Adam Copeland has addressed criticism that he’s a ‘traitor’ for joining AEW after a successful career in WWE.
The former Edge began his WWE career in May 1996, entering into a developmental contract in 1997 and would remain faithful to the company until his contract expired on September 30, 2023.
October 1, 2023, would see Copeland make his AEW debut under his own name at WrestleDream, coming face-to-face with Christian Cage.
In the wake of his AEW appearance, he would be accused of being a traitor on social media, by fans critical of his decision to go to AEW.
The WWE Hall of Famer would explore the accusations that he’s a traitor on the Adrian Hernandez podcast, saying:
“You know, it’s interesting. Just in terms of, I guess, how people have like almost a brand allegiance or a team allegiance kind of thing.
“For me, I knew there was gonna be some fan base in switching companies that [said], ‘Oh, he’s a traitor.’
“But, man, nobody’s a traitor. We left on great terms.”
Copeland would go on to reflect on how actor Paul Newman was able to work for more different studios, saying:
“And for me, here’s how I look at it. Paul Newman did movies for Paramount. He also did movies for MGM.
“Did you not watch them because they were MGM, and you have this really, really, like, strong opinion about Paramount films?”
He would go on to discuss the things he currently doing with AEW and how he is excited about what’s to come, concluding:
“Like, that’s what we’re talking about here, right? For me, I’m doing all I ever wanted to do, and I’m getting a chance to do it again after I was told I would never do it again.
“I get to do it with my best friend. I get to look at a whole new roster of opponents. That to me is exciting, and to be able to get as excited as I am at 50 years old, why wouldn’t I do that?”
Copeland has recently discussed the ‘freedom’ he has in AEW compared to his time in WWE that spanned more than two decades.
He has also revealed that AEW was willing to allow him to be a full-time wrestler whereas WWE was intent on using him on a part-time basis.
Transcript from Wrestling Inc.
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