WWE star Edge addresses questions about retirement after SmackDown win in hometown

WWE legend Edge took a bow to conclude Friday night's SmackDown after defeating Sheamus in front of his hometown crowd.

Edge pulled himself up from the corner, charged Sheamus and when they met in the center of the ring, he jumped and brought the "Celtic Warrior" to the mat with his signature spear.

The crowd in Toronto, which included Edge's wife — fellow WWE Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix — and two daughters, gave the "Rated-R Superstar" a long ovation as the ref held his hand up in victory. Edge walked to the ropes and blew a kiss to his family.

It was his first faceoff against Sheamus, a longtime friend. The two shared a hug after the match, which celebrated Edge's 25-year WWE career.

Speculation swirled ahead of the fight that this would be Edge's farewell. The 49-year-old told ET Canada that the SmackDown appearance was the last on his WWE contract, but that he was unsure about his future in the sport.

He previously retired in 2011 due to neck injuries, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2012 and made his return at 2020's Royal Rumble. He had an electric appearance at 2022's WrestleMania 38 where he beat AJ Styles with a spear.

Once the SmackDown broadcast concluded, Edge addressed the crowd with an attempt to answer their questions.

"I don't know what the future holds, I really don't," he said. "I gotta sit home this week, lick my wounds, talk to my family and see what they want me to do."

Although he didn't directly announce his retirement, Edge did have some certainty.

"What I can say is this is my last time in front of y'all," he said as the crowd booed. "... I'm just being honest with ya. But don't let that be a downer. Because man, one experience you all gave me. I will never forget it."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WWE star Edge addresses retirement rumors after SmackDown win