Adam Copeland, known to wrestling fans as Edge, recently revealed that the iconic tag team with Christian Cage was originally intended to end much earlier than fans might think—specifically, right after WWE WrestleMania 16. Contrary to popular belief that their legendary partnership was a long-term plan, Copeland explained that their tag team longevity was not initially foreseen.
A Tag Team Born to be Great, But Planned to be Brief
Edge and Christian, the Canadian duo that made waves in WWE as one of the most electrifying and innovative tag teams of their era, initially had a relatively modest timeline planned for their alliance. Copeland shared in a recent interview with AEW media outlets that the tag team that fans came to cherish was supposed to dissolve shortly after WrestleMania 16 in 2000.
Their journey spanned well beyond that point, however, due to the organic chemistry and massive fan support they generated. The team evolved from being simple tag partners and “on-screen brothers” to becoming one of the most celebrated duos in wrestling history, winning seven WWF Tag Team Championships along the way[1][2].
According to sources close to AEW, the decision to continue teaming past that milestone was largely spontaneous, driven by the two men’s shared ambition and creative energy, which kept them collaborating on some of wrestling’s most memorable programs, including the legendary TLC matches[3].
From WWE to AEW: The Reunion of Two Best Friends
After their initial disbandment in WWE around 2001, Edge and Christian had several reunions but eventually pursued separate paths. Edge’s retirement in 2011 due to a severe neck injury was a temporary hiatus, as he made a remarkable comeback in 2020. Christian followed a similar path, leaving WWE and reinventing himself in AEW as Christian Cage.
AEW became the new stage for the duo’s professional relationship. Adam Copeland officially joined AEW in 2023, reuniting with Christian Cage in 2025 for the first time in years on that platform[1][2]. Their partnership in AEW has added a fresh chapter to their story while reminding fans of their deep-rooted friendship dating back to their youth and independent wrestling days.
An industry insider close to AEW indicated, “Their impact transcends competition. Both men have matured into seasoned veterans who value their relationship beyond the ring, which reflects in their storytelling and chemistry on AEW programming.”
Why the Partnership Lasted Longer Than Expected
Copeland’s revelation about the originally planned breakup sheds light on the creative fluidity that characterizes professional wrestling. While the backstage plan was to separate after WrestleMania 16, the overwhelming audience reaction and their own evolving dynamics made the split unnecessary at the time.
“It wasn’t scripted from the start to last as long as it did,” Copeland noted. “Christian and I had no idea we’d put together some of the most iconic matches in tag team history. The fans just kept wanting more from us.” This unpredictability is a hallmark of wrestling, where storylines adapt according to crowd engagement and performers’ chemistry[3].
Moreover, both wrestlers’ personal friendship played a crucial role. Having grown up together and supporting each other’s careers for decades, their bond went beyond kayfabe rivalries and alliances.
AEW’s Current Use of Copeland and Christian: Past, Present, and Future
Recently in AEW, Copeland and Christian Cage have pursued individual storylines, sometimes as allies and at other points as rivals. After a lengthy feud that culminated over months, sources suggest that creative understands the need to evolve their roles. Wrestling analyst reports state there is pressure to move veteran stars like Copeland and Cage into mentorship roles that elevate younger talent rather than continually recycling the same rivalries[3].
An AEW backstage source commented, “Adam and Christian have given so much to the industry, but there’s a feeling that it’s time to let the next generation shine. Both are smart about passing the torch, and their respect for AEW’s future stars is evident.”
However, the nostalgia factor remains strong, giving AEW a rare opportunity to blend historic legacies with modern storytelling. The reunion of these two legends, whether as friends or foes, still carries immense weight with viewers, proving the enduring power of their partnership and history.
Looking Ahead: Legacy Beyond WrestleMania 16 and WWE
Adam Copeland and Christian Cage’s partnership, once slated for a short run, evolved into an enduring legacy that has shaped professional wrestling for over two decades.
Their story—from best friends on the independent circuit to WWE’s most beloved tag team, through career setbacks and reinventions, then to a reunion on AEW’s biggest stage—demonstrates the unpredictable magic wrestling can produce when talent and timing converge.
As Copeland put it succinctly, “Christian and I were supposed to break up after WrestleMania 16, but sometimes the best stories write themselves after the fact.”
These legends continue not only to entertain but to inspire a new generation of wrestlers in AEW and beyond, proving that good friendships and great storytelling never truly retire.
This article is based on Adam Copeland’s recent statements and corroborated by multiple wrestling news sources and backstage insights from AEW insiders, ensuring an accurate and comprehensive look at the historic duo’s evolving legacy in professional wrestling.