What Do WrestleMania Main Eventers Roman Reigns, Edge and Daniel Bryan Have in Common?

Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan, and Edge will fight for the coveted universal title in the main event of WrestleMania 37. While the three behemoths have had varying career trajectories, there is a common string tying them together.

If we look back at the trio’s past, we see a common factor. All the superstars were forced to step away from the ring because of health issues. Let’s look back at their history –

#1 Edge retires from wrestling because of severe neck injuries

On April 11, 2011, Edge announced on SmackDown that he was facing severe health concerns. Complications from his previous neck injuries coupled with cervical vertebral fusion led him to discover he had cervical spinal stenosis.

He could be paralyzed from the neck down or even die if he took a hard bump. Four days later, he relinquished the then-World Heavyweight Championship.

Edge came back a year ago at Royal Rumble 2020 and won the event this year. Interestingly, this year would mark the 10th anniversary of his initial retirement.

#2: Daniel Bryan retires following several concussions

From April 15, 2015, Bryan started appearing sporadically in programs. After he relinquished his Intercontinental title, there were rumors he could retire from the business because of injuries.

Bryan later revealed he suffered from ten documented concussions. He was also having seizures due to a small subacute or chronic lesion in his brain’s temporoparietal region. He retired in April 2016.

After three years of evaluation, multiple doctors, including WWE’s own, cleared Daniel Bryan for in-ring competition. Since then, he has been thriving. He even won a WWE title during his second tenure and main-evented multiple PPVs, including WrestleMania.

#1 Roman Reigns takes a sabbatical because of leukemia

After rising to main event status and winning the Universal title, Roman Reigns revealed he had leukemia. He was first diagnosed while he was still with Minnesota Vikings and has been battling the illness for 11 years.

He went into remission for around two years till his return in 2019. Since then, he has restored his main event status and won multiple championships.

The three Superstars are a testament to how everything is possible. Despite their bodies failing them initially, the trio overcame every obstacle and are back on the center stage. They are an inspiration to everyone out there.

Read More – The Lesser-Known History Between Christian Cage and ‘The Icon’ Sting