Rated “R” Superstar. The Ultimate Opportunist. The Master of the TLC Match. He’s been called all of those and numerous other things, but he certainly deserves every award, title, and accomplishment he’s ever achieved. He’s been a multiple time tag team champion and a multiple time Intercontinental champion. The World Heavyweight title and the WWE title have both sat around his waist as he sauntered down the aisle when at the top of his game. Whether he’s positioned at the top of a ladder or sliding under the bottom rope; any opponent that dares challenge him better bring everything they have. His real name is Adam Copeland, but he’s known far and wide as Edge.
For over a decade now, I’ve watched Edge tear through the ranks of the WWE and rise to the top of whatever mountain was put in front of him. If he set out to capture the tag team gold again and again, then he did it. When it was the WWE Title he wanted; the Ultimate Opportunist knew when to strike and accomplished exactly what he set out to do. Edge just has never failed in doing whatever he wants in the WWE whenever he wants to and that makes him one of the biggest names of the past decade of wrestling period. It’s simply amazing that he is able to fulfill his wishes every time but he can and he will for a long time to come.
Edge entered the WWE ten years ago by appearing in the crowd and coming to the ring as this mysterious stranger who had a beleaguered past that was mostly unknown. Soon someone from his past would appear and bring about old feelings that would cause him to stray from his current path and end up siding with a former enemy known as Gangrel. As much as I love Edge’s heel persona today; his time in the Brood with Gangrel and Christian may be some of my favorite moments from his career. The bloodbaths and overall evil personalities those three brought forth and to the ring made for some awesome times in wrestling and culminated with them joining forces with Undertaker and his Ministry. Those were some fun storylines and wild angles back in the mid to late nineties, but they did their job in causing controversy and bringing in viewers. Little did they know just how big Edge would be in a few short years.
Over time we’d see Edge not only win countless tag team championships with his brother Christian, but with Chris Benoit, Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton, and even the immortal Hulk Hogan. The United States title, the Intercontinental title, the World Heavyweight title, the WWE title, King Of The Ring, and two-time Money In The Bank winner are more accomplishments that Edge has on his impressive resume. But it’s looking at the different storylines and even controversial situations he has gotten himself into that makes him such a center figure. Edge has been a part of a love triangle that spills over into real life. He’s been involved with the widow of a great superstar that passed long before their time. Edge took place in a “live sex celebration” on RAW when a little bit more was shown then expected. He’s taken part in countless matches that look as if he or his opponents were killed or broken in half thanks to tables, ladders, chairs, barbed wire, chains, and countless other objects. Edge has even gone toe to toe with a hardcore legend and come out on top. How many people can even say they’ve done two or three of the things he’s done in his career? And he’s not even close to being done.
A Decade Of Decadence moves through the career of Edge from his arrival on the scene in 1997 and through to today where he is right in the middle of his prime. Some of the matches in this DVD set are instant classics and will go down in history as some of the greatest in categories ranging from tag team to hardcore to ladder matches. He was a little green when he first came onto the scene, but then again who isn’t? Since then he has learned a lot and teaches even more. It is almost impossible for anyone to step into the ring with Edge, no matter their experience level, and have a bad match. Edge is a wrestler first and an entertainer second, but mixes the two together and never brings a bad performance no matter his reasoning for stepping in the ring. His charisma, in-ring ability, and overall appearance make him one for the record books and one of my favorite wrestlers ever. I simply hope that the Rated “R” Superstar continues spearing his way through the WWE for at least another decade.
~ A Boy And His Dream
~ Breakdown September 27, 1998: Edge Vs. Owen Hart – It’s really weird hearing Edge’s original theme music and watching the spotlights search the arena for wherever he may show up. Another thing that is weird is seeing Owen Hart in the ring but that’s always weird since his death. Man he was an absolutely brilliant talent. It may have been early on Edge’s career but his true talent could be seen here. This match also marks the debut of Christian who showed up to distract Edge long enough for Owen to pick up the win. Holy hell Christian’s hair was fluffy.
~ No Mercy October 17, 1999: Terri Invitational Tournament Ladder Match – New Brood Vs. Edge & Christian – This was the final match in the best of five match series to win $100,000 and also the services of Terri Runnels as their manager. Gangrel accompanied the Brood (Matt and Jeff Hardy) to the ring. It’s quite amazing listening to just how quiet the crowd is during the opening of this match and throughout most of its duration. One year later and not a single person in the crowd would sit down during a single moment of any of their matches. The spots aren’t nearly as crazy as they would come to be in the next couple years, but it’s still a pretty damn good match.
~ 8 Pounds Of Gold
~ WrestleMania 2000 April 2, 2000: Triangle Ladder Match for the WWE Tag Team Championship – Hardy Boyz Vs. Dudley Boyz Vs. Edge & Christian – I’m quite surprised that this match is showcased instead of the first-ever TLC match from SummerSlam of the same year. It was the Hardyz at this point drawing the biggest pops out of all three teams. This match is very good and shows some insane spots but it has a bit of a slower pace and was outshined by later matches involving these three teams. Still it’s not like this is horrible or anything because it shows a lot of things that have never been seen or done before. It does end with a great visual though of Edge and Christian grabbing the titles for their first championship reign and sitting atop the makeshift scaffold created from ladders and tables.
~ SummerSlam August 19, 2001: WWE Intercontinental Championship Match – Lance Storm Vs. Edge – Edge hadn’t really been in singles competition too long up to this point and putting him up against a true legend such as Lance Storm would prove beneficial. It’s also great seeing some of Storm’s pre-match promo again even if it is cut short. This match is true greatness but you will notice that it’s Storm leading the way most of the time and keeping Edge on his toes to deliver big time on the SummerSlam stage. Making this match even better is seeing interference that doesn’t decide the outcome of the match, but is just used as a transition move. Storm and Edge deliver a fun match that is fast-paced and great to watch.
~ Survivor SeriesNovember 18, 2001: Championship Unification Match: Edge Vs. Test – Ok, this was right smack dab in the middle of the whole “Invasion” angle and here we’d see a unification of the WCW United States Title (held by Edge) and the WWE Intercontinental Title (held by Test). Winner of this match got to keep their job and whatever title they held before the match while the other title would just go away. Edge tried a lot here, but Test just sucked. I don’t mean he sucked during this time of his career but he did throughout his entire career. It was still cool though watching the unification of two belts from different companies.
~ Singles Superstar
~ Sunday Night Heat March 3, 2002: Edge Vs. Mr. Perfect – Mr. Perfect looked in better shape here then he did back in the late eighties and early nineties. Its cool knowing that we could see rising superstars like Edge take on legends from my early days of watching wrestling. Even though this match doesn’t last very long and we barely get to see much happen; it’s a classic event for these two superstars to be in the ring together.
~ Judgment Day May 19, 2002: Hair Vs. Hair Match – Kurt Angle Vs. Edge – This is the match that would mold Kurt Angle’s appearance all the way up to present day. These two men actually have rather unique styles that you’d expect to clash because Angle is more of a technical wrestler while Edge does some high-flying and more innovative stuff. But their brawling is what brings them together and makes them mesh so well together. Look for the opening sequence between the two of them here that ends in a staredown and gets NO reaction from the crowd whatsoever. Shame. The match itself is pretty good even though it is rather short. Both Edge and Angle seem so desperate throughout the match to not lose and get their head shaved that they bring the believability scale up a few notches. And in what seems like a small tribute to Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, Edge finally gets Angle into the barber chair for his cut by successfully applying a sleeperhold.
~ SmackDown May 30, 2002: Steel Cage Match – Kurt Angle Vs. Edge – Angle was sporting the amateur wrestling headgear here which held on his not so subtle wig. It had been almost two weeks since he got his head shaved and the wonders began flying as to why Angle’s hair wasn’t growing back but that is neither here nor there. Believe it or not, this match was actually better then their “hair versus hair” match at Judgment Day even if Edge only got the win thanks to Hulk Hogan’s interference. None the less it was a good match while it was just the two of them inside the cage.
~ SmackDown July 4, 2002: WWE Tag Team Championship Match – Edge & Hollywood Hulk Hogan Vs. Billy & Chuck – It was the Fourth of July and the “Real American” Hulk Hogan came down decked out in red, white, and blue and waving the American flag…did you really think he wouldn’t win the tag titles here? It is kind of funny seeing Edge holding the flag before the match considering he is Canadian. I would like to say that I miss Billy and Chuck’s theme song. “Yooooouuuu loookkk sooooo….good to me!” Sorry, sorry!
This match was nothing more then having Hogan win the titles on the Fourth of July, but it was still fun. Seeing the dual big boot and then stereo leg drops from Hogan and Edge on Chuck for the pin was pretty cool.
~ Unforgiven September 22, 2002: Edge Vs. Eddie Guerrero – You know, this match wasn’t what I expected at all. There is a lot more brawling and power moves done then technical or high-flying stuff and that’s odd coming from these two. Eddie even tries one of the strangest looking submission maneuvers I’ve ever seen in my entire life. He takes the back of Edge’s head between his legs and wraps his legs over Edge’s arms pushing Edge’s neck forward and rendering him immobile. Brilliant. The match itself is kind of boring and that is due to the restholds and just overall long counts from the referee. As the announcers (Tazz and Michael Cole) beat into our heads; Edge is just coming off a concussion he suffered three days before. Eddie takes advantage and works over Edge’s head throughout the match making this whole thing very methodical with only occasional bursts every now and then.
~ Injury & Return!
~ Vengeance July 11, 2004: WWE Intercontinental Championship Match – Edge Vs. Randy Orton – Edge was back and in rare form, but not his best. Edge is would eventually go on to be a much better wrestler and performer as a heel and that is evident as watching him play the babyface role in this match. It just seems to take something away from his character. It doesn’t help either that this match is incredibly boring except for the hot finish that sees Edge capture the title. There is a lot of stalling from Orton to begin everything and then things just turn very plodding and slow moving. Not one of the better matches for either guy.
~ RAW February 28, 2005: Street Fight – Shawn Michaels Vs. Edge – I can’t remember why this match was made and what exactly they were feuding over to call for a street fight, but whatever it was is good for me as the match is great. I think this is kind of when Edge was truly coming into his own as a main event talent and going toe for toe with Shawn Michaels proves it. They deliver some phenomenal spots with weapons and moves that show flawless and seamless execution throughout the entire match. Look out for some sick chair shots from HBK and a beautiful spear by Edge near the end of the match. I love this match and am surprised at how good it is even three years later and that it was given away on free TV.
~ RAW May 16, 2005: Gold Rush Tournament Final – Kane Vs. Edge – If memory serves, the Gold Rush Tournament was for a chance to face Batista for the championship, but I could be wrong. Kane and Edge were in the middle of the love triangle with Lita before Matt came onto the scene and did virtually the same feud with Edge but took Kane’s place. Don’t expect much from the actual match because it doesn’t really deliver from a wrestling entertainment standpoint and was more for storyline advancement then anything. It was the totally expected moment when Kane and Lita’s relationship ended and she once and for all sided with Edge.
~ Love Triangle
~ RAW August 29, 2005: Street Fight – Matt Hardy Vs. Edge – And this makes it two street fights on RAW in the same year for Edge. Hardy had made his triumphant (?) comeback to the WWE and was out for revenge and blood from Edge after the whole Lita shenanigans. I expected much more from this match then what we actually got and remember being extremely disappointed years ago. The same holds true here, but it was mainly to keep the feud going a bit longer. There are some decent shots with various weapons, but the ending comes with no real finish and makes the whole thing kind of for naught.
~ New Year’s Revolution January 8, 2006: WWE Championship Match – John Cena Vs. Edge – Perhaps this is where the nickname of “The Ultimate Opportunist” came about because of how Edge won the title here. Cena was actually in an Elimination Chamber match and toughed out a victory. Edge had held the Money in The Bank briefcase since WrestleMania XXII and knew it was time to cash it in. Cena is bloodied and beaten as the cage rises up after it is all over and Vince McMahon introduces Edge who wins his first WWE Title in historic fashion. I don’t care how short it ended up being; this was awesome.
~ Overrated
~ WrestleMania 22 April 2, 2006: Hardcore Match – Mick Foley Vs. Edge – I love this match and there’s just no doubt about it. Foley is a hardcore legend and everyone knows that. We’ve all seen Edge in TLC matches and things like that making him able to hang with the best when it comes to extreme stuff. This feud was just absolute gold with some great promos and interaction between the two of them that led to this extraordinary match. Barbed wire, tables, chairs, socks, a bat, and even flaming tables made an appearance as both men beat the hell out of one another and took the almost defunct hardcore match to new heights.
~ ECW: One Night Stand June 11, 2006: 6-Person Tag Team Match – Terry Funk, Tommy Dreamer, & Beulah Vs. Mick Foley, Edge, & Lita – This was originally just a tag team match with Edge and Foley versus Funk and Dreamer, but the women came out and joined in on the fun. This match is just insane with all kinds of violent with some extreme spots and over the top shots that make you cringe every time you see them. I loved the transition Edge made from feuding with Foley for a while over how stupid it was to be hardcore and all that, but then siding with him and stepping into the ring for a match of this type. The crowd eats up this match making it even better as it just had a real old school ECW feel about it.
~ RAW July 3, 2006: WWE Championship Triple Threat Match – John Cena Vs. Rob Van Dam Vs. Edge – Originally slated as a Triple Threat Tag Team match with Cena, Edge, and RVD each picking a partner, things changed and now it was a regular Triple Threat and for the WWE Title. RVD held the title after defeating Cena at One Night Stand thanks to Edge’s help. RVD also held the ECW Title at the time and this match kind of had to happen thanks to RVD about to serve a suspension. Odd how Lillian Garcia introduces RVD as just “the champion.”
The match itself isn’t too bad and actually sees all three men together in the ring most of the time and only two of them in there (with one “knocked out”) for short periods of time. It’s kind of a basic match with a pretty hot ending that sees all three men perform their finishing moves only to have Edge sneak in the for sweet victory.
~ “I Equal Ratings”
~ SummerSlam August 20, 2006: WWE Championship Match – John Cena Vs. Edge – Edge couldn’t go and get himself disqualified here to keep his title because it would change hands either way. Edge also had some serious heel heat going on here after pimp-slapping Cena’s father in his own house. Cena is simply focused on beating the living hell out of Edge and for a while, that seems alright. The match is a pretty good brawl and told a good story of Cena wanting revenge on Edge in his hometown, but it wasn’t meant to be as the Ultimate Opportunist pulled it out again. Oh, and even though I can’t stand the F-U because I feel as if it is nothing more then the “lazy man’s DVD,” Cena does an impressive lift here with Edge in place for the F-U, then gets Lita on top of him, and throws her sky high.
~ I Persevered
~ RAW February 19, 2007: Money In The Bank Qualifying Match – Rob Van Dam Vs. Edge – Hoping to get a spot in the third Money In The Bank (MITB) match, Edge and RVD put on a decent show for free TV. I say “pretty decent” because it is only the last few minutes when anything gets going at all. The first ten minutes or so is mostly restholds from both men and overly boring. I miss team Rated RKO though and really wish Edge and Randy Orton would join forces again.
~ RAW April 30, 2007: Randy Orton Vs. Edge – Egos would be a bit too much for them to stay a partnership long though as one always believed they were better then the other. This isn’t all that bad a match either, but it doesn’t really get going until Edge spears Orton (who is standing on the ring apron) and sends him flying onto the announce table and bouncing around a few times. A few moments later and we see Edge leaping off the top rope only to be met with a great dropkick from Randy Orton. This match is littered with some nice spots in between all the brawling, and succeeds nicely in getting the crowd into it with all the very close counts. The final five minutes here will have you on the edge of your seat as both men exchange big moves and get so close to winning. Great stuff.
~ Money In The Bank – Again!
~ SmackDown May 11, 2007: World Heavyweight Championship Match – Undertaker Vs. Edge – Batista and Undertaker had just finished a grueling cage match that Taker won due to a draw since both men escaped at the exact same time. Taker is all bloodied up and looking ready for death. Then out of nowhere, Mark Henry comes out and beats the ever-living hell out of Undertaker leaving him to lie there in his own blood. The night wasn’t over yet though and Edge came out ready to redeem his second MITB briefcase that he won from Mr. Kennedy. Even JBL sounds remorseful here and doesn’t want Edge to win it this way. But he does and once again, it is awesome.
~ Vengeance June 24, 2007: Last Chance World Heavyweight Championship Match – Batista Vs. Edge – After a series of matches, Batista was getting his final shot at the World Heavyweight Title as long as Edge would have the belt around his waist. The match itself really isn’t that bad but you can only see a match so much before you just don’t give a damn anymore. I really like Edge but Batista does nothing but annoy me every time I see him. Seeing the match again now isn’t so bad, but back in 2007, this was the third consecutive PPV this match appeared on and I was sick of it. Looking back now though it’s pretty good and well worth checking out if you’ve never seen it or at least for a refresher.
~ Royal Rumble January 27, 2008: World Heavyweight Championship Match – Rey Mysterio Vs. Edge – It’s no secret that I hate Rey Mysterio, but I give him credit for being extremely talented. His matches just don’t thrill me, and his character is appealing to me even less. Edge on the other hand is a top talent and a fantastic heel. Putting them together here delivered your basic really bad guy versus really good guy match and while I enjoyed the way it ended because it was creative; it was upsetting to see a finish that wasn’t clean and gave closure.
~ My Specialty
~ WWE One Night Stand June 1, 2008: Tables, Ladders, & Chairs Match for the Vacant World Heavyweight Championship – Undertaker Vs. Edge – Here is a ladder match that allows the participants to use chairs and tables as well. Undertaker must win the vacant title here or must leave the WWE forever. Bit more drama going on here since these two have been battling for months and there is a lot at stake here. I like Taker and Edge in the ring together as they have a really good chemistry against one another and also know how to tell a really good story outside the ring as well.
This match had all the requirements in line to be violent as hell and it produced. It isn’t called a TLC match for no reason so both men make sure to put everything to good use. Watch this match to see why I still enjoy seeing Undertaker in the ring. The man has been wrestling for almost two decades and you know his body has to be beat up badly, but he takes a huge fall through four tables which is sick for anyone to do. By far this is the best match of the entire night and was worth the wait.
~ SummerSlam August 17, 2008: Hell In A Cell Match – Undertaker Vs. Edge – Undertaker and Edge have been feuding for months and it has been great from beginning to end. This would be the bout where Undertaker is returning after being reinstated by Vicki Guerrero. Edge forced Taker out of WWE after defeating him earlier in the summer, but now the Dead Man is back and wants revenge. This is a fantastic match that ends up being more like a hardcore or TLC match then a hell in a cell because you never quite see either man use the cell as a weapon. Lots of big time shots and some really good action on the parts of both men. The match couldn’t have really been better, but I do wish the whole dramatic storyline thing after it hadn’t happened. It would have been nice seeing Taker just end up decimating Edge at the end of the match so he could just prove his worth in the ring as the phenom.
~ What’s Next – Sequel?
The event is shown in 1.33:1 Full Screen format and everything looks good. Even the older footage from the nineties looks strangely good and full of color with no problems at all.
The event is heard in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and it also shows no real issues with the older footage and especially with more recent stuff. The interview segments come through just fine as well.
The Totally Awesome Best Of Edge And Christian – Oh my God this is some incredibly hilarious stuff. All the best moments and skits that happened with Edge and Christian. Nothing says overly funny like entrance themes being played on a kazoo. “You think you know me…you think you know me!” I miss the early days with those two guys. This feature runs right at six minutes but I could watch it for hours.
Cornwall, ON November 10, 1997: Adam Copeland Vs. Christian – Edge and Matt Striker present commentary for this match and also give a short introduction. The match at hand is a dark match before a WWE event and has never been seen except by those in attendance. From the ring apron, it looks to be Shotgun Saturday Night. Wow, the lights are even being tested during the match. The crowd is into it a good bit which is shocking, but maybe it was because they were probably the first wrestlers out all night. Edge calls the match most of the time but also takes time to answer Striker’s questions which he asks constantly. Oh, and for those of you that don’t know it; Adam Copeland is Edge’s real name and it’s what he went by for this match. Edge actually pulls off the victory with a Demon Bomb and then raises the roof in his post match celebration.
Toronto, ON July 24, 1999: Intercontinental Championship Match – Edge Vs. Jeff Jarrett – Edge and Striker are together again for commentary and introduction. This match sees Edge’s first ever title victory in the WWE. This match took place in Edge’s hometown and saw a rare title change at a house show. It almost looks as if the camera man is using a handheld video camera. Edge had already wrestled earlier in a tag match with Christian against the APA, and was told soon before the match that he’d be replacing Ken Shamrock against Jarrett. It’s a pretty cut and dry match but a big moment in Edge’s career.
Trailers – Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia, The History Of The Intercontinental Championship, and Viva La Raza: The Legacy Of Eddie Guerrero
Edge is a legend in his own right and he’s only been around for ten years. His title reigns come up on the number of insane, and he’s far from done. He has been the face that everyone loves and the heel that everyone loves to hate, but no matter what, he has always delivered nothing but the best. Decade Of Decadence gives us not only some of the best matches that Edge has been a part of over the years, but also some of the greatest moments. I was kind of surprised that the live sex show that he and Lita put on a while back wasn’t included, but oh well. Edge’s playful personality borders on the line of cocky, but you still can’t help but listen to him intently as he reflects on his career and all that which is still to come. The WWE has really delivered big time with all of these three-disc sets devoted to individual superstars and I’m loving each one of them. Being one of my favorite personalities in wrestling ever, it wasn’t hard for me to truly enjoy the story of Adam Copeland AKA Edge. The special features aren’t much to brag about, but they still are pretty damn good and well worth checking out.
Get this set and get it now because you’re going to learn a lot of stuff about Edge that you may never have realized before. Heh…and you think you know him. Sorry, couldn’t help it!
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WWE Home Video presents Edge: A Decade Of Decadence. Featuring: Edge, Undertaker, Rey Mysterio, Matt Hardy, John Cena, Eddie Guerrero, and many more. Running time: 360 minutes on 3 discs. Rating: PG. Released on DVD: December 23, 2008. Available at Amazon.com
