- Net Worth: $8 Million
- Profession: Professional Wrestler, Actor
- WWE Championships: 31 titles, including 11 world championships and 5 Intercontinental Championships
- Notable Achievement: WWE Hall of Fame inductee (2012)
Early Life & Background
Born on October 30, 1973, in Orangeville, Ontario, Adam Joseph Copeland (known as Edge in the wrestling world) was raised by a single mother who worked multiple jobs to support him. His father was absent from his life, and he has never met him. Growing up, Edge was inspired by iconic wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, and Bret “Hitman” Hart. Recognizing his passion for wrestling early on, he pursued training under Ron Hutchinson and Sweet Daddy Siki. However, he momentarily put his wrestling dreams on hold to work various jobs and help his mother financially. After earning a diploma in radio broadcasting from Humber College, he resumed his wrestling training.
Wrestling Career
Edge began his professional wrestling career in the late 1990s, competing in North American independent promotions. He initially teamed up with Christian, with whom he formed a successful tag team partnership. In 1997, Edge signed a developmental contract with WWF, making his in-ring debut later that year. His first major success came in 1999 when he won the WWF Intercontinental Championship at a live event in Toronto. Edge, along with Christian, also became a seven-time WWF Tag Team Champion.
Throughout his 25-year career with WWE, Edge amassed an impressive total of 31 championships, including 11 World Championships, 5 Intercontinental Championships, 14 World Tag Team Championships, and 1 United States Championship. Additionally, he made history by winning the King of the Ring tournament in 2001 and being the first-ever Mr. Money in the Bank in 2005 and 2007. These accomplishments solidified his place as one of the most accomplished wrestlers in WWE history.
Edge was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2012, marking the end of an era for the veteran wrestler. However, his career took a dramatic turn when he made a surprise return to the Royal Rumble in 2019, following his retirement in 2011 due to a neck injury.
In September 2023, Edge shocked WWE fans when he made the bold decision to leave WWE for rival promotion AEW, signaling a new chapter in his storied wrestling career.
Other Ventures
Outside of wrestling, Edge has ventured into acting. He starred in the 2000 fantasy film “Highlander: Endgame” and appeared in WWE Studios’ “Bending the Rules”. He has also made guest appearances on various TV shows such as “The Weakest Link”, “Mind of Mencia”, “Deal or No Deal”, and “Haven”. More recently, he appeared on the History Channel’s “Vikings” and played the role of Ares in the 2022 Disney+ series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.”
In 2004, Edge released his autobiography titled “Adam Copeland on Edge,” giving fans a deeper look into his personal and professional life.
Personal Life
Edge’s personal life has been as eventful as his wrestling career. He married Alannah Morley (sister of wrestler Val Venis) in 2001, but they divorced in 2004. Shortly after, he married Lisa Ortiz in October 2004, but their marriage ended in November 2005 due to an affair he had with fellow wrestler Lita. Edge later found happiness with wrestler Beth Phoenix, with whom he shares two daughters, Lyric (born in December 2013) and Ruby (born in May 2016). Edge and Phoenix married on his birthday in 2016.
In 2007, Edge was named in a Sports Illustrated investigation as one of several wrestlers who had purchased steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs from an online pharmacy, violating WWE’s wellness policies. Edge admitted to using hGH to speed up his recovery from spinal fusion surgery.
Real Estate & Assets
Edge owns a 4-acre property in Asheville, North Carolina, which he purchased for $1.4 million in 2009. The property features a 4,000-square-foot log cabin mansion, which is now valued at around $3 million.
Edge’s Legacy
With his 25-year career filled with legendary matches, championships, and achievements, Edge remains one of the most respected and celebrated figures in professional wrestling. Whether as a wrestler, actor, or author, his diverse career and continued impact on the industry have cemented his place in wrestling history.
