Arnold Copeland, popularly known as Edge in the wrestling world, announced his retirement from active in-ring competition.

Less than a week after successfully defending his title against Alberto del Rio at Wrestlemania 27, the Rated-R Superstar was forced into retirement due to an injury ending his 13 year-career. The 11-time champion made the announcement during Monday Night Raw. He said that results of an MRI revealed that he had symptoms of neuropraxia, a condition wherein a nerve remains in place after a severe injury even if it is no longer capable of transmitting impulses.

Throughout his wrestling career, Edge had suffered several injuries, most of which sidelined him for several months. He went out of action for over a year due to a neck injury. He underwent spinal fusion neck surgery, a major condition even for non-athletes. Some are forced to retire after this injury. However, Edge was able to compete for another 8 years.

In 2003, Copeland was operated on for a two level spinal fusion of the discs between his C5, C6, and C7 vertebrae. Getting medical clearance, the Rated-R Superstar saw action again eventually leading to stenosis of the spine, a condition characterized by narrowing of the spinal column above and below the fused discs. As a result, Edge loss the vitally needed fluid to protect the spinal cord. Doctors would not give him the clearance as it would lead to paralysis or death.

At 37 years old, Edge has competed in some of the most devastating matches in the history of the WWE. His 19 ladder matches is the most from any in the roster. He also competed in the brutal Elimination Chamber match. He is the lone wrestler to see action in two matches in one night. Still one of the most talked about matches he had competed on is the Hell in a Cell match.

His 13-year career is marked by 31 championships in World Wrestling Entertainment. He held 7 World Heavyweight titles in Raw and 4 WWE championships from Smackdown. Other titles he had won include five Intercontinental title belts, a dozen World Tag Team titles, and a couple of WWE Tag Team Belts.

He is also recognized as the only wrestler to have registered a victory in the following matches: King of the Ring in 2001, Money in the Bank Ladder Match in 2005, and the Royal Rumble last year.

The Ultimate Opportunist will retire on top of his game.

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