Every wrestler decides to hang up their boots and call it quits at some point in their career. For most of them, this decision is made when they can no longer compete to the same level they once could or when injuries finally get the better of them. Some decide to stay longer than necessary, while others decide to terminate their careers too soon.
There have been many outstanding wrestlers who have ended up retiring earlier than they ought to have, whether it’s because they just lose interest in the sport, suffer from injuries, or want to pursue something else. Despite being out of the business, fans seem to remember them each day because of their illustrious work inside the squared circle.
Superstars like Edge and Daniel Bryan have considered retirement earlier in their careers but both of them currently perform on AEW. The Rated R Superstar had to hang up his boots in 2011 after his horrendous neck injury. However, Adam Copeland turned the tables and made his miraculous return in 2020. Copeland had the run of his life in the WWE before going to AEW in 2023.
On the other hand, Daniel Bryan was forced to retire due to several injuries in 2016 bidding farewell to the WWE Universe. Things took a turn and Bryan returned in 2018 showcasing his prowess at WrestleMania 34. Upon his return, he went on to become a WWE Champion and had a fabulous run in the WWE before going to AEW. But not everyone can make such a comeback as many wrestlers retired too early due to several complications.
AJ Lee
Due to her decision to stop her career prematurely, AJ Lee is a shining example of a wrestler who did so. The former Divas Champion declined to sign an extension when her WWE contract ran out, and she hasn’t been in the ring since.
It is unfortunate because Lee was among the greatest wrestlers of her time and a very unique and interesting person outside of the ring. Fans encouraged her to keep performing since they could see that she was an entertainer. Owing to persistent back problems, AJ Lee left the WWE in April 2015 being only 28 years old, but she remained closely involved in the wrestling community.
met some rescue bebes from @angelcitypits. please adopt these pups before i chew them up pic.twitter.com/mbdMLRC4wx
— AJ Mendez (@TheAJMendez) February 3, 2023
Lee broke down barriers by appearing in high-profile shows with main event talents like John Cena, CM Punk, Kane, Daniel Bryan, and Dolph Ziggler, when women were not given many opportunities or time. Since leaving the WWE, She has contributed to DC Comics’ comic book writing team. She has been married to the Second City Saint CM Punk since 2014.
Lee has also contributed to numerous charitable organizations, including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Jed Foundation, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The admirers of AJ Lee’s legendary career will never forget her work ethic, and her legacy will continue to open doors for upcoming generations of female superstars hoping to succeed in the land of giants.
Corey Graves
The popular heel commentator Corey Graves was once a high-profile wrestler. He wrestled several matches in WWE NXT in 2014 and was one of the most prominent superstars on the roster. However, Graves had to end his Wrestling career unfortunately due to concussion-related issues in 2014.
A professional wrestler since 2000, Graves demonstrated his abilities in NXT, winning the NXT tag team titles with Adrian Neville (PAC). It’s interesting to note that Graves is amenable to a one-time bout because he has medical clearance to return to the ring.
Tyson Kidd
Tyson Kidd was one of the most agile superstars in the WWE and performed very well during his time in the company. In 2015, Kidd had to hang up his boots due to a serious neck injury. When Samoa Joe hit his Muscle Buster finisher during a dark match, Kidd landed incorrectly, causing his discs to collide with his spinal cord.
Kidd had to quit his career at 37 years of age after almost paralyzing himself, but at least he lived through an injury that killed most people. Kidd’s career ended prematurely, but he was a good mid-card wrestler with a strong tag team history.
Wade Barrett
Wade Barrett’s career as an in-ring competitor has come to an end, but he still entertains large audiences as a WWE commentator these days. Earlier than most people thought, Barrett’s tenure with WWE brought an end to his professional wrestling career.
4/28/2015
Wade Barrett won the King of the Ring Tournament on SmackDown from the iWireless Center in Moline, Illinois.#WWE #SmackDown #WadeBarrett #BadNewsBarrett #KingBarrett #KingOfTheRing pic.twitter.com/RztyjWFZKB
— Wrestling History (@wrestle_hist) April 28, 2024
Barrett was undoubtedly a valuable addition to the card even though he wasn’t the major attraction. He had always been able to amuse people. Even now, people still enjoy seeing Barrett wrestle, even though he had the potential to go far longer than he did.
Stone Cold Steve Austin
Though Steve Austin’s career ended while he was still under 40, he startled the world in 2022 by unexpectedly coming out of retirement for a one-off match against Kevin Owens. When athletes in their 50s and 60s, like Chris Jericho and Edge, can still compete at a high level, The Texas Rattlesnake retired from the company in 2003.
4/2/2022
‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin defeated Kevin Owens in a No Holds Barred Match at WrestleMania 38 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.#WWE #WrestleMania38 #StoneColdSteveAustin #KevinOwens #NoHoldsBarred pic.twitter.com/eHM292JiKK
— Wrestling History (@wrestle_hist) April 2, 2023
At that point, Austin was experiencing pain in his neck, which finally caused him to withdraw from in-ring competition. He nonetheless made the most of his time even though if that problem had been resolved earlier, he probably could have continued with the proper assistance.
Despite being retired from in ring competition since 2003, Stone Cold proved to the WWE Universe that he still got it as he demolished the KO Show at WrestleMania 38. Only if Austin’s neck had been perfectly fine, he would have had several rivalries in the Ruthless Aggression Era.