All Elite Wrestling (AEW), despite its relatively short history, has witnessed several notable retirements over the past few years. Legendary figures like Sting and Christopher Daniels left a significant mark during their tenure before concluding their distinguished careers. Looking at the current AEW roster, a few wrestlers seem poised to retire soon as they reach the twilight of their careers. Here are seven AEW talents who might be stepping away from the ring shortly.
One such star is Mercedes Martinez. On January 1, she announced via social media that 2026 will be her final year wrestling full-time. Martinez, who debuted in 2000, has long been a trailblazer in women’s wrestling, especially on the independent circuit. Since joining AEW in 2021, she hasn’t appeared as frequently but remains highly respected, particularly for her time as Ring of Honor Women’s World Champion before passing the title to Athena. As she prepares for retirement, fans can expect AEW to honor her significant contributions and lasting influence on women’s wrestling in both AEW and ROH.
Fan Take: Mercedes Martinez’s retirement signals the closing of a chapter for women’s wrestling pioneers in AEW, underscoring the evolution of the sport. Recognizing her legacy not only celebrates her achievements but also highlights AEW’s commitment to honoring wrestling history while paving the way for the next generation of stars.
