Daniel Bryan and 9 Wrestlers Whose Career Ended Too Soon

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 15: World Heavyweight Champion Edge during WWE Smackdown at Acer Arena on June 15, 2008 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Gaye Gerard/Getty Images)

Edge

Adam Copeland is a man that much of the pro wrestling community loved to hate throughout his career. Whether it was paired with his “brother” Christian, or working with Lita as the Rated-R Superstar; Edge earned a level of hatred that eventually turned into admiration. Whether you loved or hated him, his sudden retirement in 2011 left many people shocked and wondering what could’ve been if he still had his health.

If today is known as the PG-era of WWE, Edge embodied the R-rated era, just as his nickname states. In his career, he played a part in the elevation of the tag team division and helping “carry” the promotion in a time in which it didn’t have that star needed to capture the attention of fans for long spans of time. Edge’s career resume proves them wrong. He was far from being just a transitional champion. Instead, he put together some of the most compelling feuds that involved John Cena, Matt Hardy, Chris Jericho and Mick Foley.

Edge was not only a star within his singles career, but what he brought to the tag team scene was also amazing. So much so, that the WWE has struggled to recreate a roster of compelling teams. His partners include a list of Hall of Famers that include Jericho, Rey Mysterio, Hulk Hogan and Randy Orton. He’s rubbed elbows with some of the best competitors in the realm and deserves the same recognition.

Seeing Edge successfully defend the title against Alberto Del Rio at WrestleMania XXVII is the last, true in-ring memory of Copeland and it’s a powerful way to close out a career. Even it was too early, he went out on top and deserved this accolade.

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