While he might be one of the most despised characters on TV, Baron Corbin is widely considered one of the most dependable safest workers in WWE, which was clear at the 2020 Royal Rumble.During the iconic 30-man over the top rope battle royale, Edge made his return after just under nine years out of action after an injury-enforced retirement. Wrestling fans both in attendance and around the world collectively lost their mind at the sound of the Rated R Superstar’s music.It was long assumed that Edge would never take a bump again, let alone step back inside the squared circle for a match of any description. That is how severe his neck issues were and how dangerous and potentially life-threatening things could be.
Edge's return was a shock and caution had to be taken
However, like so many others in recent years, namely Stone Cold Steve Austin, Edge was the beneficiary of improvements in the field of science and medicine, enabling him to don the tights and lace up the boots once again.
Edge
At the same time, it was still a risk given his ring rust and it’s of little surprise that both Edge and other wrestlers would be ultra-safe and cautious on his first night back. This is evident in his first bump in the match – a “Deep Six†from Baron Corbin.
Take a look at the clip below (shared on Twitter by @WrestleFeatures) and take note of both Corbin’s slowed down motions and Edge cradling his neck for extra protection.
VIDEO: Baron Corbin's ultra-safe Deep Six on Edge at the 2020 Royal Rumble
Corbin’s ultra-professionalism on show has been a hallmark of his WWE career and is a reason why is he so well liked and trusted backstage. He might not be the most exciting wrestler but he is someone capable of stepping into any programme and match, which makes him a valued member of the roster.
Edge Kevin Owens
WWE24 footage after the match showed Edge joking with fellow Canadian Kevin Owens about the bump, which was clearly a significant hurdle upon his return to the ring. It had been so long.
What’s next for Corbin and Edge?
Baron has most recently joined forces with JBL, being referred to as the modern day “Wrestling God†by the man who coined the phrase back in the mid-2000s about himself. The pair have not quite clicked yet and it’ll be interesting to see how things proceed in the coming months.
Edge has not been seen since Extreme Rules when he lost an “I Quit†match to Finn Balor with the help of his former stable Judgement Day. The villainous group then put both the WWE legend and his wife Beth Phoenix on the side line (in storyline) with a devastating pair of conchairtos.
He is likely to resurface in the new year as the road to WrestleMania begins to take shape, perhaps at the Royal Rumble once again.