Edge, a Decade of Decadence: Is He a Future WWE Hall of Famer?

Many retirements, especially in the current state of professional wrestling, can be seen coming from a mile away. Take Ric Flair, for instance. There was no better place to retire from his storied career than the perfect environment that was WrestleMania 24 following his loss to Shawn Michaels.

Fast forward two years, and Shawn Michaels would also ironically compete in his last match on the Grandest Stage of Them All, at WrestleMaina 26. Given his initial intentions to retire and the man he was up against (the Undertaker), I had no doubt the career of the Heartbreak Kid would end that night.

Nearly a year later, on last night's Monday Night RAW, the complete opposite occurred.

Last night, Edge did what he does best: he shocked the WWE universe. In front of my home state of Connecticut, the Rated-R Superstar retired from World Wrestling Entertainment.

At first, I chose to deny it due to the many pranks pulled by today's wrestlers. But when I saw the tears swell in the eyes of the world heavyweight champion, I knew it was no storyline.

I see this as a very smart decision by Edge. He was scheduled to compete in a Ladder Match in three weeks at Extreme Rules. If he had gone through with it, we might have seen him be restricted to a wheelchair.

Nonetheless, this is a major loss for the world of wrestling, and a definite blow to the star power of the WWE itself.

Don't expect Edge to make a "surprise" comeback from his retirement in a few months and return to the ring, either. Apparently, doing so could result in his paralysis or even death. My only regret is the inevitable feud with his long-time friend Christian will never come to fruition.

Ironically enough, I composed an article a few weeks ago containing a list of 10 current WWE superstars and their potential for entering the hall of fame someday. Edge was the main focus of the article, in which I briefly discussed his credentials and his main reasons for one day making it to the hall of fame. The article can be reached here.

Here, I will elaborate on his chances of being inducted among the immortals and serve more of a tribute to the Rated-R Superstar than anything.

With an illustrious 13-year career, Edge has set and broken more records than almost anyone I can recall in WWE history. He is a perfect example of someone who had a boyhood dream that became a reality, only to get more than what he asked for.

Dating back to his debut in the WWE, then known as WWF, Edge involved himself in a stable titled The Brood, containing his storyline brother Christian. They would both soon after distance themselves from the group to go on to become one of the greatest and most successful WWE tag teams of all time, winning the title a record seven times.

Their feuds with The Dudley Boyz and The Hardys are amongst the most well-known tag team matches ever, including both Ladder Matches the three teams contested at WrestleMania 2000 and the following SummerSlam, creating the Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match in the process. The TLC Match would become Edge's specialty during his singles career.

Following their split in 2001, Edge would enter the intercontinental championship picture, winning the prestigious title on five different occasions. After years of waiting in the shadows, the Rated-R Superstar would eventually get what he rightfully deserved in 2005, winning the inaugural Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

In the meantime, rivalries with Matt Hardy and Ric Flair helped Edge build more credibility before his inevitable title win. His briefcase that contained a world championship match any time of his choosing would finally come into play on January 6, 2006, cashing in successfully and winning the WWE Championship from John Cena for the first time in his career.

On the genesis of the Rated-R Superstar, his memorable feuds with John Cena, Rob Van Dam and Mick Foley would help Edge obtain official main-event status. His formation of Rated-RKO would also redefine the tag division for the better half of a year going into 2007.

His second Money in the Bank briefcase win would move the Master Manipulator to the SmackDown brand, become the face of the blue brand for nearly four years. It would be here that Edge would obtain all six of his record-breaking world heavyweight championship wins, surpassing Triple H.

At WreslteMania 24, a cherry was put on top of the storied history of Edge's WWE career, having the opportunity to defend his title against the Undertaker in the main event. This rivalry would be one the best in recent memory (and a major reason I became a WWE fan I must add).

Adding even more credentials to his resume, he became the first man to compete in two Elimination Chamber Matches in the same night, along with being the only man to win all three WWE staples including the Royal Rumble Match, King of the Ring tournament and Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

Edge has recently become one of the hottest faces in all of the WWE and the only reason most people tune into SmackDown each week. With him gone, who will take over before the annual WWE draft rolls around? His close partner Christian, perhaps?

Not many superstars can go through a historic career without receiving a notable injury, with Edge being a prime example. After suffering a torn left pectoral muscle, a torn Achilles tendon and a brutal broken neck, he has proved many wrong by staying loyal to the WWE for as long as he has.

I can only imagine what WWE officials are thinking right now, losing a top star in their current "depression" of the roster. However, I can say Edge went out peacefully before something occurred that may have ended his life.

It is unfortunate the announcement came so quickly, as more emphasis should have been put on the final wrestling match of his life. They could have put in one last main event had they known earlier. This would make the fourth consecutive WrestleMania that a superstar has retired at the Show of Shows, with Ric Flair, JBL and Shawn Michaels being the prime example. 

I do believe Edge will play a role similar to Shawn Michaels despite not competing. A talent such as Edge will never be forgotten due to the lasting impression he's made on everyone in the locker room, fans and many others.

With all this being said, I have no doubt that Edge will be inducted into the hall of fame someday given the impact he's made in the hearts of many. It is quite possible he could receive the Shawn Michaels treatment and take his place among the immortals as soon as next year.

I will deeply miss the raging "Spear" chants, the classic pose with pyro on the stage, the stylish glasses and of course the Rated-R Superstar himself.

You think you know him. Thank you Edge. GSM out.

Visit my website at Next Era Wrestling for more of GSM's writings, along with WWE/TNA news, recaps and more.