10 Most Fascinating Unanswered Questions In Wrestling
2. How Are So Many Wrestlers Returning From Career-Ending Injuries?
The mere question hints at cynicism, but so does the pro wrestling industry's complete lack of transparency.
Several wrestlers were thought formally, forever retired a few years ago. Bryan Danielson's long, bleak concussion history saw him shelved by WWE in late 2015. Similarly, Christian Cage was iced by WWE in 2014. In 2011, Edge was told that he risked neck-down paralysis or even death, were he to continue his in-ring career. Saraya, the former Paige, was also medically disqualified after suffering a series of terrible neck injuries.
All four performers are signed to major organisations. Three are active, or have wrestled frequently after being ordered to retire, while Saraya looks set to resume her in-ring career. The AEW commentary team made sure to mention that she can "go".
Injuries can heal, even severe ones, but the timing of these returns leads many to feel a certain suspicion. Perhaps it's just coincidence that Danielson was cleared amid the first wave of significant competition that WWE had faced all century, or that Edge was courted by both AEW and WWE as the first battle in their war unfolded.
On the subject of career-ending injuries...