Edge, the WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most decorated superstars in history, returned to his hometown of Toronto, Canada on Friday night for a special edition of SmackDown. The show was dedicated to celebrating his 25 years in WWE, a remarkable feat for any wrestler, let alone one who had to retire in 2011 due to a neck injury and came back nine years later.
Edge received a thunderous ovation from the fans as he made his way to the ring, accompanied by his wife and fellow Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix, who was seated at ringside. Edge thanked the fans for their support and said he was honored to be back in the city where he grew up watching wrestling. He also said he was looking forward to facing Sheamus, a friend and a former rival, for the first time ever.
Sheamus Challenges Edge for a Respect Match
Sheamus, the Celtic Warrior and a four-time world champion, interrupted Edge’s speech and said he was not there to ruin his celebration, but to challenge him for a match. He said he respected Edge for his accomplishments and his comeback, but he also wanted to test himself against one of the best. He said he was not afraid of Edge or his signature move, the Spear.
Edge accepted the challenge and said he respected Sheamus too, but he also warned him not to underestimate him or his Spear. He said he was ready to give Sheamus a fight he would never forget. The two men shook hands and agreed to have a respect match, with no interference or cheap shots.
Edge Defeats Sheamus in a Hard-Hitting Match
The main event of SmackDown saw Edge and Sheamus clash in a match that lived up to the hype. Both men traded blows, counters, and near-falls, showing their skill and experience. Edge hit Sheamus with a DDT, a crossbody, and an Edgecution, but Sheamus kicked out of each pin attempt. Sheamus hit Edge with a White Noise, a Brogue Kick, and a Cloverleaf, but Edge survived each submission attempt.
The match reached its climax when Edge reversed another Brogue Kick into an Impaler DDT, followed by a Spear that sent Sheamus crashing into the mat. Edge covered Sheamus for the three count and secured the victory. Edge celebrated with the fans and hugged his wife, while Sheamus showed his respect by raising Edge’s hand and applauding him.
Other Highlights from SmackDown
- Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair defeated Bayley and Iyo Sky in a tag team match after Belair pinned Sky with a KOD. Sky blamed Bayley for the loss and attacked her after the match, signaling the end of their alliance.
- Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar appeared on The Grayson Waller Effect, a talk show hosted by Waller, who tried to stir up trouble between them. Mysterio and Escobar expressed their mutual respect and friendship, but were interrupted by Austin Theory, who blamed Mysterio for taking his spot in the US title match at SummerSlam. LA Knight also joined the fray and challenged Theory for his title. A tag team match was made between Theory and Knight vs Mysterio and Escobar.
- Mysterio and Escobar defeated Theory and Knight after Mysterio hit Theory with a 619 and a frog splash. Escobar celebrated with Mysterio and handed him his US title belt, showing his admiration for him.
- Roman Reigns addressed the WWE Universe after retaining his Universal title at SummerSlam thanks to Jimmy Uso’s betrayal of his brother Jey. Reigns said he was not surprised by Jimmy’s actions, as he knew he would eventually see the light and join him. He said he was still the head of the table and the undisputed champion of WWE. He also said he had no challengers left, as he had beaten everyone who dared to face him.
