10 Most Unthinkable Comebacks In Wrestling History
9. Edge Comes Back From Retirement
Neck injuries aren't something to mess about with.
A significant neck injury curtailed Steve Austin's in-ring career. He was lucky to have only experienced temporary paralysis at SummerSlam '97; too many others have suffered a far worse fate. On that basis, Edge had to retire in 2011 upon the advice of doctors. After feeling numbness in his arms, he got through his WrestleMania XXVII match against Alberto Del Rio, but a diagnosis of cervical spinal stenosis meant that it must be his last. He was told that he risked paralysis or death, were even a simple move to go awry, but he alone was not at risk. Having lost a degree of feeling and strength in his arms, there was a chance that he might risk the safety of his opponents were he to lose control of them mid-move.
That had to be that. Unlike, say, Shawn Michaels, who was fantasy booked into various matches after he retired - fans almost willed a dream bout opposite AJ Styles at the 2017 Royal Rumble into existence - Edge was considered forever retired.
Until his neck actually healed, and at the exact same time competition resurfaced!