Pro wrestler pays homage to Leafs legend in potential last match of his career
The long hair and clean shaven face of WWE's «Rated R Superstar» are long gone, but clearly, his ability to put on a great show is not. Last night, a greying Adam "Edge" Copeland walked out of the tunnel for what may have been his final WWE match. Copeland had been forced into retirement in 2011 following a debilitating neck injury, but 8 years of physical therapy and rehab allowed him to make a comeback in 2019.
A long suffering Leafs fan like the rest of us, Copeland has shown off his collection of Leafs gear on social media and even appeared on the Steve Dangle Podcast to discuss his rabid Leafs fandom. He even had 2 Leafs themed championship wrestling belts made, one for himself and another that he gave to the team. This is the belt we see passed around post game in the Leafs Blueprint videos.
The event, hosted at the Leafs home rink, Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, marked the end of Edge's contract, and likely the end of his 25-year career on the anniversary of his debut match. The lights went down, and Edge walked out to his classic Alter Bridge music, clad in a white and blue jacket with pants, pads and boots to match. The outfit featured artwork from his recent collaboration with the Leafs.
Fans in Toronto gave their home grown Superstar a loud ovation as he walked out. Eagle eyed observers also spotted something else on his jacket - a patch added to the shoulder. A blue maple leaf, adorned with a yellow crown, with the name "Börje" stiched across it. The same patch the Leafs wore last season to honour the late Börje Salming, who tragically passed last year after his battle with ALS. It was a beautiful touch that showed just how deep Copeland's Leafs fandom runs.
Edge won in his final match, pinning Irish wrestler "Sheamus" after hitting him with his patented spear tackle. If this is indeed the end for Edge, I can't think of a better way to finish his career than in front of his hometown fans, wearing his favourite team's colours in their home building.
After the match, after Smackdown went off air. Copeland remained in the ring with the mic in his hand and told fans in the building that while he doesn't know what the future holds, he expects this to be his last match in Toronto. He also said that he hopes to have a chance to party with the Stanley Cup the next time he's back in Toronto.
| POLL | ||
19 AOUT | 367 ANSWERS Pro wrestler pays homage to Leafs legend in potential last match of his career Did you know how big of a Leafs fan that WWE Superstar "Edge" was? | ||
| Yes | 167 | 45.5 % |
| No | 73 | 19.9 % |
| Don't care, don't watch wrestling | 127 | 34.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
