WWE's Edge -- Ladder Matches Did Me In ... Jacked Up My Neck

Still think wrestling is fake?

WWE legend Edge says the damage he sustained from all of those famous ladder matches was VERY REAL -- and says the years falling from crazy heights jacked him up so bad, he had to retire.

Edge was famous for performing in TONS of ladder matches during his career -- and with Daniel Bryan recently retiring due to concussion concerns, we asked if he had similar issues.

But Edge says it wasn't his head that was problem -- "I fell off ladders a lot and that took a toll on the neck."

Edge retired in 2011 and had surgery to put 3 plates in his neck -- but isn't bitter about it. In fact, he's still very involved with the WWE.