The Wrestling World Has Changed.

Wrestling all around has had a tough week. I know we've had discussions about these topics in our Facebook group, but these are the types of issues that deserve further discussion. I'll throw some random notes in at the end too. Also, please feel free to invite any friends to the group. I enjoy the discussion.

Edge has officially retired from wrestling. He will never been medically cleared to wrestle again. I wonder what that's like. I wonder what it's like to be told that you medically can no longer do the one thing you love and know. The one thing you wake up for everyday. The one thing you've spent your entire life doing, learning and achieving. He said it himself, he knew he was wrestling on borrowed time. I doubt that makes it any easier though. Adam Copeland was one of the biggest and best the WWE has ever employed. They didn't produce Edge. Adam made Edge. The Rated R Superstar was his doing. Only a few get to make their own characters and angles and be successful. Stone Cold, Hulk Hogan and The Rock come to mind. You can add Edge to that list as well.

His speech on RAW was sincere, to the point and emotional. It was nice that JR was there that night and that Edge could personally thank him for recruiting him 14 years ago. He explained everything to the fans and made sure we knew it wasn't a work or an angle with his tears. In a wrestling world where stars a few and far between, it's hard to watch one walk away so early. It's hard to watch one walk away when the company needs him so bad. It might be hard to watch, but i am glad he is doing it. Edge made the toughest decision of his life on Monday and yet, maybe it was the easiest. He doesn't want to spend the rest of his life in a wheel chair or hospital bed. If anything, he is grateful the WWE had him go for tests twice so that he knew how serious it actually was. He'll miss the cheers, the boos, the pyro and the adrenaline rush from performing. He'll miss wrestling and it will miss him. I don't think he'll leave the WWE. He is an excellent on screen character that i think the WWE will want to utilize and i think Edge will still want to be involved. Even the WWE website mentioned a possible GM role for him

Edge, if anything, is an inspiration now. He achieved his dream in life and did it at the highest level possible. His last match in the WWE was a successful World Title defense at Wrestlemania. There aren't many that get to go out on top. There aren't many that get to retire as a champion. Edge did. I couldn't be happier for him. Thank you, Edge. Thank you, Adam.

Here is the video of Edge's retirement speech from RAW. After the speech, there are some videos and awesome match clips highlighting his career. I did not make this video. All credit goes to the creator:



Another bit of news that hit the wrestling world was Indy wrestler Larry Sweeney died this week at the age of 29. Now, if you're not familiar with the Indy scene or Ring of Honor then you may not be familiar with Larry's work. I've had the pleasure of seeing him work numerous times for IWC. He was a phenomenal character wrestler. He could do a gimmick match as good as the likes of Chris Candido or Santino Marella. He also had the skill and ability to put on an entertaining wrestling match. At first report, Larry's cause of death was self inflicted. He has had a history of mental illness and was thought to be recovering. It appears he had everyone fooled. He was at the top of the Ring of Honor talent and angle pool while managing Chris Hero. He left ROH in 2009 because of his mental illness. It was reported at this time that he was actually holding wrestling matches on cement in back alleys. He returned to ROH part-time with the help and support of his friends. Unfortunately, something was still wrong and now the wrestling world has lost another. My condolences go out to the friends and family of course. I know i'll miss "Sweet and Sour" Larry Sweeney.

Here is a video of some of Larry's work. Again, i didn't make this. The credit goes to the creator:



Quick news/opinions:

- I watched TNA Impact last night for the first time in a few months. What an absolute train wreck. It's unfortunate to see talent like AJ Styles, Chris Sabin, Alex Shelly, Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe be wasted. TNA either hits a home run or strikes out. Right now, they are 0-50 at the plate.

- The WWE has back to back shows in June scheduled to be three hours. This is before Summerslam and is right around when the WWE likes to hold it's draft. I, personally, love the draft. I like how each show earns their pick by winning matches. The WWE hasn't said anything about a draft, though.

- Anyone else miss JR on commentary? I've had it with Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler fighting when they should be calling the match. Either be characters or be commentators. JR and Josh Matthews would suit me just fine. Huge Josh Matthews fan, by the way. Can't wait till he takes Cole's job.

- Only 351 days until The Rock vs John Cena! ...yay...

- Sin Cara looked fairly impressive in his debut even with Primo messing up the One Man Spanish Fly finisher. Sin Cara does his high spots with ease and precision. I look forward to his future matches and hope the WWE uses him properly.

- Yes, the video with the person flicking the head off the doll was for Awesome Kong. The WWE divas devision is gonna be pancaked. I hope they make her wear a snow suit. No one wants to see any of that..

- C.M Punk > Randy Orton

If you get a chance, be sure to watch Smackdown. I can't believe i just said that. Anyways, Edge will be forfeiting the title and it should definitely be interesting to watch. You will also get to find out who takes Edge's spot at PPV title match.