{"id":66650,"date":"2020-04-11T12:32:50","date_gmt":"2020-04-11T16:32:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprowrestling.com\/?p=66650"},"modified":"2020-04-11T12:32:50","modified_gmt":"2020-04-11T16:32:50","slug":"you-think-you-know-him-edge-and-the-rated-r-comeback","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2020\/04\/11\/you-think-you-know-him-edge-and-the-rated-r-comeback\/","title":{"rendered":"You Think You Know Him: Edge and the Rated R Comeback"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>It is April 11th, 2011.\u00a0 World Heavyweight Champion, <strong>Edge<\/strong> &#8211; fresh off his successful <strong>WrestleMania XXVII<\/strong> title defense against <strong>Alberto Del Rio<\/strong> &#8211; comes to the ring.\u00a0 What is he coming out for? It is time to build towards the next event, perhaps.\u00a0 Maybe the beginnings of a fresh, new rivalry.\u00a0 Then the 37 year old Champion spoke those three words &#8211; three haunting words which no pro-wrestler ever wants to speak: &#8220;I have to retire&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Edge shocks WWE Universe by announcing his retirement: Raw, April 11, 2011\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zF4Eua3M6R0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>For almost nine years, Edge remained retired.\u00a0 The &#8220;Rated R Superstar&#8221; stayed true to those three words.\u00a0 He appeared in TV shows such as Haven and the Vikings &#8211; the latter a big, silver-screen hit.\u00a0 With long-time best friend and former partner, <strong>Christian<\/strong>, he would host the <em>Edge &amp; Christian Show That Totally Reeks of Awesomeness<\/em> on the<strong> WWE Network<\/strong>.\u00a0 He would make cameo appearances here and there, confronting the likes of <strong>Becky Lynch<\/strong> and <strong>Seth Rollins<\/strong> during the height of their heel runs.\u00a0 In 2012, Edge &#8211; an 11 time world champion &#8211; would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.\u00a0 It truly looked like the end of an illustrious career.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"WWE Hall of Fame 2012 Inductee: Edge\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KvxbnlOQ3Oc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Royal Rumble 2020<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Fast-forward almost nine years to January 26th 2020 &#8211; <em><strong>Royal Rumble 2020<\/strong><\/em>.\u00a0 Twenty <strong>WWE<\/strong> performers have already entered the match.\u00a0 Many have been eliminated &#8211; with <strong>Brock Lesnar<\/strong> having dominated most of the bout.\u00a0 What could possibly add some emotion and drama into a match in desperate need? 3&#8230;2&#8230;1&#8230; and &#8220;You Think You Know Me&#8221; hits, followed by the sound of Metalingus, by Alter Bridge.\u00a0 One of the most distinctive and recognizable wrestling theme songs of all time.\u00a0 Out comes Edge (now 46) and the crowd erupts in a roar befitting the second coming of <strong>&#8220;Stone Cold&#8221; Steve Austin<\/strong>.\u00a0 Noticeably a little grayer and older, though in tremendous shape, Edge makes his way down the ramp.\u00a0 He pauses a moment, tears in eyes &#8211; to be greeted by such a reception on a return that was never supposed to happen would make the strongest of men cry.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Edge returns at Royal Rumble and delivers vicious Spears: Royal Rumble 2020 (WWE Network Exclusive)\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zrLt2KGRMPs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>He would last until the 28th elimination &#8211; <strong>Roman Reigns<\/strong> holding the honor of eliminating a returning Edge.\u00a0 However, prior to his elimination, it was a comradely confrontation with <strong>Randy Orton<\/strong> &#8211; who Edge would later eliminate &#8211; that would be the talking point of Edge&#8217;s return.\u00a0 The very next night on <strong>RAW<\/strong>, Edge explained his return &#8211; announcing to the WWE universe that he was back for as long as he is able.\u00a0 Doctors had cleared him and he knew immediately it was time to go out on his own terms.\u00a0 Randy Orton &#8211; former <strong>Rated RKO<\/strong> brother &#8211; would be the first to welcome him back.\u00a0 Then, in typical Orton fashion, he demolished the returning Edge with a steel chair to a chorus of boos.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Randy Orton unleashes a ruthless steel chair assault on Edge: Raw, Jan. 27, 2020\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/fss9Az1u3bA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Edge versus Randy Orton<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Who more fitting than Randy Orton &#8211; long-time friend and foe &#8211; to face a returning Edge at <em><strong>WrestleMania XXXVI<\/strong><\/em>? The two men who years earlier tormented the WWE tag team division facing off in front of the fans at <em>WrestleMania<\/em>.\u00a0 Fans who would most certainly be behind Edge in his comeback match against one of WWE&#8217;s greatest heels.\u00a0 Of course, with the COVID-19 epidemic arriving, it would not play out this way.\u00a0 Instead, Edge faced Randy Orton with no crowd.\u00a0 It was a lengthy, hardcore brawl with no crowd.\u00a0 A true brawl in which Orton would get his just-deserves for not only attacking Edge, but giving <strong>Beth Phoenix<\/strong> &#8211; Edge&#8217;s wife &#8211; an RKO.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Randy Orton RKOs Beth Phoenix, leaving WWE Universe stunned: Raw, March 2, 2020\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/saGIE6FY9pk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Much like <strong>The Undertaker<\/strong>&#8216;s Boneyard Match with <strong>AJ Styles<\/strong>, this was personal.\u00a0 It felt more like Adam Copeland versus Randy Orton than Edge versus Randy Orton.\u00a0 Yes, there is an argument that the match went on a little too long (36:41 seconds) and perhaps it did, but it <em>needed<\/em> to.\u00a0 Not only was this a personal brawl, but it was Edge&#8217;s comeback match.\u00a0 His <em>WrestleMania<\/em> moment in front of the fans was cruelly taken away from him by COVID-19.\u00a0 This, for Edge, needed to matter.\u00a0 The match itself was great and whereas nothing can compare to the type of <em>WrestleMania<\/em> reception Edge would have received this year, this was a fitting replacement given the circumstances.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Edge goes berserk on Randy Orton and MVP: Raw, March 9, 2020\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/GMzVlcVA82U?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><strong>What Next for Edge?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>During his comeback promo on January 27th&#8217;s RAW, Edge announced he hoped to see some of the new &#8220;boys down the road&#8221;.\u00a0 He name-dropped the likes of Seth Rollins &#8211; who <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/fIQHp86E15E\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">once wanted to Curbstomp Edge<\/a> into a wheelchair on an episode of RAW.\u00a0 Fellow Canadian, <strong>Kevin Owens<\/strong>, was referenced.\u00a0 He brought up Roman Reigns; who eliminated him from the <em>Royal Rumble<\/em>.\u00a0 <strong>Aleister Black<\/strong>, too, was mentioned &#8211; a clear favorite of Edge.\u00a0 Anyone who listens to E&amp;C&#8217;s Pod of Awesomeness knows that Edge has remained a fan of the WWE product.\u00a0 More so, he is a fan of much of the roster and wishes to work with many of the roster&#8217;s newer talent.\u00a0 Hopefully, this is a wish we get to see fulfilled &#8211; Edge can have an entertaining feud with anyone.\u00a0 Additionally, he is capable of great, emotionally-driven matches with anyone, as either a face or heel.\u00a0 It is part of the reason why he is a WWE Hall of Fame inductee.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Edge\u2019s best moments: WWE Top 10, Jan. 29, 2020\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vvWp9NfsN1c?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><strong>A Second Opportunity for the Ultimate Opportunist<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>It is impossible to predict what comes next for Edge &#8211; especially during the difficult circumstances we currently find ourselves in.\u00a0 One thing is certain, however: Edge is not finished yet.\u00a0 Though the World Heavyweight Championship &#8211; the title Edge won a record seven-times &#8211; is no more, you can expect the Rated R Superstar to hunt for a world championship at some point.\u00a0 New rivalries <em>will<\/em> happen, new title will <em>likely<\/em> be won.\u00a0 The Edge character is notoriously unpredictable.\u00a0 Just when you think you know him, he does something new to surprise you.\u00a0 It is now April 11th 2020, nine years to the day of Edge&#8217;s initial retirement.\u00a0 WWE&#8217;s &#8220;Ultimate Opportunist&#8221; is back.<\/p>\n<p>Stay tuned to the<a href=\"http:\/\/lastwordonprowrestling.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u00a0Last Word on Pro Wrestling<\/a>\u00a0for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world.\u00a0 We provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world.\u00a0 WWE fan? Check out the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/watch.wwe.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">WWE Network<\/a>\u00a0to fulfill all of your WWE needs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It is April 11th, 2011.\u00a0 World Heavyweight Champion, Edge &#8211; fresh off his successful WrestleMania XXVII title defense against Alberto Del Rio &#8211; comes to the ring.\u00a0 What is he coming out for? It is time to build towards the next event, perhaps.\u00a0 Maybe the beginnings of a fresh, new rivalry.\u00a0 Then the 37 year [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2482,"featured_media":66652,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,4,3],"tags":[433,163,459,328,73,58,77,76,4963,5804,47],"class_list":["post-66650","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-wwe","category-wwe-universe","tag-aleister-black","tag-becky-lynch","tag-beth-phoenix","tag-edge","tag-kevin-owens","tag-randy-orton","tag-roman-reigns","tag-seth-rollins","tag-wrestlemania-27","tag-wrestlemania-36","tag-wwe"],"modified_by":"Niklas George","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66650","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2482"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=66650"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66650\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/66652"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=66650"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=66650"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=66650"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}