Edge returned to the ring for the first time in nine years at the 2020 Royal Rumble and we now have some more details on how it happened—and how long he might stick around.
A source speaking with Wrestlezone said Edge coming back to WWE specifically wasn’t set in stone as he had been in discussions with going to All Elite Wrestling. It’s unclear how serious the talks with AEW were, and our source said Edge had previously approached WWE about an in-ring return but Vince McMahon was not open to it. AEW was reportedly interested because the “Rated R Superstar” had passed independent tests to be cleared for an in-ring return, but Edge ended up negotiating with WWE once the AEW offer had been on the table.
It’s unclear if WWE found out about the AEW talks or if he went back to them with the news, but Vince McMahon reportedly told him that he would be returning in a WWE ring if he was coming back at all and had him get cleared by a WWE doctor. Edge ultimately got cleared and WWE had a ring sent to North Carolina so he could train, which we reported on January 10 was so he could get his ring timing down. It was in that same report that we also reported Edge would be making his first in-ring in nine years at the Royal Rumble match.
Entering at number 21, Edge ended up eliminating three Superstars in tonight’s Rumble match (AJ Styles, Luke Gallows and Randy Orton) and made it to the final three participants in the match before being eliminated by Roman Reigns. Despite his Rumble appearance, it’s still unclear how often he will be back in the ring.
Update: @WrestleVotes is also reporting the 2012 Hall Of Fame inductee has signed a new three-year WWE contract for “significant money.” No other details regarding his contract status were revealed.
In addition, PWInsider.com has also independently confirmed our report regarding Edge having brief talks with AEW before signing a new WWE deal. They also note that in an effort to keep his return a secret, WWE flew him to Houston on a private plane and kept him hidden until his ring entrance, and he’ll be used as a special attraction moving forward.
Read More: Edge Makes In-Ring Return In 2020 Men’s Royal Rumble Match
