Edge Retiring his WWE Rated-R Legacy?

Last night on WWE Raw, the Rated-R Superstar, Edge, made a huge announcement that he was deciding to retire from his pro wrestling career with WWE. The reasons given were due to health issues, particularly the neck injury he suffered 8 years ago involving spinal fusion surgery.

Edge made a lengthy speech and choked back tears because it appeared to be setting in for him as the Bridgeport fans gave him their appreciation. It was also noted during a commercial break on a Smackdown advertisement that this Friday on the SyFy show, Edge will be surrendering his World Heavyweight Championship.

This is obviously a shock to many, including myself as a longtime WWE blogger. I've had the opportunity to see Edge compete on a live Smackdown show back in Connecticut, and have enjoyed his career over the years. His days with "The Brood" which he mentioned on Raw got a loud pop, and it was certainly one of his memorable gimmicks, along with his formation of a top tag team with Christian.

Edge is also a multiple time champion. However, he holds a rare distinction of being one of pro wrestling's "Triple Crown champions" as he's held the World title, WWE title, tag titles, and Intercontinental title during his illustrious career.

This will all lead to someone else claiming Edge's championship. Perhaps, Teddy Long will have this decided in the ladder match in Edge's honor. Early candidates seem to be Alberto Del Rio and Edge's friend Christian.

Some websites and analysts are questioning the validity of Edge's in-ring statement. It was a surprise to many, and some even question the after-speech hugging that Edge was shown doing on camera with the likes of Dolph Ziggler, the Bella Twins and others.

If the news on Edge is in fact true, it may show quite a bit about Alberto Del Rio. It could be speculated that Del Rio was in fact going to win the World Title at Wrestlemania 27, but the plans were changed due to Edge's condition. Edge made it sound as if he was cleared for Wrestlemania 27 to be his final match of his career so he could retire the champion. This is all speculation, of course, but may sure the caliber of Del Rio's true personality, as he realized the gravity of the moment for Edge. His time will certainly come too.

For now, the WWE Universe waits to see if Edge is truly retiring. The reality may not have sank in for many of us, self included. If it's true, best wishes always to the Rated-R Superstar, for giving wrestling fans the best show he could at all times.

Make sure to check out Smackdown, Friday night at 8PM EST on SyFy to see Edge surrender his World Championship, as well as any decisions made on the title by Smackdown GM Theodore Long.