One of the best bows out...with class.

I have been a wresting fan since I was a kid.  I know, its fake but so is Lost, Star Wars, Iron Man and most of the "reality" shows we watch too.  I watch wrestling for entertainment, nothing more.  BUT there are moments you really get hit by the fact these performers give a lot to give us entertainment.  I got reminded about that with the unexpected retirement of one of my favorite current stars: Edge

All week I have been combing through my WWE DVD's to re-watch Edge's matches.  The memories of TLC, Elimination Chamber, Ladder Matches, just all around GREAT matches in general.  I had no illusions, eventually every one of your favorites has to retire, but this caught me way off guard.  I figured Edge had a lot longer before he would have to go.  Really he was my favorite of the modern era of wrestling.  More than any other wrestler I often tuned in JUST to see Edge.  He had tons of personality and really delivered in the ring, I guess he delivered a bit more than I had thought.  

More than anything, Edge was just seriously cool, he had one of the best entrance themes ever.  It was a song I often stole for some of my Buils-a-Wresters in WWE games.  Edge was seriously the second wrestler I picked up when the WWE Build-N-Brawl line came out.  For those that don't realize it yet, I generally stick to 1:18th (3 & 3/4 inch or Star Wars) scale figures in my collection so he was an instant must have.

But for such a great performer, I felt the need to do even more.  So below is an article I wrote for Edge's retirement that appeared in my school's newspaper.  I have written lots of articles for the paper before, but never one that I felt so strongly about.  Yes I love wrestling (and Edge) that much.  Also the more candid looking shot above the article is the photo that appeared in the article at my request.  I just thought it was a cool picture of Edge that kind of fit his retirement.  

Something I was keeping to myself, that I didn't even publish the first time I put up this page, is the fact I was getting ready to go to a Smackdown show JUST to see Edge in action.  Smackdown has been near where I live (within an hour and a half at least) several times, but each time I would check who was going to appear and never was Edge listed (One time he was still on RAW, another he made an unscheduled appearance I found out later).  This was the first time Smackdown was going to be near that Edge was listed on the card, I was gunning to see it, just about to purchase some tickets actually.  Then the announcement came.  I wasn't going to say anything about this because I was afraid of coming across bitter, NO WAY.  I really wish I could have seen Edge live though, probably the only performer I would actually like to see live at this point.  Back to the tribute.

The article is a bit of a commentary about how mainstream media will not say much about this phenomenal performer.  Since it is my site I can be more blunt, but if an ACTOR had sacrificed that much for a role he would be heralded as the ultimate artist and the media would demand parades for him every week.  Wresting is looked down on by the media, why, who knows.  What was the winner of the Oscar for best picture last year?  Guess what, it was fake too.   Also keep in mind I was writing with the intention of being seen by those who probably have never watched wrestling in their lives.So without further ado, my article of EDGE!

WWE Superstar forced to retire: should be celebrated. 

It has been said that professional wresting is fake.   However, no one can deny that the realm of what has been dubbed “sports entertainment” carries considerable risks.  This fact was hit home very hard on last Monday’s live edition of WWE’s flagship television show, RAW.

Current WWE World Champion Adam Copeland, ring name Edge; announced to a shocked crowd that he would have to retire due to complications from a neck injury he suffered in 2003.  The injury forced Copeland out of action for a year and required very complex surgeries to repair.  Now WWE.com reports Copeland has developed stenosis of the spine which narrows the spinal column.  Copeland said in his Monday appearance that if he continued he could very possibly end up in a wheelchair.  Copeland’s last match was just over 2 weeks ago at Wrestlemania 27. 

Normally when a wrestler is forced to retire it is handled with a storyline.  However according to reports, Copeland’s condition is so serious that any performing could  risk his well being.  In what can best be described as an unorthodox move, WWE decided to allow Copeland to publicly explain why he had to retire so suddenly at the age of 37, young even for wrestling. 

Of course the mainstream media will not report that a top performer who is the most decorated in his chosen field was forced to retire.  If they were to report on it, the story would likely focus on the injuries inherent in ‘sports entertainment”.   Professional wrestling has always been looked down upon by the mainstream media, but anyone who gives so much for the sake of the entertainment of others should be very noteworthy in the press. 

Copeland has received a record 31 championship titles in his time in WWE making him the most decorated wrestler in the company’s history.  While this accomplishment is easy to denounce, it does say something about the exceptional performance of Copeland to be given so many titles. 

Copeland’s carrier was varied and dynamic.  His in ring persona, Edge, has been silly, serious and dark, despicable, hated, and cheered.  He was able to wrestle against and along side of many of his childhood favorites and the biggest stars in the industry including Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, The Rock, Terry Funk, Mic Foley, John Cena and many others.  Copeland himself appeared, in exact contrast to his in ring persona, humbled by his achievements when he spoke on Monday.

Copeland chose a path and excelled in his chosen field beyond anyone’s expectations.  That is something that deserves to be celebrated and revered.

Copeland sacrificed a great deal and entertained millions asking for nothing in return, all with a cocky smile that would rival any “legitimate” athlete. 

Ric Flair used to say “To be the man, you have to beat the man.”  Adam “Edge” Copeland has bowed out with grace after showing the world he can excel.  At this point he is unbeatable in shear class and dignity. 

Well, there it is, not the best tribute in the world, but I try.  All I can add to that is Edge, Adam Copeland, I love you man (in a purely heterosexual way though) and as far as I am concerned, you will always be a star on this website. 

Thank you, Edge.