WWE Legend Almost Wrestled Damian Priest In Final Match

Damian Priest almost had one more match with a WWE legend.

After being drafted to SmackDown in May 2023, Edge, now known as Adam Copeland, or Cope in AEW, celebrated 25 years with WWE on August 8th. At the taping held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the star was given a hometown welcome as he took on Sheamus for the first time ever.

Little did fans realise at the time, but it would be Copeland’s final match with the company as he let his contract expire at the end of September. In search of a new challenge and looking to end his career alongside long-time friend Christian Cage, Copeland then signed with AEW, making his debut at WrestleDream.

However, the original plans for that night in Toronto were a little different.

Adam Copeland’s WWE Farewell Was Nearly Very Different

During an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Sheamus discussed being Copeland’s final opponent in WWE, confirming that at the time, no one was sure if he was going to leave. Interestingly, the Irish star also revealed that Damian Priest was initially in line for the match, but plans changed and he was drafted in.

Copeland and Priest initially worked together in early 2022 when they officially formed Judgment Day in the days after WrestleMania 38.

“We talked about it. I remember we talked about doing an angle together, a storyline together for a while. We came up with a storyline, it was shot down for whatever reason and then it just happened. I just got a call because we did a promo the week before, and then we did the match the week after.

Edge’s contract was coming up. No one knew if he was going to stay or go. No one really knew. I didn’t know. I thought he was going to stay, because we were talking about doing something after that as well. But yeah, it was just a situation.

I think originally Damian Priest was penciled in, but then it just turned to me. So I don’t know however it happened, but I was really surprised that did happen. Excited about it too, because me and Edge have never had a one-on-one match. Me and Rey [Mysterio] still haven’t had a one-on-one match.”

During the same interview, Sheamus confirmed he signed a new WWE contract in 2024, but denied he’s even considered retirement. The former World Champion said he plans to wrestle “until the wheels come off” and physically can’t perform. He added there’ll be plenty of time to relax when he eventually does call it a day.

H/t to WrestlingNews.Co