Playing with Shadows
By Laura
WWF Magazine March 2000
From his aesthetic beauty to his incredible athletic ability, Edge is superstar material.
But just as his entrances into arenas across the country have been unpredictable, so have his choices. The Superstar has the potential to be a solo star, yet he has always chosen to connect himself with others. Is he like a pack animal, harboring an innate desire to run with wolves? Or is he simply afraid of success?
Edge is one of the most-popular Superstars with the female fans, as well as being highly regarded among the male population for his athletic talents. Yet, something keeps Edge from making it big. Could it be that the Federation Superstars he teams with are holding him back? Has his affiliation with Gangrel, Christian, and his friendship with the Hardy Boyz kept him a mid-card player? One thing is certain, if Edge were to break out on his own, success would be inevitable.
Proof in point. At a house show in Toronto one day prior to the Pay-Per-View extravaganza Fully Loaded, Edge was able to win the Intercontinental title from Jeff Jarrett. Despite his title loss the next night, he had demonstrated his potential.
When Edge first came to the World Wrestling Federation, he used to hide in the shadows of the stands in crowded arenas, watching Gangrel with a guarded rage. It wasn't too long, however, until Edge joined forces with him. Soon thereafter, Christian came on to the scene and the Brood was spawned.
For months, these three Superstars wrecked havoc upon the Federation, both physically and psychologically. No one knew for certain what their agenda was - no one could even figure out what they stood for. They were assigned labels from vampires to Goths, but a definite designation was never formed. Yet, through it all, Edge was the standout - not just for his athleticism, but for his enigmatic aura. Edge definitely had an "edge" over the other two Brood members. He easily could have gone solo at that point, but he chose to stay with his brother, Christian, and Gangrel. Was this out of loyalty or fear of being alone?
The Brood soon became a part of the Undertaker's Ministry of Darkness. During their association with that faction of the Federation, Edge was held back even further. But, it didn't take too long for the Unholy Trio to break away from the Undertaker's hold, becoming once again an independent entity. Speculation on the break up was that the Brood's and the Undertaker's philosophies didn't connect - that intrinsic differences in their approaches to good an evil, to the meaning of life and death, existed. Nonetheless, the Brood were once again on their own.
It was then that the Brood finally broke their vow of silence. In fact, it was Edge that proclaimed a "Brood Movement." Shortly after this, the Brood split up, and it was anticipated that the three would each go their separate ways. It would finally be Edge's time to shine.
However, this was not to be. Edge and Christian remained a unit and participated in tag-team matches. Was this out of a brotherly bond? Or did Edge feel unprepared to go it alone?
Edge has the athletic ability and the allure of mystery to put him on top in the World Wrestling Federation. However, he continually chooses to remain with others - others who stand in his shadow, holding the enigmatic Superstar from truly fulfilling his potential. If Edge wants to achieve the level of success possible in the World Wrestling Federation, he needs to break out on his own. Gangrel, Christian, and possibly the Hardy Boyz - all these shadows have held him back.
Although not affiliated with the Hardy Boyz, it is obvious Edge has a strong respect for the brothers. This was first noticed at the June 1999 Pay-Per-View event, King of the Ring; the two brother teams competed against each other in a ladder match, which set the bar for future ladder tournaments. The four men shook hands before and after the match, and the following evening on RAW.
While it is admirable - as well as quite rare in this day and age - to be a team player, placing the good of the whole before one's success - it isn't going to get Edge anywhere fast. In the World Wrestling Federation, it's true that the nice guys finish last. It is time for Edge to become - to have a metamorphosis into - the beautiful, talented Superstar he has the potential to be. He needs to shed the cocoon that has kept him down.
Though Edge is a man who seems to revel in darkness, it is only with the light of exposure that the shadows holding him back will dissipate. Edge needs to take the chance - to break out on his own and shine. Only then might we finally discover what Edge is all about. Only then might Edge realize his potential. His theme song declares, "You think you know me..." Question is, does he fully know himself?
