On the sixth anniversary of Edge’s return to wrestling, Damian Priest offered a heartfelt tribute to the WWE legend, acknowledging the significance of the moment. Edge, now performing in AEW as Adam Copeland, originally shocked fans by returning at the Royal Rumble on January 26, 2020, nearly a decade after retiring in 2011 due to a severe neck injury. This milestone marks six years since Edge defied expectations and re-entered the ring, highlighting an inspiring journey of resilience and passion within professional wrestling.
Edge Reflects on His Unexpected Return and Sustained Success
Edge commemorated the anniversary on Instagram, sharing a deeply personal reflection on his comeback and the unexpected path his career took after that Royal Rumble moment. He admitted that he did not anticipate continuing for so long but expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to keep wrestling. His message underlined how every moment since his return felt like a victory, underscoring the emotional and physical perseverance required to succeed in such a demanding sport.
“So I didn’t realize that today is six years to the day since I came back at the Royal Rumble. For me, every second after that first ‘You Think You Know Me’ at the Rumble in Houston has been a success. You know the story, I wasn’t supposed to do this, yet here we are six years later. If you told me six years ago that I’d still be doing this after six years I’d have thought you were a little crazy, but man, I’ve been so lucky.” – Edge
Damian Priest Expresses Gratitude for Collaborative Moments with Edge
Reacting to Edge’s post, Damian Priest expressed his own sense of fortune for having had the chance to work alongside such a renowned figure in WWE. Priest credited himself and his peers within WWE as the fortunate ones, appreciating the impact Edge has had on their careers. Their connection goes beyond professional respect; the two were once key players together in the faction known as The Judgment Day, a storyline that gained major attention in WWE circles. This bond between them adds additional weight to Priest’s tribute.
“We’re the lucky ones. Grateful for you [emojis],” – Damian Priest
The Evolution of The Judgment Day and Priest’s Role
The Judgment Day faction was initially led by Edge, forming at WrestleMania 38 in 2022, and became a central storyline within WWE programming. However, by June of the same year, relationships within the group shifted dramatically when Damian Priest betrayed Edge, joining forces with Finn Bálor and effectively ousting Edge from the faction. This storyline development heightened the drama but did not diminish the mutual respect between Priest and Edge, as reflected in the recent tribute.
Context of Edge’s Influence and WWE’s Respect
Edge’s return set a precedent in wrestling for overcoming injury and defying retirement expectations, inspiring many wrestlers and fans alike. Damian Priest’s recognition serves not only as a personal acknowledgment but also reflects Edge’s lasting influence on WWE’s current roster. Priest’s message resonates within a broader narrative of perseverance and respect among peers in the wrestling industry, especially as WWE continues to evolve its storylines and characters.
What This Tribute Means for Wrestling Fans and Future Events
This tribute comes at a time when wrestling fans are eager to see evolving rivalries and alliances unfold, especially involving past legends like Edge and current stars such as Damian Priest and Finn Bálor. Moments like these remind audiences of the connections behind the scenes, enhancing the emotional depth of ongoing storylines. Looking ahead, Priest’s tribute suggests continued respect for legacy acts while maintaining the push toward fresh narratives in WWE and AEW alike.
