WWE
On Friday’s “WWE SmackDown” there was a surprise match between WWE Hall of Famer Edge and former “NXT” star Grayson Waller. After Edge appeared in “The Grayson Waller Effect,” the multiple world champion presented the challenge of a one-on-one fight, noting that it was time to see if Waller would sink or swim.
Edge vs. Waller ended up being the longest match of the night at nearly 15 minutes considering The Bloodline had long stretches to advance the Civil War story. In the end, Edge won with a spear, while Waller suffered a loss on his debut in the main squad in the ring. During the last Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer provided the reasons for Edge’s skipping.
“They still have the idea that if you get beaten by a star, you’re considered a bigger star because you’re in the ring with them,” Meltzer said. “And depending on how the game is going, sometimes that’s the case… I was surprised.” [Waller] struggled because I didn’t think he would come back so soon.
Waller was drafted from “NXT” to “SmackDown” in late April, but has not contested since April 25 when he challenged Carmelo Hayes for the “NXT” title. Waller claimed he broke his leg in that fight and has been in rehab ever since. The Australian native still made several appearances on “SmackDown,” hosting his in-ring talk show with various WWE Superstars.
Edge last appeared on “SmackDown” on May 12 in a first round Triple Threat match of the World Heavyweight Championship tournament. AJ Styles prevailed in this fight. With six games under his belt in 2023, it remains to be seen what’s next for the “Rated-R Superstar.”
If you use citations from this article, please credit Wrestling Observer Radio with ah/t to Wrestling Inc. for transcription.