This Is How Adam Copeland Wants To Retire From Wrestling

Adam Copeland has thought about how his wrestling career ends — and the scenario he has in mind is perfectly on-brand for one of the greatest heels the industry has ever produced. Speaking with TV Insider’s Scott Fishman, Copeland was asked whether the recent retirements of AJ Styles and John Cena have prompted deeper reflection about his own eventual exit from the ring. His answer was characteristically self-aware and refreshingly honest.

“No, because I already beat them to the punch about 15 years ago. I already had one. My dream scenario would be as a heel and to get dragged out of the building kicking and screaming,” Copeland said, referencing his forced retirement in 2011 due to a neck injury that was expected to end his career permanently.

The fact that he has been back competing at all — let alone at the top of AEW‘s card — means Copeland approaches every match with a fundamentally different perspective than someone who has never had their career taken from them.

Adam Copeland Says He Doesn’t Think About Wrestling When He’s Home and Views Everything in AEW as Bonus Time

“I honestly don’t put that much thought in it. I just show up and have fun. I don’t put any parameters and pressures on it. It’s the job I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid. If I can feel I can still do it, I’ll do it. Is the end closer than the beginning? Absolutely. Of course — but I can’t say I think about it a lot. Honestly, when I’m home away from wrestling I don’t think about wrestling,” he said. Copeland credits his time away from the business and the perspective that came with fatherhood and family as the foundation for his current mindset. “Coming back after being retired for nine years, it’s all gravy. If I was only to get one match back, it’s success. Everything from here on out is me just checking boxes that weren’t even on the list.” Copeland is currently feuding with FTR alongside Christian Cage in AEW, with the two challenging for the AEW World Tag Team Championships at Dynasty on April 12 in Vancouver.