Edging Closer to a Return
By Anthony Cali
NEW YORK — When Edge was forced to forfeit his Intercontinental Championship in August after suffering a groin injury, it seemed as though things were pretty bleak for the tall, muscular Toronto native. Now, thanks to Eric Bischoff, Edge may actually benefit from his loss.
On Oct. 19, fans will get to vote for who they want Triple H to defend his World Heavyweight Championship against at Taboo Tuesday. Fortunately for Edge, he is one of the three possible contenders that fans will be able to pick. However, one of the questions troubling WWE fans is whether his injury might hinder the former Intercontinental Champion’s ability to perform, if selected.
“I’ll be honest, it felt a little tight out there,” Edge said of his earlier attack on Evolution, just before exiting Madison Square Garden Monday night. “I have a feeling it’s gonna be one of those injuries that nags for a while — it’s going to remind me that it’s there. But I’ve been doing my therapy. I’ve been working out, and this was actually the first kind of physicality — in a wrestling ring — that I’ve had [since my injury], so I think it held up really well.”
As he prepares to head overseas, Edge has procured a special pair of shorts that he will wear under his tights, similar to the ones Triple H wore after suffering a similar injury a few years back.
“The doctors already gave me clearance,” Edge said, while walking down the ramp. “I’ll be ready for Taboo Tuesday — and even before that. I’m actually heading over to the UK right now, where I’m gonna try and work some of my rust off and see if I can get my ring legs under me again.”
Despite Edge’s physical well-being on Oct. 19, it will be entirely up to WWE fans whether he gets what he feels could be the opportunity of a lifetime.
“I’m not kidding myself,” Edge said as he stopped walking and took on a serious demeanor. “I know I’m not the favorite of the three, for whatever reason. I’m up against Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels, who are both good athletes and guys who deserve title shots. But I think it’s about time that I get one.
“I’ve been with this company almost eight years now. I’ve done everything else there is to do, and I’ve never had a shot at the title — not even one — so to me, that to me just seems wrong. I know I deserve one, and if it happens at Taboo Tuesday, then that would be great.
But honestly, I’m not kidding myself into thinking that it’s going to happen.”