Edge scored an emotional win over Sheamus in front of a hometown crowd in Toronto on SmackDown.
The Hall of Famer was celebrating his 25th anniversary in the company on an incredibly moving night with his future in wrestling unclear.
The whole show was built around the Rated R Superstar and his career, with an epic video package recapping his entire career while the likes of , Mick Foley, Sami Zayn and Charlotte Flair.
‘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,’ Cena said.
By the time the main event itself arrived, the emotion was on another level, with Edge’s wife and fellow Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix in floods of tears on the front row with their daughters by her side.
The ovation from the Toronto crowd was spectacular with neither the fans nor Edge wanting to leave anything on the table if this is indeed the last time we’ll see him in the ring.
In the end, the former world champion scored a huge win over Sheamus as Beth and the fans rose to their feet, while the Celtic Warrior hugged his opponent after the bell.
Edge was forced into retirement in 2011 due to a life threatening neck injury, but his 2020 return gave him a new lease of life – and if this is the note he leaves on, he’s done it on his own terms in the best way.
LA Knight loses again, Damage CTRL take out Bianca Belair and more
The show opened with the Grayson Waller Effect as the loudmouthed Aussie tried and filed to drive a wedge between Santos Escobar and new Champion Rey Mysterio.
The LWO duo were having none of it, putting on a united front even as former champ Austin Theory came out to have his say.
Soon, the crowd were going wild for LA Knight as the megastar arrived to stake his claim for the gold, leading to a Number One Contender’s match between him and Theory.
The Miz was on commentary and made his presence felt during a strong match between the two, distracting Knight as Theory stole the win with a handful of tights.
Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair picked up the victory over Damage CTRL duo Bayley and Iyo Sky, in what was the latter’s first match since becoming WWE Women’s Champion.
While Iyo should really have built some momentum of her own here, this was an exciting match – even with a messy tag/not tag situation – that kept everyone entertained.
Bianca was about to be interviewed backstage after the bout but Damage CTRL went on the attack and utterly decimated the EST of WWE, wrapping a chair around her knee before Iyo smashed it with another chair.
The Street Profits scored a win over The Good Brothers with a new Sky High/Neckbreaker combination before Bobby Lashley came out to celebrate with them on the stage as their recent alliance loks to be paying off.
In a backstage segment before the main event, Paul Heyman refused to address the status of Roman Reigns, Jey Uso or The Bloodline, but did receive an interesting call with news Jimmy Uso will be live on SmackDown next week.
WWE SmackDown airs Friday nights at 1am on TNT Sports 1.
WWE SmackDown results and grades - August 18, 2023
- US Title Number One Contender: Austin Theory pinned LA Knight (B+)
- Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair beat Bayley and Iyo Sky (B)
- Edge defeated Sheamus (A)
