Adam Copeland has announced that 2027 will be his final year as an active professional wrestler, ending a career spanning more than three decades.
The WWE Hall of Famer revealed his retirement plans during Wednesday’s episode of AEW Dynamite, shortly after defeating Josh Alexander to qualify for the Clockwork Carnage match at WrestleDream. Adam Copeland, who turns 53 later this month, said he’s spent time reflecting on his future and has come to accept that his wrestling career is nearing its end.
“My face isn’t on the posters on teenagers’ walls anymore,” Copeland said. “I’m aging out, and that’s okay. It happens to everybody.”
He then confirmed his intention to retire from professional wrestling in 2027, while revealing one major ambition he has left before stepping away from the ring.
“But because of that, I just want to let y’all know that 2027 will be my last year in professional wrestling. All that being said, that is why I have to go for the AEW Championship.”
Adam Copeland Sets Sights On AEW World Championship Before Retirement
Adam Copeland will have an opportunity to achieve that goal on Saturday, October 17, when he competes in the inaugural Clockwork Carnage match at AEW WrestleDream. The eight-man contest will feature reigning AEW World Champion Will Ospreay, with the championship on the line under a unique set of rules.
Two wrestlers will begin the match, with another competitor entering every three minutes. Anyone pinned or submitted before the final entrant arrives will be eliminated. Once all eight participants have entered, the remaining wrestlers will have 15 minutes to accumulate falls, and the competitor with the most falls will win the AEW World Championship.
For Copeland, the match offers a chance to add another world championship to an already decorated career as he prepares for his final year in professional wrestling. Copeland made his professional wrestling debut in 1992 and became one of WWE’s most successful performers under the name Edge.
During his WWE career, he captured 11 world championships and held the World Tag Team Championship a record 12 times. After joining AEW, Copeland continued adding to his accomplishments, including a reign as AEW World Tag Team Champion alongside longtime friend Christian Cage.
The pair defeated FTR to capture the titles at Double or Nothing in May before losing them to The Young Bucks in a three-way ladder match at All Out on September 26. FTR also participated in that contest.
With his retirement now planned for 2027, Adam Copeland has made it clear that winning the AEW World Championship is among his remaining priorities. His pursuit of the title begins at WrestleDream, where he will attempt to secure another major championship before bringing his lengthy in-ring career to a close.
