Adam Copeland has spent years extending a wrestling career many believed ended permanently back in 2011 — but now the WWE Hall of Famer is openly admitting his body is finally telling him the end is near.
While speaking to Westwood One Sports, Copeland gave a brutally honest update about retirement and revealed that physically, he simply does not think he can keep doing this forever much longer.
“Um, you know, for me, I already had to do it once. So the second time, it’s like, ‘Alright, I know how to navigate this. I know what to do.’”
Copeland explained that mentally, this upcoming retirement feels completely different from the forced retirement he endured back in 2011 after severe neck issues ended his WWE career at only 37 years old: “It was different then because I was forced, and I think that makes it more difficult.”
Now, after getting six additional years back in wrestling following his miraculous return, Copeland admitted he feels far more prepared emotionally to finally walk away for good.
“So I think this retirement is going to be the easy one, because it’s like—I’ve got no choice, man.”
Then came the clearest sign yet that Copeland fully recognizes the end of his in-ring career is approaching as he admitted his body is giving up: “My body’s just giving up.” The former world champion also joked about how physically broken down he now feels on a daily basis: “It cracks way too much. Arthritis is my best friend.”
Those comments add even more context to recent remarks Copeland made while discussing retirement plans and life after wrestling. During an earlier interview with The Sportsocracy, Copeland admitted he currently has little interest in transitioning into a full-time executive or creative leadership role similar to what Paul Levesque now does in WWE.
“Um, I don’t think so. I don’t think I would want to be that heavily involved if I couldn’t still do it as well.”
Copeland also revealed that this second retirement experience feels easier emotionally because this time he actually has the chance to prepare for it instead of having his career abruptly ripped away.
“I really feel like coming back after my forced retirement and getting this last six years back really kind of helped me get the stuff out of the basement that I didn’t get out the first time.”
He even previously revealed the exact type of final wrestling moment he wants before eventually stepping away.
“My dream scenario would be as a heel and to get dragged out of the building kicking and screaming.”
At 52 years old, Copeland has continued wrestling at a high level in All Elite Wrestling despite years of injuries and physical punishment. But based on his latest comments, he clearly understands that reality is beginning to catch up with him physically.
Bottom line: Adam Copeland is not sugarcoating where things stand anymore. After overcoming a forced retirement and extending his career far beyond what many thought possible, he now admits his body is breaking down badly enough that the end of his in-ring career is finally coming into focus.
Do you think Adam Copeland should retire soon before his body gets worse, or does he still have another major run left in him? Leave your thoughts below.
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