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In the realm of professional wrestling, the choice for grapplers to win their final match has always sparked debate. Some argue that departing talents should lose to elevate emerging stars, while others feel it’s fitting for legends to exit on a high note, leaving fans with a triumphant memory.
Recently, John Cena lost his last match to Gunther in the main event of Saturday Night, which left fans feeling heartbroken as their idol tapped out before retiring. This has led to ongoing discussions among wrestling enthusiasts and experts about whether this was the correct decision. In light of this, let’s revisit four wrestling icons who managed to end on a winning note and evaluate if it was the right way to conclude their legacies.
Undertaker
After his defeat to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 33, Undertaker seemingly retired, leaving his hat and boots in the ring. However, feeling unsatisfied with his last match, he returned for select appearances over the next few years, many of which did not live up to expectations. At WrestleMania 36, he faced AJ Styles in a groundbreaking cinematic Boneyard Match, which he won. This victory led to his final retirement, though some fans wish he had concluded his career in front of a live audience.
Dusty Rhodes
Dusty Rhodes’ last televised match took place in 2007 when he faced Randy Orton at The Great American Bash. However, his final bout in-ring went down three years later in FCW alongside his sons, Cody and Dustin. A video of this awaited match was only released last year, showing Dusty’s excitement as he delivered a bionic elbow to secure victory, providing a heartwarming closure to his legendary journey.
Shawn Michaels
Shawn Michaels delivered what many regard as the best retirement match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26. Unfortunately, he later came out of retirement for a poorly received match at Crown Jewel 2018 against the Brothers of Destruction. Despite being compensated handsomely, many fans wish to forget this bout, as Michaels’ initial retirement remains a flawless memory.
Stone Cold Steve Austin
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin, content with his retirement after WrestleMania 19, was called back to face Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 38 in Texas. This highly anticipated match rekindled memories of his past power moves against Owens, and the crowd erupted when Austin claimed victory. This decision to grant Austin a win was met with enthusiastic approval, leaving fans thrilled about his return.
Fan Take: The outcomes of these wrestlers’ final matches resonate deeply within the wrestling community, reflecting the ongoing conversation about legacy and the impact of retirement decisions. As the industry evolves, these endings may influence how future talents approach their own legacies and exits from the ring.
