered in "blood". All three members of the group had long blond hair, with Gangrel and Christian wearing white shirts and dark pants, while Edge stuck to his long leather coat from his previous persona before joining The Brood. Copeland has mentioned feeling insecure about his previous loner character and welcomed the opportunity to join The Brood, feeling it gave him the confidence he needed at the time.<ref name="page120" />

Following their victory at WrestleMania 2000, Edge and Christian began redefining themselves as a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villainous]] duo of comedic, arrogant, [[surfer]]-styled [[teen idol]]s. The two wrestlers no longer entered the arena through the crowd, instead engaging in various antics such as mocking their opponents and the city they were in. They used unique phrases like "reek of awesomeness" and wore outrageous costumes. One of their trademark moves was the "five-second pose" where they would strike odd poses in the ring for fans to take photos, often ridiculing their opponents or aspects of the local pride to rile up the crowd. This included mocking [[Elvis Presley]] in [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]] or imitating [[Bill Buckner's 1986 World Series error]] at the [[King of the Ring (2000)|King of the Ring]] event in [[Boston]].<ref name="titlehistory">{{cite web |title=Edge's Title History |work=WWE |url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/edge/titlehistory |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111223540/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/edge/titlehistory |archive-date=November 11, 2007 |access-date=October 5, 2010 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Copeland |first=Adam |title=Adam Copeland on Edge |publisher=WWE Books |year=2004 |isbn=978-1-4165-1130-4 |page=155}}</ref>

Upon being drafted to ''SmackDown!'' in 2002, Edge evolved as a determined singles competitor who claimed that the "future is now". During this period, Edge would have seen significant popularity and stronger rivalries.<ref>{{cite book |last=Copeland |first=Adam |url=https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope |title=Adam Copeland on Edge |date=November 2004 |publisher=[[WWE Books]] |isbn=0-7434-8347-2 |page=[https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope/page/189 189]}}</ref> Once Edge returned and turned heel in 2004, he would become cocky and brash, while also becoming more vicious and destructive than ever before in his pursuit for the World Heavyweight Championship.

After his affair with Lita was brought to television as an on-screen relationship in 2005, Edge began to adopt the persona of a villain who reveled in controversy, nicknamed "The Rated-R Superstar." This moniker was solidified when Edge and Lita performed a "live sex celebration" segment after he won his first WWE Championship in early 2006.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWETVreports/5_3_Twilling_s_WWE_Raw_Live_Coverage_Randy_Orton_to_appear_on_The_Cutting_Edge_game_show_host_Wayne_Brady_hosts_new_Raw_draft_picks_look_to_make_their_mark_printer.shtml|title=PROWRESTLING.NET 5/3 Twilling's WWE Raw Live Coverage: Randy Orton to appear on The Cutting Edge, game show host Wayne Brady hosts, new Raw draft picks look to make their mark|website=prowrestling.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://superluchas.com/un-repaso-por-la-carrera-de-the-rated-r-superstar-edge/|title = Un repaso por la carrera de "The Rated R Superstar" Edge! |last=Patron |first=Edgar |publisher=Superluchas.com |language=spanish |date = April 16, 2013}}</ref> He is also nicknamed "The Master Manipulator" and "The Ultimate Opportunist" due to how he used the Money in the Bank briefcase along with other underhanded opportunities to win numerous World Titles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wadekellerdotcom/51486.shtml|title = Wk's WWE MONEY IN THE BANK PPV BLOG 7/17: Ongoing live coverage of Punk vs. Cena, Orton vs. Christian, Show vs. Henry, more}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/1148-smackdown-results-2-19-10/|title=Smackdown Results - 2/19/10|date=February 20, 2010}}</ref> When asked about the persona, Copleand stated that the "Rated-R Superstar" persona of Edge was similar to that of a [[wikt:rockstar|rockstar]], "kind of like an '[[Appetite for Destruction]]' era [[Guns N' Roses]], or '[[Too Fast for Love]]' era [[Mötley Crüe]]; like this sleazy, slimy, pretty horrible person that you could picture crawling under the gutter to try and steal your girlfriend. He was that guy, and that, I always said, when I walked through the curtain, that's when I became 'Edge'. And as soon as I walked back through that curtain, I'm going to grab a coffee and I'm right back to being Adam."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pritchard |first=Bill |date=2021-03-30 |title=Edge Played His 'Rated-R Superstar' Character Like A Sleazy Rock Star, But Now It's 'More Of Me Out There, Warts And All' |url=https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1228718-edge-rated-r-rock-star-warts-and-all-today |access-date=2024-06-29 |website=Wrestlezone |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2012, WWE voted him as both the third-best World Heavyweight Champion and 20th-best wrestling villain in WWE history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/classics/classic-lists/top-50-wrestling-villains|title=Top 50 villains in wrestling history|website=[[WWE]]|date=July 26, 2012|access-date=August 20, 2018}}</ref> His [[Music in professional wrestling|entrance theme]], "[[Metalingus]]" by [[Alter Bridge]], was selected as the greatest in WWE history by the company in a 2013 list.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/50-greatest-entrance-themes-ever|title=The 50 greatest WWE entrance themes ever!|work=WWE|date=August 30, 2013|access-date=January 14, 2019}}</ref>

== Acting career ==
In 2000, Copeland had a [[cameo appearance]] as a road bandit in the fantasy movie ''[[Highlander: Endgame]]''.<ref name="endgame">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Movies/actors.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922082501/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Movies/actors.html|archive-date=September 22, 2015|access-date=June 1, 2009|title=The Wrestler Actor Database: Movies about wrestling ... wrestlers in movies|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> In March 2002, he appeared with other wrestlers on the quiz show ''[[Weakest Link (U.S. game show)|Weakest Link]]''. He was voted out in the first round, and the eventual winner was [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]].<ref>{{cite episode|title=WWF Superstars Edition 2|series=[[Weakest Link (U.S. game show)|Weakest Link]]|network=[[NBC Universal]]|station=[[NBC]]|air-date=March 10, 2002}}</ref> On the August 6, 2006 episode of ''[[Mind of Mencia]]'', he appeared as Edge as a commentator for "The Royal Religious Rumble". He punched out an actor playing [[L. Ron Hubbard]] to stop [[Scientology]] from ruling the world and then [[Spear (wrestling)|speared]] another actor playing [[Tom Cruise]].<ref>{{cite episode |title=Episode #213 |series=Mind of Mencia |series-link=Mind of Mencia |network=[[Comedy Central]] |air-date=August 6, 2006|season=2 |minutes=22 }}</ref> In March 2007, Copeland appeared alongside [[Randy Orton]], [[John Cena]], and [[Bobby Lashley]] on ''[[Deal or No Deal (U.S. game show)|Deal or No Deal]]''.<ref name="tvcite">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1172700828.shtml|access-date=June 1, 2009|last=Martin|first=Adam|title=WWE stars on NBC's 'Deal or No Deal', Howie Mandel + Edge and MadTV|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> Weeks later, he appeared on the sketch comedy show ''[[MADtv]]''.<ref name="tvcite" /> He appeared in a [[Slim Jim (snack food)|Slim Jim]] commercial, in which his "spicy side" caused chaos in a [[Department of Motor Vehicles|DMV]], a restaurant, and a hotel.<ref name="slimjim">{{cite web|url=http://www.spicyside.com/index.aspx|access-date=May 1, 2009|title=Spicy Side Video Library|publisher=[[Slim Jim (snack food)|SpicySide]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409235107/http://www.spicyside.com/index.aspx <!--Added by H3llBot-->|archive-date=April 9, 2009}}</ref> ''Edge: a Decade of Decadence'', a DVD documentary of Copeland's life, was released in December 2008. The DVD illustrates his wrestling career dating from when he entered the WWF to 2008.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ifight365.com/2009/03/dvd-review-wwe-edge-a-decade-of-decadence-part-1|title=DVD Review: WWE&nbsp;— Edge: A Decade of Decadence|publisher=ifight365.com|date=March 11, 2009|first=Mark|last=Bright|access-date=September 28, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110102043016/http://www.ifight365.com/2009/03/dvd-review-wwe-edge-a-decade-of-decadence-part-1/|archive-date=January 2, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In June 2011, Copeland appeared as Thelo, an Abnormal, in the ''[[Sanctuary (Canadian TV series)|Sanctuary]]'' episode "Into the Black".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2010/11/02/wwe-superstar-edge-guest-stars-as-an-abnormal-in-season-finale-of-syfys-popular-series-sanctuary-986304/20101102syfy01/ |title=WWE Superstar Edge Guest Stars as an "Abnormal" in Season Finale of Syfy's Popular Series "Sanctuary" |date=November 2, 2010 |access-date=November 2, 2010 |publisher=The Futon Critic}}</ref> In September 2011, he held an "Edgucational" Essay Scholarship Contest, as an echo back to how he himself got a start in the wrestling business. The scholarship went to one of the students at Squared Circle Wrestling in Toronto, Alysha Verhoven, who has since gone on to work as Leah von Dutch.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/article10020838.shtml |title=WWE Video: Edge hands out a pro wrestling school scholarship |work=prowrestling.net |date= September 19, 2011|access-date=November 3, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.squaredcircletraining.net/content/?p=180 |title=Squared Circle Training Inc. » 2011 Year in Review |work=squaredcircletraining.net |date=December 25, 2011 |access-date=November 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006100227/http://www.squaredcircletraining.net/content/?p=180 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.twnpnews.com/2012/09/edge-backstage-at-tuesdays-wwe-tapings/|title= (WWE) Edge Backstage at Tuesday's WWE Tapings &#124|first= Steve|last= Carrier|work= twnpnews.com|date= September 12, 2012|access-date= November 3, 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120916194930/http://www.twnpnews.com/2012/09/edge-backstage-at-tuesdays-wwe-tapings/|archive-date= September 16, 2012}}</ref> Copeland appeared regularly in the Syfy series ''[[Haven (TV series)|Haven]]'', which started in July 2011, as Dwight Hendrickson, a troubled man whose affliction is revealed to be attracting bullets and who works as a [[Cleaner (crime)|cleaner]], cleaning up after the troubles. He is later appointed the chief of police. He was part of the cast until the show's series finale in December 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2013/09/10/haven-central%c2%a0adam-copeland-talks-season-4-and-the-fun-of-filming-haven/|title=HAVEN Central: Adam Copeland Talks Season 4 and the Fun of Filming HAVEN {{pipe}} the TV addict|date=September 10, 2013}}</ref><ref>[http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wwealumni/edge/edge-on-money Ultimate Opportunist pursues new challenges] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717180539/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wwealumni/edge/edge-on-money |date=July 17, 2011 }} By: Mitch Passero July 14, 2011</ref> [[WWE Studios]] released ''Bending the Rules'', in which Copeland starred, in 2012. WWE released the official trailer of the film on the February 28, 2012 episode of ''Raw''. The 2012 documentary, ''You Think You Know Me {{ndash}} The Story of Edge'', includes a look at Copeland's life and career in pro wrestling.

On September 4, 2013, Copeland hosted a special episode of the Syfy series ''[[Ghost Mine (TV series)|Ghost Mine]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.paranormalpopculture.com/2013/08/syfys-ghost-mine-returns-sept-4-with.html|title=Syfy's 'Ghost Mine' returns Sept. 4 with new special hosted by Adam Copeland}}</ref> In December 2014, Copeland made a cameo appearance in the music video for the [[In-Flight Safety]] song "Destroy" as his Dwight Hendrickson character.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://edgeuniversity.tumblr.com/post/104530960848/in-flight-safety-video-for-destroy|title=In-Flight Safety Video for 'Destroy'}}</ref> In July 2015, Copeland was nominated for a [[Golden Maple Award]] for Best Actor in a TV series which was broadcast in the United States for his role in Haven as Dwight Hendrickson.<ref name="indiewire.com">{{cite web|last1=Levine|first1=Sydney|title=Golden Maple Awards '15 Winners Include Brandon Jay McLaren and Amanda Crew|url=http://www.indiewire.com/2015/07/golden-maple-awards15-winners-include-brandon-jay-mclaren-and-amanda-crew-171061/|website=Indiewire|access-date=November 12, 2016}}</ref> On July 16, 2015, it was announced that Copeland would portray [[Albert Rothstein|Atom-Smasher]] in the second season of ''[[The Flash (2014 TV series)|The Flash]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/95189/edge-to-guest-star-on-the-flash.html?p=1|title=Edge to guest star on 'The Flash'|access-date=July 16, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_86252.shtml|title=Edge news: Report – Edge (Adam Copeland) lands big TV role|access-date=July 16, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On February 21, 2016, Copeland and Christian began starring on ''[[The Edge and Christian Show]] That Totally Reeks of Awesomeness'', a series on the [[WWE Network]]. On July 14, 2016, Copeland starred in the Canadian television series ''[[Private Eyes (TV series)|Private Eyes]]'' where he played Ben Fisk.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corusent.com/news/new-original-detective-drama-private-eyes-starring-jason-priestley-premieres-thursday-may-26-9-p-m-etpt-global/|title=New Original Detective Drama Private Eyes Starring Jason Priestley Premieres Thursday May 26 At 9 p.m. ET/PT On Global|work=Corus Entertainment |access-date=December 22, 2017|archive-date=August 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808013732/https://www.corusent.com/news/new-original-detective-drama-private-eyes-starring-jason-priestley-premieres-thursday-may-26-9-p-m-etpt-global/}}</ref> On July 26, 2016, it was announced that Copeland would play [[Ketill Flatnose|Kjetill Flatnose]] on Season 5 and 6 of the ''[[Vikings (2013 TV series)|Vikings]]'' in a recurring role.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://beecyde.tv/index.php/video/2875/HISTORY/History/December-21-2017/Vikings%3A-Kjetill-Questions-Queen-Lagertha%27s-Decision-%7C-%27The-Message%27-Premieres-Dec--27-%7C-History|title=Vikings: Kjetill Questions Queen Lagertha's Decision|work=Beecyde TV |access-date=December 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224213657/http://beecyde.tv/index.php/video/2875/HISTORY/History/December-21-2017/Vikings%3A-Kjetill-Questions-Queen-Lagertha%27s-Decision-%7C-%27The-Message%27-Premieres-Dec--27-%7C-History|archive-date=December 24, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/wwe-hall-of-famer-adam-edge-copeland-vikings-wrestling-w514331|title=WWE Hall of Famer Adam Copeland on the Edge of TV Stardom|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=December 19, 2017|access-date=December 19, 2017|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114233020/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-sports/wwe-hall-of-famer-adam-copeland-on-the-edge-of-tv-stardom-200022/}}</ref> The series ended December 30, 2020.

On October 13, 2022, it was announced that Copeland would play Ares in the ''[[Percy Jackson and the Olympians (TV series)|Percy Jackson and the Olympians]]'' television series adaptation of [[Percy Jackson & the Olympians|the original book series]], streaming on [[Disney+]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-13 |title=More Casting News for PJOTV {{!}} Rick Riordan |work=Rick Riordan {{pipe}} Welcome to the Online World of Rick Riordan |url=https://rickriordan.com/2022/10/more-casting-news-for-pjotv/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |language=en-US |archive-date=October 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013194910/https://rickriordan.com/2022/10/more-casting-news-for-pjotv/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Other media ==
His [[autobiography]], ''Adam Copeland on Edge'', was released on November 2, 2004. Unlike most wrestlers who used [[ghostwriter]]s to write their biographies, Copeland wrote the entire book himself, in longhand. [[Mick Foley]], who also wrote his wrestling autobiography himself in longhand, wrote the foreword to his book.<ref>{{cite book |last=Copeland |first=Adam |title=Adam Copeland on Edge |publisher=[[WWE Books]] |date=November 2004 |page=[https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope/page/7 7] |isbn=0-7434-8347-2 |url=https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope }}</ref>

In March 2016, Copeland appeared on CBC's ''[[Canada Reads]]'' competition where he championed the book ''Minister Without Portfolio'' by the English-born Canadian writer and author [[Michael Winter (writer)|Michael Winter]].<ref>{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY8rvshKUzU | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211116/NY8rvshKUzU| archive-date=2021-11-16 | url-status=live|title=Adam Copeland's opening defence |publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] |website=[[YouTube]] |access-date=March 9, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

From March 2017 to September 2019, Copeland co-hosted the ''E&C's Pod of Awesomeness'' [[podcast]] with Christian.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://art19.com/shows/ecs-pod-of-awesomeness?page=8 |title=E&C's Pod of Awesomeness |access-date=January 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113232357/https://art19.com/shows/ecs-pod-of-awesomeness?page=8 |archive-date=January 13, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/wwe-news-edge-quits-weekly-podcast-with-christian|title=WWE News: Edge quits weekly podcast with Christian|first=Danny|last=Hart|date=September 27, 2019|publisher=sportskeeda.com|access-date=September 27, 2019}}</ref> He has since left the podcast.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2019/09/edge-leaves-podcast-with-christian-660079/|title=Edge Leaves Podcast With Christian, WWE Releases Rare AWA Title Match (Video), Fans On WWE NXT|date=2019-09-27|website=Wrestling Inc.|language=en|access-date=2019-10-18}}</ref>

On August 21, 2022, Edge was the subject of an episode of the documentary series ''[[Biography: WWE Legends]]''.

== Video games ==
{|class="wikitable sortable"
| Year
| Title
| Notes
|-
| rowspan="2"| 1999
| ''[[WWF Attitude]]''
| Video game debut
|-
| ''[[WWF WrestleMania 2000 (video game)|WWF WrestleMania 2000]]''
|
|-
| rowspan="4"| 2000
| ''[[WWF SmackDown! (video game)|WWF SmackDown!]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWF Royal Rumble (2000 video game)|WWF Royal Rumble]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWF No Mercy (video game)|WWF No Mercy]]''
| Cover athlete
|-
| ''[[WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role]]''
|
|-
| rowspan="3"| 2001
| ''[[WWF With Authority!]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWF Road to WrestleMania]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It]]''
|
|-
| rowspan="4"| 2002
| ''[[WWF Raw (2002 video game)|WWF Raw]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE WrestleMania X8 (video game)|WWE WrestleMania X8]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE Road to WrestleMania X8]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth]]''
|
|-
| rowspan="4"| 2003
| ''[[WWE Crush Hour]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE WrestleMania XIX (video game)|WWE WrestleMania XIX]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE Raw 2]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain]]''
|
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2004
| ''[[WWE Day of Reckoning]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE Survivor Series (video game)|WWE Survivor Series]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw]]''
|
|-
| rowspan="4"| 2005
| ''[[WWE WrestleMania 21 (video game)|WWE WrestleMania 21]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE Aftershock]]''
| Cover athlete
|-
| ''[[WWE Day of Reckoning 2]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006]]''
|
|-
| 2006
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007]]''
|
|-
| 2007
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008]]''
|
|-
| 2008
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009]]''
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |2009
| ''[[WWE Legends of WrestleMania]]''
|It requires ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009'' for exporting its roster on this game.
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010]]''
| Cover athlete
|-
| 2010
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011]]''
|
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2011
| ''[[WWE All Stars]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE '12]]''
|
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2012
| ''[[WWE WrestleFest]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE '13]]''
|
|-
| 2013
| ''[[WWE 2K14]]''
|
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2014
| ''[[WWE SuperCard]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE 2K15]]''
| [[Downloadable content]] (not available for Old Gen consoles)
|-
|2015
|''[[WWE 2K16]]''
|
|-
| 2016
| ''[[WWE 2K17]]''
|
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2017
| ''WWE Champions''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE 2K18]]''
|
|-
| 2018
| ''[[WWE 2K19]]''
|
|-
| 2019
| ''[[WWE 2K20]]''
|
|-
| 2020
| ''[[WWE 2K Battlegrounds]]''
| Downloadable content
|-
| 2022
| ''[[WWE 2K22]]''
|
|-
|2023
| ''[[WWE 2K23]]''
|
|-
|-
|2023
|''[[AEW Fight Forever]]''
|Downloadable content
|-
|}

== Personal life ==
Copeland lives in [[Asheville, North Carolina]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Gilmer|first=Jason|url=http://www.citizen-times.com/story/sports/2017/03/06/phoenix-rising-again/98806920/|title=Phoenix rising again: Asheville resident headed for WWE hall|date=March 6, 2017|access-date=June 21, 2017|work=[[Asheville Citizen-Times]]}}</ref> He began a relationship with Alannah Morley, the sister of wrestler [[Val Venis]], in 1998; they married on November 8, 2001,<ref>{{cite book |last=Copeland |first=Adam |title=Adam Copeland on Edge |publisher=[[WWE Books]] |date=November 2004 |page=[https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope/page/192 192] |isbn=0-7434-8347-2 |url=https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope }}</ref> and divorced on March 10, 2004.<ref>{{cite book |last=Copeland |first=Adam |title=Adam Copeland on Edge |publisher=[[WWE Books]] |date=November 2004 |page=273 |isbn=0-7434-8347-2 |url=https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope |url-access=registration }}</ref> He married Lisa Ortiz on October 21, 2004. Soon after marrying her, he began an affair with wrestler [[Lita (wrestler)|Lita]], who was dating his friend [[Matt Hardy]]. The affair became public knowledge in February 2005,<ref>Ian Hamilton. ''Wrestling's Sinking Ship: What Happens to an Industry Without Competition'', 152.</ref> resulting in Copeland and Ortiz divorcing on November 17, 2005 Copeland and Dumas would break up in late 2006.<ref name="citizen">{{cite news |first=Mike |last=Mooneyham |url=http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/jun/06/jim-ross-staying-wwe/ |title=Jim Ross staying in WWE |access-date=August 2, 2010 |date=June 6, 2010 |work=[[The Post and Courier]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725161959/http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/jun/06/jim-ross-staying-wwe/ |archive-date=July 25, 2010 }}</ref> Copeland and Elizabeth Kociański, who wrestles as [[Beth Phoenix]] in WWE, began a relationship together in 2011. They have two daughters, born in 2013 and 2016.<ref name="pwtorch.com">{{cite web |title=Edge video: Edge/Adam Copeland talks new child with Beth Phoenix, including selecting the name |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_76184.shtml |website=PWTorch.com |access-date=January 1, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/article/edge-beth-phoenix-welcome-second-child|title=It's a girl! Edge and Beth Phoenix welcome second child|publisher=WWE |date=June 4, 2016 |access-date=July 24, 2016}}</ref> They were married on October 30, 2016 (his 43rd birthday).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/03/beth-phoenix-edge-wwe-hall-of-fame-wrestling/amp|title=Beth Phoenix has ring announcer introduce husband Edge during her WWE Hall of Fame speech|work=For The Win |date=April 2017}}</ref>

Copeland is a lifelong close friend of wrestler [[Christian Cage]].<ref name="tattooes">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/superstarink/articles/edge |title=Edge: A history in ink |access-date=December 6, 2007 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> He is a fan of the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]] and [[New Jersey Devils]] ice hockey teams,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehockeynews.com/subchannel/news.html?idNews=24292 |title=Edge's Picks |access-date=April 11, 2007 |publisher=The Hockey News |date=April 10, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211004308/http://www.thehockeynews.com/subchannel/news.html?idNews=24292 |archive-date=December 11, 2007 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and used to play ice hockey with retired [[NHL]] player [[Aaron Downey]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canadiens.com/eng/magazine/thelastword.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061024073510/http://www.canadiens.com/eng/magazine/thelastword.html|archive-date=October 24, 2006|title=WWE Superstar Edge goes one on one with canadiens.com|author=J.S. Trzcienski|access-date=February 26, 2009|date=November 2006|work=canadiens.com|publisher=Hockey Fan Zone}}</ref> He has said that he smoked one cigarette when he was 16, hated it, and has not smoked since.<ref>{{cite book |last=Copeland |first=Adam |title=Adam Copeland on Edge |publisher=[[WWE Books]] |date=November 2004 |page=[https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope/page/41 41] |isbn=0-7434-8347-2 |url=https://archive.org/details/adamcopelandoned0000cope }}</ref> He has several tattoos including a red and black sun on his left upper biceps which covers a former tattoo of a muscular shark, a star on his right upper biceps with several smaller stars and two skulls wearing bandanas adorned with flowers and hearts, a cross on his left forearm, and a scroll adorned with the words "Rise Above". All of his tattoos represent a stage in his career.<ref name="tattooes"/>

In March 2007, ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' investigated a steroid and [[Growth hormone treatment|human growth hormone]] (hGH) ring used by a number of professional athletes in several sports. An article mentioned several current and former WWE wrestlers, including Copeland, who was alleged to have obtained hGH.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/03/19/wrestlers/index.html |title=Wrestlers allegedly tied to drug ring |access-date=March 21, 2007 |date=March 19, 2007 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |publisher=CNN |archive-date=July 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725025224/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/03/19/wrestlers/index.html }}</ref> Copeland previously admitted to using steroids in April 2004 as an experiment after neck surgery, but said he felt like they slowed him down so he quickly stopped using them.<ref name="liveaudiowrestling">{{cite web |url=http://www.thefightnetwork.com/news/wrestling?nid=1336 |author=John Pollack |title=Pro Wrestlers Tied to Steroid Ring |access-date=March 21, 2007 |date=March 20, 2007 |publisher=The Fight Network}}</ref> According to Copeland, he took hGH after returning from a spinal fusion neck surgery because doctors told him that it would help the bones grow back around the screws and plate that were inserted into his neck.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=107643765&blogID=243887243 |last=Copeland |first=Adam |title=My new blog (this is the controversial one!!!!) |access-date=March 21, 2007 |date=March 2007 |publisher=MySpace}}</ref> A ''Sports Illustrated'' article in August 2007 named Copeland as one of 10 wrestlers who were found to have purchased steroids and other drugs from an online pharmacy in violation of WWE's Talent Wellness program. He was said to have received the growth hormones somatropin and genotropin, as well as the steroid [[stanozolol]], between September 2004 and February 2007.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/08/30/wrestlers/ |title=Fourteen wrestlers tied to pipeline |publisher=CNN |date=August 30, 2007 |access-date=August 31, 2007 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |archive-date=February 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227035900/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/08/30/wrestlers/ }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/31/AR2007083101961.html |title=Pro Wrestling Suspends 10 Linked to Steroid Ring |first=Paul |last=Farhi |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=September 1, 2007 |access-date=September 2, 2007}}</ref>

== Filmography ==
{|class="wikitable sortable"
| Film
| Year
| Title
| Role
| Notes
|-
| 1999
| ''[[Beyond the Mat]]''
| Himself
| Uncredited
|-
| 2000
| ''[[Highlander: Endgame]]''
| Lachlan
|
|-
| 2012
| ''Bending the Rules''
| Nick Blades
|
|-
| 2015
| ''Dumb Luck''
| Cameron
| Short film
|-
| 2016
| ''[[Interrogation (2016 film)|Interrogation]]''
| Lucas Nolan
|
|-
| 2020
| ''[[Money Plane]]''
| Jack Reese
| 
|-
| TBA
| ''[[The Beekeeper 2]]''
| {{TBA}}
| Filming
|}

== Television ==
{|class="wikitable sortable"
| Year
| Title
| Role
| Notes
|-
| 2002
| ''[[Weakest Link (U.S. game show)|Weakest Link]]''
| Edge
| 1 episode
|-
| 2004
| ''[[Ministry of Mayhem]]''
| Edge
| 1 episode
|-
| 2006
| ''[[Mind of Mencia]]''
| Edge
| Season 2, episode 13: "Royal Religious Rumble"
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2007
| ''[[Deal or No Deal (U.S. game show)|Deal or No Deal]]''
| Edge
| 1 episode
|-
| ''[[MADtv]]''
| Cornell Overstreet / Edge
| 1 episode
|-
| 2011
| ''[[Sanctuary (Canadian TV series)|Sanctuary]]''
| Thelo
| 2 episodes
|-
| 2011–2015
| ''[[Haven (TV series)|Haven]]''
| Dwight Hendrickson
| Recurring role, 42 episodes
|-
| 2013
| ''[[Ghost Mine (TV series)|Ghost Mine]]''
| Himself
| Host - 1 episode
|-
| 2015
| ''[[The Flash (2014 TV series)|The Flash]]''
| [[Albert Rothstein|Al Rothstein / Atom Smasher]]
| Season 2, episode 1: "The Man Who Saved Central City"
|-
| rowspan="3"| 2016
| ''[[Canada Reads]]''
| Himself
| 4 episodes
|-
| ''[[Private Eyes (TV series)|Private Eyes]]''
| Ben Fisk
| Season 1, episode 8: "I Do, I Do"
|-
| ''[[Bookaboo]]''
| Himself
| 2 episodes
|-
| 2017–2020
| ''[[Vikings (TV series)|Vikings]]''
| [[Ketill Flatnose|Kjetill Flatnose]]
| Recurring role, 25 episodes 
|-
| 2020
| ''[[Trailer Park Boys: The Animated Series]]''
| Sledge (voice)
| Season 2, episode 5: "Clint Eatswood"
|-
| 2024
| ''[[Percy Jackson and the Olympians (TV series)|Percy Jackson and the Olympians]]''
| [[Ares]]
| 3 episodes
|}

==Music Videos==
{|class="wikitable sortable"
| Year
| Role
| Note
|-
| 2014
| "Destroy"
| [[In-Flight Safety]]
| Dwight Hendrickson
|}

===Awards and nominations===
{|class="wikitable sortable
| Year
| Award
| Category
| Work
| Result
|-
| 2015
| [[Golden Maple Awards]]
| Best Actor in a TV series broadcast in the U.S<ref>{{cite web|last1=Levine|first1=Sydney|title=Golden Maple Awards'15 Winners Include Brandon Jay McLaren and Amanda Crew {{!}} IndieWire|url=http://www.indiewire.com/2015/07/golden-maple-awards15-winners-include-brandon-jay-mclaren-and-amanda-crew-171061/|website=www.indiewire.com|access-date=November 11, 2016}}</ref>
| ''[[Haven (TV series)|Haven]]''
| {{nom}}
|-
| 2024
| [[3rd Children's and Family Emmy Awards|Children's and Family Emmy Awards]]
| [[Children's and Family Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Performer|Outstanding Supporting Performer]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schneider |first=Michael |title=Children's & Family Emmys 2024 Nominations: 'Percy Jackson,' 'Sesame Street,' 'Spiderwick Chronicles' Lead; Ceremony Moves to March |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/childrens-family-emmys-2023-nominations-full-list-2-1236246611/ |date=December 12, 2024 |access-date=December 13, 2024 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>
| ''[[Percy Jackson and the Olympians (TV series)|Percy Jackson and the Olympians]]''
| {{nom}}
|}

== Championships and accomplishments ==
{{multiple image
|align=right
|width=170
|direction=vertical
|image1=Edge - WWE Champion.jpg
|caption1=Edge is a four-time [[WWE Champion]]...
|image2=Edge World Heavyweight Champ.jpg
|caption2=a record seven-time [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Champion]]...
|image3=RKO-Edge-Tag T-Champs.jpg
|caption3=a 12-time [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|WWF/World Tag Team Champion]]...
|image4=Edge HOF 2012.jpg
|caption4=and was inducted into the [[WWE Hall of Fame (2012)|WWE Hall of Fame in 2012]].
}}
* '''[[All Elite Wrestling]]'''
** [[AEW TNT Championship]] ([[List of AEW TNT Champions|2 times]])<ref>{{Cite web |title=AEW TNT Championship Title History |url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/aew-tnt-championship-history |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231102013/https://www.allelitewrestling.com/aew-tnt-championship-history |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |access-date=December 31, 2023 |website=[[All Elite Wrestling]]}}</ref>
* '''''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'''''
** Best Feud of the Decade (2000s) {{small|vs. [[John Cena]]}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Eck|first=Kevin|title=Best of the Decade awards|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-01-best_of_the_decade_awards-story.html|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|date=January 11, 2010|access-date=December 20, 2020|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204084558/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-01-best_of_the_decade_awards-story.html}}</ref>
* '''Canadian Pro-Wrestling Hall of Fame'''
** Class of 2021 – {{small|with [[Christian Cage|Christian]]}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cpwhof.cwnonline.ca/2021-class/|title=2021 Class|work=Canadian Pro-Wrestling Hall of Fame|access-date=November 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127164705/http://cpwhof.cwnonline.ca/2021-class/|archive-date=January 27, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
** Class of 2024 – {{small|individually}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cpwhof.cwnonline.ca/2024/01/21/edge-inducted-into-the-2024-class-of-cpwhof/|title=Edge inducted into the 2024 Class of CPWHOF|work=Canadian Pro-Wrestling Hall of Fame|date=January 21, 2024|access-date=January 24, 2024}}</ref>
* '''Canadian Wrestling Association'''
** CWA North American Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=31600|title=CWA|author=Philip Kreikenbohm|work=cagematch.net}}</ref>
* '''[[Cauliflower Alley Club]]'''
** Men's Wrestling Award (2013)<ref name="Cauliflower2013">{{cite web|last=Oliver|first=Greg|title=Jake The Snake turns CAC banquet into a sobering experience|url=http://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2013/04/18/jake-the-snake-turns-cac-banquet-into-a-sobering-experience/|work=Slam Wrestling|date=April 18, 2013|access-date=September 27, 2020}}</ref>
* '''''[[CBSSports.com|CBS Sports]]'''''
** Best Moment of the Year (2020) {{small|returning to WWE at the [[Royal Rumble (2020)|Royal Rumble]]}}<ref name="CBS2020">{{cite web|last=Brookhouse|first=Brent|title=2020 CBS Sports Wrestling Awards: Drew McIntyre stands out as Wrestler of the Year|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2020-cbs-sports-wrestling-awards-drew-mcintyre-stands-out-as-wrestler-of-the-year/|work=[[CBSSports.com]]|date=January 2, 2021|access-date=January 2, 2021}}</ref>
** Promo of the Year (2020) {{small|putting [[Randy Orton]] on notice on ''[[WWE Raw]]''}}<ref name="CBS2020"/>
* '''Insane Championship Wrestling'''
** ICW Street Fight Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with [[Christian Cage]] (1) and [[Joe E. Legend]] (1)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/indy/mwcw-icw/mwcwtitles.html#icwtag|title=ICW Street Fight Tag Team Title|access-date=September 2, 2009|publisher=ProWrestlingHistory.com}}</ref>
** MWCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Joe E. Legend<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/indy/mwcw-icw/mwcwtitles.html#mwcwtag|title=MWCW Tag Team Title|access-date=September 2, 2009|publisher=ProWrestlingHistory.com}}</ref>
*'''Outlaw Championship Wrestling'''
**OCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Joe E. Legend
* '''[[George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame]]'''
** Lou Thesz Award (2013)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_68054.shtml|title=News: Edge to join second Hall of Fame|last=Caldwell|first=Adam|date=January 22, 2012|access-date=January 23, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
* '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Comeback of the Year|Comeback of the Year]] (2004)<ref name="PWI Awards">{{Cite web|url=http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html|title=PWI Awards|work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]|publisher=[[Kappa Publishing Group]]|access-date=June 5, 2018|archive-date=October 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002155906/http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html}}</ref>
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Feud of the Year|Feud of the Year]] (2005) {{small|with [[Amy Dumas|Lita]] vs. [[Matt Hardy]]}}<ref name="PWI Awards"/>
** Feud of the Year (2006) {{small|vs. John Cena}}<ref name="PWI Awards"/>
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] (2000) {{small|with Christian vs. [[The Dudley Boyz]] vs. [[The Hardy Boyz]] in a [[Ladder match|Triangle Ladder match]] at [[WrestleMania 2000]]}}<ref name="PWI Awards"/>
** Match of the Year (2001) {{small|with Christian vs. The Dudley Boyz vs. The Hardy Boyz in a [[Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match]] at [[WrestleMania X-Seven]]}}<ref name="PWI Awards"/>
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Most Hated Wrestler of the Year|Most Hated Wrestler of the Year]] (2006)<ref name="PWI Awards"/>
** [[Most Improved Wrestler of the Year]] (2001)<ref name="PWI Awards"/>
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Inspirational Wrestler of the Year|Inspirational Wrestler of the Year]] (2021)<ref name="PWI2021">{{cite web |last1=Grifol |first1=Ignacio |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated anuncia los ganadores de sus PWI Awards 2021 |url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/105053-pwi-awards-2021 |website=Solowrestling.com |date=January 14, 2022 |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-date=January 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115095951/https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/105053-pwi-awards-2021 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
** Ranked No. 2 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''[[PWI 500]]'' in 2007<ref>{{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/2007.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2007|publisher=Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=November 16, 2016}}</ref>
*'''[[Sports Illustrated]]'''
**Ranked No. 14 of the 20 Greatest WWE Wrestlers Of All Time<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Pullar III |first1=Sid |title=20 Greatest WWE Wrestlers Of All Time |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/features/10-greatest-wwe-wrestlers-of-all-time |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=26 November 2024}}</ref>
*'''[[Tokyo Pro Wrestling]]'''
**CCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Ken Johnson<ref name="cagematchtokyo">{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=166700 |title=TPW |website=Cagematch}}</ref>
**CCW Tag Team Championship Tournament (1998) – with Ken Johnson<ref name="cagematchtokyo" />
* '''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] (2002) {{small|with Rey Mysterio vs. [[Kurt Angle]] and Chris Benoit at [[No Mercy (2002)|No Mercy]]}}<ref name="won">{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 26, 2011|title=Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue|periodical=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=Campbell, CA|pages=1–40|issn=1083-9593}}</ref>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Tag Team of the Year|Tag Team of the Year]] (2000) {{small|with Christian}}<ref name="won" />
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Feud of the Year|Worst Feud of the Year]] (2010) {{small|vs. [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]]}}<ref name="won" />
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Worked Match of the Year|Worst Worked Match of the Year]] (2008) {{small|vs. [[Vladimir Kozlov]] and [[Triple H]] at [[Survivor Series (2008)|Survivor Series]]}}<ref name="won"/>
* '''[[WWE|World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment / WWE]]'''
** [[WWE Championship]] ([[List of WWE Champions|4 times]])<ref name="Edge's history">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/edge/titlehistory |title=Edge's Title History |work=WWE |access-date=December 14, 2009 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210010146/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/edge/titlehistory |archive-date=February 10, 2010 }}</ref>
** [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of World Heavyweight Champions (WWE, 2002–2013)|7 times]])<ref name="Edge's history" />
** [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|WWF/E Intercontinental Championship]] ([[List of WWE Intercontinental Champions|5 times]])<ref name="Edge's history" />
** [[WCW United States Championship]] ([[List of WWE United States Champions|1 time]])<ref name="Edge's history" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/|title=WWE United States Championship|access-date=May 25, 2020}}</ref>
** [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|WWF/World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE, 1971–2010)|12 times]]) – with Christian (7), [[Hollywood Hulk Hogan]] (1), [[Chris Benoit]] (2), [[Randy Orton]] (1) and Chris Jericho (1)<ref name="Edge's history" />
** [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|WWE Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE)|2 times]]) – with [[Rey Mysterio]] (1) and [[Chris Jericho]] (1)<ref name="Edge's history" />
** [[King of the Ring tournament|King of the Ring]] ([[King of the Ring (2001)|2001]])<ref name="Edge's history" />
** [[Money in the Bank ladder match|Money in the Bank]] ([[WrestleMania 21|2005, inaugural]])<ref name=wwebio/><ref name="Edge's history" />
** [[Royal Rumble match|Royal Rumble]] ([[Royal Rumble 2010|2010]], [[Royal Rumble (2021)|2021]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2010/matches/9887158|title=Edge wins 30-Man Royal Rumble Match|website=WWE}}</ref>
** [[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)#List of WWE Men's Triple Crown winners|14th Triple Crown Champion]]<ref name="GrandSlam">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/randy-orton-new-grand-slam-winners|title=The new Grand Slam winners: The 10 Superstars who have won every active championship|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=March 12, 2018}}</ref>
** [[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#Current format|Third Grand Slam Champion]] (under the current format, 13th overall)<ref name="GrandSlam"/>
**[[Bragging Rights (2010)|Bragging Rights Trophy (2010)]] – with [[Team SmackDown]] <small>([[Big Show]], Rey Mysterio, [[Jack Swagger]], [[Alberto Del Rio]], [[Kofi Kingston]] and [[Tyler Reks]])</small>
** [[List of WWE tournaments#Championship Chase Tournament|Championship Chase Tournament (2008)]]
** [[List of WWE tournaments#Gold Rush Tournament (2005)|Gold Rush Tournament (2005)]]
** [[Slammy Award]] (4 times)
*** Couple of the Year ([[Slammy Award#2008 Slammy Awards|2008]]) – with [[Vickie Guerrero]]<ref>{{cite web|title=2008 Slammy Award Winners|access-date=February 5, 2009|date=December 8, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629063946/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/slammyawards08/|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/slammyawards08/|archive-date=June 29, 2011}}</ref>
*** "Oh Snap" Meltdown of the Year ([[Slammy Award#2010 Slammy Awards|2010]]) – {{small|Destroying the [[Anonymous Raw General Manager]]'s computer}}<ref>{{cite web| access-date=December 13, 2010| title=2010 Slammy Award Winners| work=WWE| publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101217031557/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/slammyawards10/| url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/slammyawards10/| archive-date=December 17, 2010}}</ref>
*** Return of the Year ([[Slammy Award#2020 Slammy Awards|2020]])
*** Rivalry of the Year ([[Slammy Award#2020 Slammy Awards|2020]]) – with Randy Orton
** [[WWE Hall of Fame]] ([[WWE Hall of Fame (2012)|Class of 2012]])<ref name=wwebio/>

=== ''Luchas de Apuestas'' record ===
{{see also|Lucha libre#Luchas de apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}}
{|class="wikitable sortable" width=100%  style="text-align: center"
!width=20% scope="col"|Winner (wager)
!width=20% scope="col"|Loser (wager)
!width=20% scope="col"|Location
!width=20% scope="col"|Event
!width=15% scope="col"|Date
!class="unsortable" width=5% scope="col"|Notes
|-

|Edge (hair) || [[Kurt Angle]] (hair) || Nashville, Tennessee || [[Judgment Day (2002)|Judgment Day]] || {{dts|2002|05|19}} || <ref name="Adam Copeland on Edge" />
|}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

=== Sources ===
* {{Cite book|last=Copeland|first=Adam|title=[[Adam Copeland on Edge]]|publisher=[[WWE Books|World Wrestling Entertainment Books]]|year=2004|isbn=978-1-4165-0523-5 }}
* {{Cite news|title=2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work=Wrestling's historical cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007}}
* {{Cite AV media|date=2008|title=Edge: A Decade of Decadence DVD|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Adam Copeland}}
* {{instagram|ratedrcope|Cope}}
* {{IMDb name|name=Adam Copeland}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}


{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{All Elite Wrestling personnel}}
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{{Grand Slam-Triple Crown Champions}}
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{{World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 2024–present)}}
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{{Royal Rumble Winners}}
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