The Real Reason Why WWE Changed Edge's Royal Rumble Plans
Edge was originally supposed to do something bigger at WWE Royal Rumble, but...
The Wrestling Observer is reporting that Edge vs. Finn Bálor was originally planned for WWE's Royal Rumble 2023 pay-per-view.
Dave Meltzer's report also suggested that creative would've booked both rivals in a thumping Hell In A Cell bout on the card - Edge might've even played a "Brood version" of his character to blow off the feud with Judgment Day in San Antonio.
Sadly, WWE had to pivot late in the day once it became clear that Edge wouldn't be able to commit to weeks and weeks of TV build before the Rumble. The legend was shooting scenes for the Disney+ series 'Percy Jackson & The Olympians', so his schedule was pretty packed throughout January.
Instead, the company booked Edge as #24 in the men's Rumble, and he only worked the bout for just over a minute before tangling on the floor with Bálor and other members of Judgment Day. That will likely lead to some sort of mixed tag (involving Beth Phoenix and Rhea Ripley) at Elimination Chamber, then a proper blow off with Finn come WrestleMania 39.
Things will work out long-term, no doubt.