Several major wrestling stars, including WWE legend John Cena and New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Hiroshi Tanahashi, are expected to retire from active competition in 2025. Additionally, AJ Styles and others have announced that 2026 will mark their final year in the ring, prompting fans to keep an eye on All Elite Wrestling for other potential retirements. AEW boasts a roster filled with iconic wrestlers, so it’s likely that some well-known names may also step away from wrestling in the coming year.
One notable wrestler who could retire in 2026 is Dustin Rhodes. In July 2025, Kyle Fletcher defeated Rhodes in a brutal Chicago Street Fight to claim the TNT Championship. Following the loss, Rhodes underwent knee replacement surgery to address a persistent injury. Although he is currently recovering, Rhodes is determined to make a comeback with AEW sometime in 2026. At 56 years old, this could be Rhodes’s final stint before retiring and concluding his remarkable career.
Fan Take: This news is significant for AEW fans as it signals the possible end of an era for some of wrestling’s most beloved veterans. Their retirements will pave the way for newer stars to rise, ensuring the sport’s evolution while honoring the legacies of these legends.
