WWE had hoped that Edge would become a star, but it wasn't necessarily a sure thing. Edge kind of meandered along in 1998 and for most of 99 until he started tagging with real-life best friend Christian. The two were one of the funniest acts of the Attitude Era and helped redefine tag team wrestling (along with The Hardys and The Dudleys). WWE split E&C up in the summer of 2001. The hope was that Edge would become a big star. He was the one being groomed for a top stop, the Shawn Michaels to Christian's Marty Jannetty. But it didn't really happen, despite a big push on Smackdown in 2002. Edge went down with a serious neck injury and missed most of 2003. When he came back in 2004 WWE tried again. They wanted Edge to be a superstar babyface but there was a bit of a backlash against him. Fans started booing him. So WWE turned him heel. Then the whole Edge/Matt Hardy/Lita saga happened in 2005. It threatened to harm Edge's career but proved to be a blessing in disguise. Sensing an opportunity, WWE teamed the adulterous duo together on screen. The act was a hit and Edge began receiving nuclear heat. So much so, in fact, that WWE had him cash in his Money in the Bank contract on John Cena at New Year's Revolution in January 2006 (the first time ever). It was the start of an unforgettable run from the 'Rated-R Superstar'. Aside from when he was injured, Edge was usually in and around the World Title picture. Edge was forced to retire in 2011 because of injuries. He left a hell of a legacy and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame the next year. All from a guy who some assumed was destined to be a comedy midcarder.
