The "Rated R Superstar" Edge Retires

This past Monday on Raw, Edge made the announcement that he is retiring.  It was doctors orders that he retire due to his physical well being.  You can see his speech from Raw with the following video:

YouTube link



I have had time to process and think about his retirement.  I must say that after looking back on his career in the WWF/WWE, he worked his ass off to entertain the fans, to try to put on good matches, and everything else that comes with being in the WWF/WWE.  He at times was one of the most loved or one of the most hated wrestlers.  But in the end, he will go down as a legend.

Even if you don't necessarily like Edge, you have to admit that he gave it his all.  He sacrificed his body for the love of the business and that is what I respect.  He never necessarily did it because he thought he would be the WWE and or World Heavyweight Champion.  Sure it's a goal and dream to become that one day, but not everybody get to hold one of those titles in their career.  To someone who went the extra mile to entertain his fans, becoming the WWE and World Heavyweight Championships respectively was a way of thanking him for his hard work.  Some guys get their respective spots by pulling politics, but I can say that Edge has truly earned his spot.  That is something I can also respect.  But the days of earning your spot is dead.  Well at least in the mainstream.

Edge has had some good feuds, good promos, good quotes (check my quotes blog), and just all great.  He wanted to finish his career in the WWE so he didn't have to start over in another promotion.  He got his wish and went out on top.  Sure it was sooner than everyone expected, but it was expected he was going to retire in the next year or two anyways.  At least he is not going to have to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair.  Plus his body will fill a lot better due to not having to wrestle everyday.  Other wrestlers with banged up bodies like Mick Foley have said they felt a lot better by not having to wrestle all the time.

Edge's speech itself was filled with emotion.  You could see that even though it was best for him, he didn't want to have to retire.  He also felt a sense of relief that for the first time in a long time, he doesn't have to put on his ring attire and work.  He just loved what he did and it showed during his speech.

Even though he is not working anymore, he is financially set for life.  He was smart with his money and paid off his house.  He won't have to worry about money as he will have royalties from merchandise with his name and likeness on it.

Edge will missed and I thank him for years in the business.  He is one of my all-time favourite wrestlers and a future Hall of Famer definitely.  Once again... THANK YOU EDGE!