2012 WWE Hall of Famer Adam Copeland began his official 15-year WWE career as Edge with a try-out at WWE headquarters in January 1998. Copeland's entire run as Edge was documented in the pages of Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter, beginning with the try-out. In the first installment of a new Back-Issue series, we will document Copeland's entire career with regularly-updated excerpts from the pages of the Torch Newsletter.

- Pro Wrestling Torch #474 - Cover Dated January 10, 1998

WWF Newswire: Twelve WWF wrestlers and prospects began a one-week training session on Sunday, Jan. 4 at the WWF training facility in Stamford, Conn. Pat Patterson and Dory Funk Jr. are the main trainers, teaching mat skills and ring psychology. In the camp are Tiger Ali Singh, Adam Copeland (a 22 year old, 6-4, 240 pounder with long blond hair, said to have potential), Shawn Stasiac (son of the late Stan Stasiac), Steve Blackman ("fan from the stands"), and a few former college football player prospects.

- Pro Wrestling Torch #476 - Cover Dated January 24, 1998

WWF Newswire: Adam Copeland is said to be the obvious future star coming out of the mini training camp the WWF held last week. He is said to be a cross between Shawn Michaels and Hunter in terms of his look and potential. Sean Morley also looked to have potential.

- Pro Wrestling Torch #482 - Cover Dated March 7, 1998

WWF Newswire: Mar. 2 in Cleveland, Ohio Raw TV taping. In matches taped after Raw for the Mar. 7 Shotgun, Brakkus beat Recon, Jesus Castillo beat Adam Copeland, Quebecer Pierre beat Mike Droese (a/k/a Duke the Dumpster, who looked good in his tryout), Miguel Perez Jr. beat Sean Morley, Faarooq & Maivia (The Rock) beat Brandi & T. Rantula, Aguila beat Christopher, and Flash Funk pinned Goldust when Mero interfered.

- Next Installment: Edge continues appearing on Shotgun Saturday Night.

[Torch art credit Grant Gould (c) PWTorch.com]

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