In the world of WWE, retirements are a rare occurrence, but when they do happen, they often involve a veteran passing the torch to a younger star before bidding farewell to the ring. One recent example of this was Gunther retiring John Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII, showcasing the tradition of legends helping to elevate the next generation of talent.
Let’s take a closer look at four instances where a WWE legend was retired by a modern-day star:
#4. Goldberg was retired by Gunther:
Goldberg, a WWE Hall of Famer, ended his 28-year wrestling career in July with a final match against Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship at SNME XL. The confrontation stemmed from Gunther insulting Goldberg and his family at a previous event, prompting Goldberg to step back into the ring for one last showdown. Despite a valiant effort, Goldberg was ultimately defeated by Gunther, bringing his illustrious career to a close.
#3. Kurt Angle faced Baron Corbin in his final match:
In March 2019, WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle announced his retirement and selected Baron Corbin as his opponent for his final match at WrestleMania 35. Although Angle had initially hoped to face John Cena, his request was denied by management, leading to a showdown with Corbin. The match culminated in Corbin emerging victorious, bringing an end to Angle’s iconic wrestling career.
#2. Ric Flair retired by Shawn Michaels:
In a dramatic turn of events in late 2007, Ric Flair was given an ultimatum by Vince McMahon that his next loss would mark the end of his wrestling career. After facing numerous formidable opponents, Flair ultimately fell to Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 24. In a poignant moment, Michaels expressed his love for Flair before delivering the final blow, officially retiring The Nature Boy. Though Flair made a brief return to the ring afterward, the emotional retirement match remains etched in WWE history.
#1. John Cena’s final match against Gunther:
After a year-long farewell tour in WWE, John Cena faced off against Gunther in his last match, with Gunther earning the opportunity by winning the Last Time is Now Tournament. At Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII, Gunther made Cena tap out for the first time in over two decades, bringing a poetic end to Cena’s legendary career. Despite the loss, Cena graciously accepted his fate, marking the end of an era in WWE.
These instances highlight the tradition of passing the torch in WWE, as veterans gracefully bow out of the ring while paving the way for the next generation of superstars. Each retirement match adds to the rich tapestry of WWE history, showcasing the evolution of the sport and the enduring legacy of its iconic figures.
