The AEW star confirms he’s nearing the end of his in-ring career
Summary
– Adam Copeland says he expects to retire by the end of his current AEW contract
– The 51-year-old admits recovery after matches takes significantly longer
– His final match could come when he turns 53 in 2026
Adam Copeland is facing the reality of retirement. During a candid interview on First Up with Korolnek & Colaiacovo, the former WWE World Champion revealed he doesn’t plan to wrestle much longer, pointing to the end of his AEW contract in 2026 as a likely exit point.
“Not much longer,” Copeland said when asked how much longer he’ll compete. “If you asked me to try and pull off over 200 days a year like before, there is absolutely no way.” He added that recovery from matches now takes days, joking that he’ll be doing “a whole lot of yoga” once he retires.
At 51, Copeland is realistic about the physical toll of wrestling. “I’ll have a match and it’ll take me a good week to start walking normal,” he shared. While praising AEW’s lighter schedule, he noted that age and wear are catching up quickly.
His deal with AEW reportedly runs through October 2026, when he turns 53. That timeline aligns with his planned retirement, though it’s unclear where his final match will occur.
With a Hall of Fame career that spans over three decades, Copeland (formerly Edge in WWE) is widely respected for his longevity, adaptability, and legacy. Whether it ends in AEW or elsewhere, he’s determined to go out on his terms.
