Edge wrestled his first match in his hometown of Toronto on the most recent episode of RAW. He defeated Damian Priest in a solid main event before being saved from a beating by his wife Beth Phoenix. He also announced his retirement plans and how he intends to go out after RAW.
“On July 1st, 1992, I had my first wrestling match here as Adam Copeland,” Edge said. “I just knew I’d be standing in front of you guys one day, I just knew it. What I didn’t dream of is that I’d have to retire for nine years, and fight with every fibre of my being to get this back. And all of you are the reason for that!”
“This is a reciprocal relationship,” Edge continued. “I just went toe-to-toe with one of the best talents and future of this industry in Damian Priest.”
Going out on his own terms is critical for The Rated-R Superstar. He was unable to do so in 2011 because his career was cut short by an injury that would keep him out for nearly nine years.
His comeback has been nothing short of miraculous, as he headlined WrestleMania and had classic matches against Seth Rollins, Randy Orton, and others.
Edge cut a promo after the main event went off the air and revealed that he intends to return to Toronto next year for his retirement match. Thus, 2023 is likely going to be when he officially calls it quits.
“I hope to come back one last time here in Toronto,” Edge stressed. “Looking at the calendar, we usually come here [to Toronto] in August. So, next August, I guarantee each and every one of you [that I’ll be back here]. And in a perfect world, we all say goodbye to each other that night.
“Hey, it’s OK, man. This is the place for me to do it [retire]. I mean this when I say it — I love all of you, and in case you missed it, I love being Canadian!”
Edge, an avid fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, ended his emotional speech by starting a “Go Leafs!” chant.
Edge will be 49 in just over two months. If WWE returns to Toronto around the same time next year, his retirement will take place just before he turns 50 – not a bad age to retire!
The most important thing is that he has his farewell match on his terms. Who would you like to see him face?
