John Cena was among the stars paying tribute to Edge as he celebrated his 25th anniversary in WWE.
The 16-time world champion made a surprise cameo appearance in a video package of stars offering their congratulations to the Hall of Famer shortly before he was set to take on Sheamusin the main event on Friday Night SmackDown.
‘Edge, this is your arch nemesis John Cena saying congratulations on 25 years in the WWE. We are amazed at your professional dedication and passion,’ he said in the promo package.
Before they face off in the ring, Sheamus hailed him as a ‘legend’ and ‘friend’, while his fellow Canadian wrestling veteran Natalya called him ‘one of the best to ever do it’.
The Miz smiled: ‘Before I was awesome, you reeked of awesomeness. Congratulations.’
While Charlotte Charlotte Flair recalled being front row for his Ladder Match against her father Ric Flair, Sami Zayn pointed out the qualities he has as a father and all round human being, adding: ‘Edge, Adam, thank you for just being you.’
Shortly after, WWE aired a career retrospective video package spanning his entire run, including his tag team with Christian and his infamous Money In The Bank cash-in.
The video also detailed his heartbreaking 2011 retirement and subsequent return at the 2020 Royal Rumble, with plenty of stars appearing in archive footage talking about his legacy.
‘He lived for it,’ said Paul Heyman, with Booker T describing him as a ‘major star,’ and Mick Foley calling him ‘the perfect combination of athlete and showman’.
Stone Cold Steve Austin insisted Edge was ‘always trying to give the fans more’, as Kofi Kingston explained that the ‘passion really draws you in’ and Cena added: ‘I was in awe watching him.’
Batista called him ‘the rock star of WWE’, while The Undertaker praised: ‘He was someone who was willing to risk it all to be entertaining.’
WWE SmackDown airs Friday nights at 1am on TNT Sports 1.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
