Edge Had Difficulty Wrapping His Head Around Premature Retirement

WWE Hall Of Famer Edge remains one of the most popular Superstars to have ever stepped foot inside a WWE ring. Edge had to prematurely retire from in-ring competition back in 2011 due to a career-ending neck injury.

This decision shocked the entire pro wrestling world as Edge was still in his prime at that time. He also had to relinquish the World Heavyweight Championship.

Thankfully, Edge would make his return at the 2020 Royal Rumble match after 9 years away from the squared cricle.

While speaking on the series finale of Grit and Glory, Edge talked about the emotional fallout he had during his years in retirement.

“The interesting thing about my scenario was I was told I don’t have a choice, so that in a way made it easier,” he commented on his initial retirement in 2011. “I didn’t have to sit on the fence and go, ok, do I have any more left? Do I have that? They’re like, no, you’re not cleared to do this anymore. What comes with that is having to pretty quickly wrap your mind around this thing, this idea that what you’ve wanted to do your entire life, and the only thing you’ve known your entire adult life is now gone. There’s emotional fallout from that.

“Once I got a sniff that this thing is possible, I got my butt in there and just kept moving and grinding to get to this point. I learned that I needed to save it because what that was was a reminder that every one could be the last one – ever aspect of this. Whether it’s talking to the guys in the locker room, talking to you now, or getting in that ring, I appreciate it.”

Edge is set to compete against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 37 for the WWE Universal Championship. Should he manage to beat Reigns, Edge will win the title for the first time ever.

h/t to Wrestling Inc for the quotes.