WWE Legend Edge is arguably one of the all-time greats in the Stamford-based promotion’s history. The Rated R Superstar has had an immensely successful pro wrestling career, but it was unfortunately halted at a time when he was at the peak of his popularity in the industry.
This happened after WrestleMania XXVII in 2011, when the Ultimate Opportunist announced his retirement from the Triple-H-led promotion. Edge’s retirement at that time was an absolute shock for the fans, as he was at his peak, and many still wonder why he retired. So, let’s take a look at the reason why The Rated R Superstar had to retire from WWE.
Edge shocked the WWE universe when he announced his retirement on the April 11, 2011, episode of RAW. He revealed this news while addressing the crowd as he opened up about his physical health. The Ultimate Opportunist revealed that he broke his neck and had to receive surgery, but still experienced pain and had lost feeling in his arms.
The Rated R Superstar had to go through several other tests, and after the results, doctors suggested to him that even one more bump could result in paralysis or death. These reports were the reason Edge had no other option but to retire from in-ring competition. Thus, his life-threatening neck injury became the reason for his 2011 retirement from the Stamford-based promotion.
Edge made a shocking return at the 2020 WWE Royal Rumble PLE
After forcefully retiring from professional wrestling in 2011 due to neck injuries, The Rated R Superstar remained away from in-ring action for over nine years. However, Edge made a surprising return to the Stamford-based promotion at the 2020 Royal Rumble.
He made his return during the annual 30-Man Royal Rumble match by entering at the twenty-first position. Edge’s return at the event received one of the loudest pops in recent years, as fans were overjoyed to see their beloved performer back in action.
He delivered vicious spears throughout the match and reached the top three, however, Drew McIntyre won. The Rated R Superstar was able to make up for falling short at the 2020 event, as he emerged as the winner of the 2021 Royal Rumble match by eliminating Randy Orton.
Due to his victory, The Rated R Superstar challenged Roman Reigns for his title at WrestleMania 37 in a triple-threat match but failed to win. After this, Edge had feuds with Seth Rollins and The Miz. After which, he feuded with AJ Styles, which saw him turn heel and form The Judgement Day. However, he was kicked out of the faction by his teammates in June 2022.
Edge’s exit from the group started a feud between the faction, which ended at WrestleMania 39 as he defeated Finn Bálor. During the 2023 draft, Edge was drafted to SmackDown and has participated in a number of matches on the blue brand. It’ll be interesting to see how the legend will be handled by Triple-H’s company in the upcoming months.