WWE: Edge's Retirement Shocks Fans and Wrestlers Alike

Last night on Monday Night Raw, they played a few graphics hyping a big announcement by Edge about possibly retiring. 

I had not heard any rumors before Monday, so I assumed it was some kind of work like many other people.

I watched Edge come out with the World Championship over his shoulder and he seemed just as energetic and happy as always so I thought to myself, "Alberto Del Rio is going to come out and interrupt anytime now."

Sure enough, I was wrong. 

Edge started out his speech by acknowledging that he had no format and would probably ramble on a little bit. When I noticed he was no longer holding the World Title, I started to take it seriously.

He began going through how WWE is not all smoke and mirrors as some would have you think, but that it takes a huge toll on your body and Edge has suffered many injuries that could have ended a less driven individual's career.

As he spoke about how he passed all the required strength tests, I knew I was watching the true farewell speech for Edge, because they rarely ever bring up the actual tests superstars go through before and after their shows. 

He said that WWE wanted him to get more tests and thank God they did, because they found out he had to retire due to narrowing of his spine.

The first thing I thought when he said "I have to retire" is that we are losing one of the best in the history of the business. 

I actually started to go through the five stages of grief when this was all happening.

I was in Denial at first that Edge was retiring. He looked great at Mania and I figured he would finish up his contract like he had said in recent interviews.

I was angry because Edge has been one of my favorite in ring performers since he, Christian and the Hardys made Ladder Matches the most exciting matches on any PPV card, and now I wont get to see the Rated R Superstar come out and electrify the audiences anymore.

I started to Bargain with my own thoughts, thinking maybe it would be something he could eventually come back from; however, after reading the severity of his issues and that he could be paralyzed or worse if he continued, then I knew I would probably never see Edge in the ring again.

I became depressed that Edge wouldn't be the guy who I looked to for great matches every single week. He performed at such a high level that when he went up against someone who wasn't at the top of his game, you could tell.

And finally, I accepted what I was hearing. Edge needs to retire for the simple fact that he doesn't want to end up like Hulk Hogan, in chronic pain and needing surgeries every year to make his life livable.

I also want to comment quickly on the remarks made by Hogan. I don't think he was saying Edge should suck it up and keep wrestling, I think he was saying that if it was up to Edge, he would keep going. 

I know Hogan has a reputation for being outspoken, but I genuinely believe his comments were meant in a different way than they were taken.

It's sad that Edge had to retire before he made the decision to do so himself, but he was right when he said he had a storybook ending. To come out of Wrestlemania as World Champion and having your last match held on the grandest stage of them all is probably the way any wrestler would tell you they want to retire, on top.

Adam Copeland will be missed in the ring, but I have no doubt we will see Edge again, he has some of the best mic skills and he is loved the world over by wrestling fans. 

He would be a perfect coach for Tough Enough next year, and he would make a great color commentator next to Kind and Cole.

So Long Edge and thanks for all the Fish. 

Sorry, I had to make a Hitchhikers guide reference there.