In a stunning revelation, WWE Hall of Famer Edge has disclosed that he was asked to retire from in-ring competition by none other than the WWE Chairman himself, Vince McMahon. This shocking demand came immediately after Edge’s successful defense of the World Heavyweight Championship against Alberto Del Rio at WrestleMania 27 in 2011.
Speaking to Chris Van Vliet on INSIGHT, Edge recalled the encounter, which marked a turning point in his illustrious career. At the time, Edge was nearing 40 and had already been considering retirement. However, McMahon’s directive caught him off guard, prompting him to reevaluate his future in the ring.
Despite his initial intention to retire, Edge eventually made a triumphant return to the ring, setting his sights on Roman Reigns and the Universal Championship. Although he failed to dethrone The Tribal Chief, Edge remained a dominant force in the WWE, engaging in a series of thrilling feuds that charmed audiences worldwide.
Fast-forward to last year, when Triple H introduced a new World Heavyweight Championship for the Modern Era, accompanied by a tournament to crown the inaugural champion. Edge, ever the competitor, was drawn to the opportunity, delivering a heartfelt promo ahead of his match. Unfortunately, he fell short against AJ Styles on WWE SmackDown, failing to qualify for the tournament.
In a cruel twist of fate, Edge never came close to claiming the newly introduced title, eventually departing the WWE in 2023. This surprising turn of events has left fans wondering what could have been, had Edge been given the opportunity to reign supreme with the new championship.
Edge’s remarkable career, marked by seven World Heavyweight Championship reigns, serves as a testament to his enduring legacy in professional wrestling. As he looks back on his storied career, Edge’s revelation serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport, where even the greatest of champions can be forced to confront the realities of their own mortality.