Edge Recalls The One Match That Started His Career-Ending Neck Injury

After nearly 20 years as a performer, and 15 of them in the WWE, Adam “Edge” Copeland was forced to retire due to an ongoing neck condition. During his time in WWE, Edge had to leave his in-ring commitments due to complications from injuries suffered. Despite numerous memorable matches and feuds, the dark cloud of his neck being reaggravated hovered over him for many years of his career.

During an interview with WWE, Edge recalled the one defining moment that started all of his neck woes. This occurred during a ladder match against Eddie Guerrero on an episode of SmackDown, which aired September 26, 2002. In this match, Edge explained that the bump he took where he landed on the ladder caused him to feel enormous tingling, and he knew that something was wrong, especially when he “heard a crack.” In addition, he was sunset flip powerbombed off of the ladder, which further damaged his neck.

Edge explained that, after this match, he would start feeling a great deal of numbness in his neck and arm, but he still competed in the ring. However, when he started losing strength in his arms, this is when he realized that he had to get help. As a result, he had neck surgery and was sidelined for a year. He also stated that he wanted to make sure that he was treated in order to prevent hurting someone in the ring.

"I bumped on the ladder, and I heard a crack…and I thought it was the ladder." – @EdgeRatedR #WWENetwork #BeyondTheRing pic.twitter.com/TqKHStk7Ev

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) October 5, 2017

Edge would return back to his successful ways, commencing reigns as both WWE Tag Team Champion, as well as Intercontinental Champion, just months after coming back. He would eventually turn heel again and win the inaugural Money in the Bank match before cashing it in on John Cena and winning his first-ever WWE Championship at New Year’s Revolution in 2006.

After his match at WrestleMania XXVII against Alberto Del Rio, Edge started experiencing similar issues with numbness and tingling, and he once again realized that something was wrong. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with cervical spinal stenosis and forced to retire. Just a year later, Edge was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Since then, he has found his passion in acting.

His career resume includes 11 World Championships, 14 Tag Team Championships, five Intercontinental Championships, as well as a United States Championship reign, King of the Ring, Royal Rumble, and Money in the Bank.

[Featured Image by WWE]