Adam Copeland, formerly known as Edge, has spoken out about his tumultuous time in the WWE, specifically addressing his abrupt heel turn and the formation of The Judgment Day faction. In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet on Insights, the current AEW TNT champion shared his thoughts on how the WWE mishandled his character’s transition from fan favorite to villain.
Copeland, who made a surprising return to the WWE in 2020 after a nine-year retirement, was suddenly turned heel in 2022. The shift was met with a lukewarm response from fans, who had grown to love the Rated “R” Superstar during his time away from the ring. Copeland revealed that he knew it would be an uphill battle to generate heat as a heel, given his beloved status among the WWE universe.
The formation of The Judgment Day, a faction that was meant to be a key part of Copeland’s heel turn, also suffered from poor execution. According to Copeland, the WWE rushed into the group’s formation, which ultimately led to its demise. He recalled how he was eventually split from the group, marking a disappointing conclusion to an idea that showed promise.
When asked how he would have handled his heel turn differently, Copeland suggested that a more gradual approach would have been more effective. Rather than rushing into the transition, the WWE could have built up to it over time, allowing fans to gradually turn on him. This, he believes, would have made his heel turn more believable and impactful.
Today, Copeland is thriving in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he’s enjoying a successful stint as TNT champion. His weekly Cope Open challenges have become a staple of AEW programming, showcasing his enduring popularity among wrestling fans. As the WWE Hall of Famer looks to the future, his reflections on his WWE experience serve as a valuable lesson for wrestlers and promoters alike.
Copeland’s candid remarks about his time in the WWE offer a rare look into the creative decisions that shape the world of professional wrestling. His insights into the challenges of crafting a compelling heel turn and the importance of careful character development will undoubtedly resonate with wrestling enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.
