10 Injuries That Altered WWE's Landscape
3. Edge's Cervical Spinal Stenosis (2011)
2011 looked as if it was going to be a year to remember for The Rated 'R' Superstar as he successfully defended his World Heavyweight Championship against Dolph Ziggler at the Royal Rumble, survived the Elimination Chamber and managed to see off the challenge of Alberto Del Rio at WrestleMania XXVII.
Sadly, that last match would turn out to be his swansong and he suddenly revealed in April that he would be retiring due to a diagnosis of cervical spinal stenosis. The condition meant that doctors could not clear him for action and - just like that - an in-ring career, which had gone on to become amongst the most decorated in WWE history, had ended.
As unfortunate as this was for the inaugural Money in the Bank winner, it also meant that WWE had to completely shift the focus of their World Heavyweight title scene.
However, this devastating turn of events actually had something of a silver lining.
Not only did Edge's long-time protege (and best-bud) Christian get a run with the belt, but countless other unlikely faces also found themselves with a chance to become the holder of this prestigious title.
Post-Edge, the likes of Mark Henry, Daniel Bryan, Big Show, Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio all captured their first big gold belt and even though the title definitely played second fiddle to the WWE Championship, it enjoyed some delightful encounters in the wake of the departure of a star who was truly synonymous with the beautiful strap.