If you’re going to plank, you might as well plank to a killer soundtrack. That’s the philosophy behind Pure Plank, a fitness innovation co-founded by WWE-turned-AEW superstar Adam Copeland, alongside his longtime friend Jay Reso. Designed to make planking more comfortable and effective, Pure Plank was born out of two retired pro wrestlers’ determination to fight off “dad bods” and get back to peak form.
“It was something Jay and I cooked up when we got serious about losing our retirement-fueled dad bods,” Copeland shares. “I started planking to try and build my core strength back up. Relieve some lower back pain. It had worked for me in the past. Jay asked what I was doing, and he started. Then Jay thought that maybe we could create something to make the process more comfortable. I put a Sharpie to paper while we both spit out ideas, and here we are.”
For someone who has spent decades in the ring—taking bumps, executing high-impact maneuvers, and enduring the physical toll of professional wrestling—core strength isn’t just an advantage, it’s a necessity. Pure Plank aims to bring that level of training to everyone, from elite athletes to weekend warriors. And, of course, no workout is complete without the right music.
Copeland is a self-professed music nerd, and his playlist reflects both his love for legendary rock bands and his need for high-energy tracks that keep him pushing through every workout. Whether he’s planking, lifting, or doing cardio, his go-to songs help him stay in the zone.
Here are Copeland’s top songs to plank to:
- Given to Fly – Pearl Jam
- Running Down a Dream – Tom Petty
- Lil Devil – The Cult
- Good Day Sunshine – The Beatles
- Suffragette City – David Bowie
These aren’t just background noise; they’re the anthems of resilience and rhythm. The soaring melody of “Given to Fly” makes planking feel almost meditative, while the relentless drive of “Running Down a Dream” mirrors the push to hold that core-engaging position just a few seconds longer. Meanwhile, “Lil Devil” and “Suffragette City” add a bit of attitude, ensuring every workout comes with a side of swagger.
Of course, Copeland’s love for music goes beyond just his personal playlists. As a wrestler, he understands the impact of an entrance theme better than anyone. A great song doesn’t just announce a superstar—it electrifies an entire arena.
“As biased as I am about mine, I can admit when someone has some killer music,” Copeland admits. “It sets the entire tone. Growing up, when I heard Hulk Hogan’s music, I’d lose it. But I have to go with Stone Cold Steve Austin. When the glass broke to kick it off, that crowd exploded. Every night. I think it’s based off Bulls on Parade by Rage Against the Machine. Sorry, music nerd coming out.”
It’s no surprise that Copeland, who has spent his career making dramatic entrances, appreciates the power of a well-crafted theme. His own iconic entrance, fueled by Metalingus by Alter Bridge, has been a staple of wrestling soundtracks for years. But his passion for music extends beyond just arena anthems—he’s a true fan, through and through.
His top five artists reflect a deep appreciation for rock’s most influential acts:
- Pearl Jam – Masters of emotional, anthemic storytelling.
- The Beatles – The foundation of modern rock and pop.
- Foo Fighters – Relentless energy and stadium-sized choruses.
- Faith No More – Innovators who refused to be boxed into one genre.
- Avett Brothers – Folk-infused rock with raw, heartfelt lyricism.
Whether it’s Eddie Vedder’s soaring vocals, Dave Grohl’s powerhouse drumming, or the unpredictable brilliance of Faith No More, Copeland’s taste in music is as dynamic as his wrestling career.
At its core, Pure Plank is about transformation—building strength, endurance, and resilience. But Copeland knows that sticking to a workout routine is easier when you have the right soundtrack. A great song can push you through those last few reps, turn an average workout into something inspiring, and make the difference between stopping at “good enough” and pushing all the way to greatness.
So, whether you’re looking to chisel your core, power through an intense training session, or just add some iconic wrestling energy to your fitness routine, one thing is clear: a great plank deserves a great playlist. And if Adam Copeland’s career has taught us anything, it’s that when you mix passion, power, and the perfect soundtrack, you can take on anything.
