Edge will face Randy Orton in a Last Man Standing match this weekend at WrestleMania 36, and even though it's one of the most highly-anticipated bouts on the card, it's impossible to ignore the fact that it's going to take place without the benefit of a roaring crowd.
The Rated-R Superstar has shared his thoughts on 'Mania going ahead in an empty arena in the past, but during a new interview with ESPN, he admits to being disappointing that his big comeback match won't happen with a live audience. However, he is looking at the situation as a new challenge.
“For so long, I never thought this would happen again, right? What that taught me is to appreciate it all. And no matter what it is, you pull the positives. That’s all you can do. The positives are always there. … And it’s a strange time, but it’s also a time where we can hopefully help people for a few hours enjoy themselves. And for me, as a performer, that’s an honor and a privilege, and that’s not lost on me after not being able to do this particular form of entertainment for nine years.
“Is it disappointing that it’s not in front of an audience? Of course it is. I’m not going to lie. But at the same time, I look at the challenge, and I go, ‘OK, how do you tell a compelling story?’ And in my mind, I picture everyone at home and how they’re going to react and how they’re going to come out of their chairs and how they’re going to get angry and just get lost in it. And if we can do that, then that’s all we set out to do.”
That's certainly the right way to look at it, so let's hope Edge - and everyone else - manage to pull this off.
Tune in this Saturday for the first night of what will no doubt be an historic WrestleMania... for better or worse.