Deep Thoughts

[Ashlee]

How is this my life? 27 years in this business. And I'm content to let people think I take it for granted, but sometimes when I'm back here, with this crew, watching those fans come through the turnstiles, I'm really in awe that this is my life.

The Chesapeake Energy Arena was buzzing backstage. The King of the Ring PPV was taking shape, and with one Warfare left to set the table, Adam Copeland found himself wandering the hallways and watching all of the intricate parts of the machine churn to create another weekly, episodic adventure.

It might not be meant to be. My job might be to just put over someone else, and that's it. In fact, I should probably take it as a compliment that they know when they need to make someone look good, I'm the guy to call. It takes a talented performer to do that.

There were going to be a ton of televised matches tonight, and Adam would have liked to be a bit higher on the card, but he understood it. The match wasn't going on mid-show because it featured Edge. It was going on mid-show because it featured Elias. Adam could live with that. Especially if it meant he was going to be able to get on the King of the Ring card.

Did you think you'd still be doing this at 45? No, not exactly. I don't think I thought I'd live to see 45 if I'm honest. Took me long enough to get my shit together. Damn Ortons, making me grow up. Pretty decent second act, I guess. Jericho makes me think I could probably keep this up for at least a few more years.

Adam moved through the hallway and to the catering room. There were some folks milling around, and he went to the table and checked out his options. He grabbed a plate, and decided on a couple of steak kabobs. He moved over to a table to eat, keeping a careful eye on everyone running around.

The same thing, week after week, for 18 years. Impressive.

He tried to think of who was still there that had been there from day one. Even Wes hadn't worked for EBWF in the beginning. Maybe a few of the production managers, a camera man or two, but Jericho might have very well been the only person who had been there from the very beginning. He took a bite of a green pepper and thought about how many years he'd put in at EBWF. About how his life was turning around.

It's been almost seven months since Mom died. Trish hasn't left your side. You're probably together now. You know that, right? Fuck.

Adam Copeland: God, I should probably talk to her.

He popped a piece of onion into his mouth.

Elias. There's no way I'm not going over Elias right?

He chewed his steak slowly.

Have I really spent the last few years acting like I don't know my place, around here. I mean, I'm Edge. That's nothing to sneeze at. And there's nothing that says I can't carry the strap around here. Hell, maybe it's time for a change. Everything old becomes new again, right?

Adam Copeland: Fuck.

Don't think of yourself as old, idiot. If you think it, it makes it okay for everyone else to think it. It's Elias. And then who Bobby Lashley or PAC? I mean, it wouldn't be my favorite thing in the world to have a match with Lashley, but I could make that work. I mean, there isn't a lot that I couldn't make work in the ring at least. It's what's kept me in the game this long. And just think, I'm like, two wins away from having to face PJ Black again. That'll be fun.

He rolled his eyes. That did not, in fact, sound fun.

But everything old becomes new again.

He thought a bit about Elias. What a loss might mean for him.

It's not like he's on a trajectory where he needs King of the Ring to succeed. Not like PJ, Randy or I have painted ourselves into corners. We need to conquer Everest or not even bother showing up. There may be such a thing as becoming too big for the mid-card. AJ Styles seems to have adapted to not being a big deal anymore. Maybe I should ask him.

He smirked to himself.

I might actually have a case for winning this thing. No jokes. No goofy innuendo. Just straight up dismantling Elias.

He made a little hum in his throat at that realization, and looked up from his plate when he heard someone enter the room. It was a camera man with Charly Caruso. They weren't filming.

Charly Caruso: Adam, do you mind if we get you here? Make it look like you weren't prepared to be interviewed?

Adam shook his head.

Adam Copeland: Go for it.

She thanked him. It only took a moment for the camera man to begin filming, and Charly walked toward the table, speaking into the microphone as her heels clicked.

Charly Caruso: Edge, we're sorry to interrupt your lunch, but we were just wondering if you had a few words about your match with Elias tonight.

Edge stood up, taking his plate, the camera following him.

Edge: Let me demonstrate what I'll be doing to Elias' career tonight at Warfare.

He tossed the used disposable dishware into the garbage bin, and turned back toward Charly with a smirk.

Edge: Illustrative enough for you? Let me tell you, Charly, I've been doing a lot less talking and a lot more thinking. That's why tonight, I'm going to let my actions out in the ring speak louder than I ever could.

He moved past her and out of the view of the camera, leaving Charly and the cameraman to wrap up the segment to air on whatever social media or network outlet that would air it. Adam went to the locker room he shared with Randy, confident he'd done all the preparation he would need for his match.