Adam Copeland discusses the schedule and creative freedom in AEW.
After 25 years in WWE, Adam Copeland (Edge in WWE) jumped to AEW, making his debut at AEW WrestleDream. Copeland's contract with WWE expired in September, paving the way for him to join AEW alongside his best friend Christian Cage.
Speaking to Joseph Staszewski of the New York Post, Copeland discussed the creative differences between WWE and AEW.
"What I’ve noticed is the creative process and some of the freedom that comes along with that and I think that’s been really fun. Not that I haven’t had creative freedom, I’ve been very lucky in that regard over the years. But it’s different when there are not shareholders and it’s different when there is a different structure in that regard," he said.
When asked what he hopes to do with the creative freedom, Copeland said, "Tell stories and I think have more input into those stories, too. That to me is what I always thought we are is storytellers. To be able to have more of a voice in that regard is exciting. That’s not to say that I didn’t have that to a degree. Twenty-five years in a place (WWE) you are gonna have that trust and all of those things, but I also understood it’s a different animal. There’s more to answer to. With this, it feels like maybe just a few more chances taken in order to see what is gonna stick to the wall. Sometimes some isn’t gonna stick. It’s exciting the process to see what does. To sit down with a guy like Jey, with Christian and kind of start mapping out this story when we are at this stage of our careers, it’s just fun."
Copeland worked limited dates with WWE over the years, returning for major premium live events and select TV shows. In AEW, he's been appearing weekly on Dynamite or Collision, sometimes working both shows in the week.
"I think from their perspective and I see their perspective entirely, if we bring you out too much then it’s not special anymore. I get that. I really do. So it was for limited dates. With that though, you can’t really get into a proper story. You can’t really dive into what this thing could be. For me looking at it, it’s like I’m 49. I got a very, very limited time to capitalize on what I have left. Because three months off, that’s three months where I could have done some stuff. And I know it sounds great on paper and don’t get me wrong it wasn’t a horrible place to be. But, if I’m gonna do this man. I want to do it. I want to try to craft some stories and do what I can while I can. So limited time, yeah, because I’m far closer to the end of my career than I am to the beginning. But still think I got some good stories that I can tell and a whole new roster of people who I’ve never touched before," he said.
Copeland will wrestle for the first time on AEW pay-per-view this Saturday at AEW Full Gear when he teams with Darby Allin & Sting to face Christian Cage, Luchasaurus, & Nick Wayne.
Fans can check out the lineup for AEW Full Gear by clicking here.
