As John Cena winds down his final set of WWE dates on his farewell tour and retirement looms, there could be more WWE stars joining him soon.
From fan favorites that may be ready to hang up their boots to others that could end up departing for entirely new opportunities – there are some top names that could be retiring soon.
Here are seven WWE stars that could retire soon.
7. Shinsuke Nakamura
A potential future WWE Hall of Famer that could be approaching retirement is Shinsuke Nakamura.
While Nakamura hasn’t seen in-ring action in WWE since early June 2025, he continues to appear on the active roster page, and has been spotted on SmackDown over the past few weeks, lurking in the shadows behind Sami Zayn.
Although the future remains uncertain for Nakamura in WWE, if he were to take his retirement tour to another company, there would likely be multiple options.
Able to return to NJPW, it is also possible that he could find himself making an appearance in AEW before he hangs up his boots entirely.
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6. Rey Mysterio
WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio has been out of action after sustaining a groin injury ahead of WrestleMania 41.
While he has appeared on TV since – including in AAA – he has yet to return to active competition, but that doesn’t mean he’s entirely done with his career.
Potentially teasing a future showdown against Dominik Mysterio for the AAA Mega Championship currently held by the latter, it could be that the next time there is a massive Rey vs. Dom showdown, it will be on the road to retirement.
With plenty of emotional storytelling still to be explored between the dueling father and son duo, it would be poetic if the elder Mysterio’s final foe in WWE is Dominik.
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5. Trish Stratus
Trish Stratus remains one of the most decorated female competitors in WWE history with a career that has spanned decades.
While the WWE Hall of Famer continues to make periodic appearances – including in-ring competition – she could be an incredible candidate for a proper farewell tour.
Potentially able to embark on a similar worldwide retirement tour to John Cena, Stratus could be pre-announced for multiple major dates through one calendar year.
Providing an opportunity for dream matches and renewed rivalries alike, Stratus could have an official sendoff in style.
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4. Roman Reigns
While it could be premature to call it a full farewell into retirement, there are some signs that Roman Reigns may not be long for WWE in-ring action.
With his upcoming role in the live action Street Fighter film, it is conceivable that Roman Reigns could hang up his wrestling career in the near future.
Unlikely to officially retire and rather continue to appear more periodically as a main attraction star, Reigns could definitely return for a proper farewell tour in the future.
But similarly to The Rock, it seems that Roman Reigns is likely destined for some big Hollywood roles in the future which may have him following in the footsteps of the Final Boss and John Cena in terms of unofficially departing WWE.
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3. AJ Styles
Another established legend that continues in active competition is AJ Styles.
With speculation persisting around AJ Styles’ potential future plans, his current WWE contract reportedly continues into 2026.
While it is possible that Styles will elect to retire from WWE directly, there is an intriguing case to be made for him to take a farewell tour in partner promotion TNA Wrestling instead.
Potentially looking at winding down his career in WWE, perhaps Styles would be interested in a more quiet retirement now – with the potential for a bigger farewell tour in the future.
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2. Sheamus
Sheamus has been a notable name in WWE for decades, but with his character continuing to be a fan favorite, there isn’t any particular indication he is headed for retirement.
However, to up the emotional stakes of his appearances, it could make sense for his character to openly question whether or not he should retire.
Creating a groundswell of support for the nostalgic favorite – Sheamus could play out the full storyline of considering retirement before executing an actual farewell tour.
Sharing an important characteristic with John Cena – still chasing the Intercontinental Championship in order to complete the WWE Grand Slam that eludes both – hopefully both Sheamus and Cena add their last title to the mantle before retirement.
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1. AJ Lee
After AJ Lee just made her official in-ring return alongside CM Punk at WWE Wrestlepalooza, she has reportedly signed a multi-year contract.
While the former Divas Champion has just gotten back in action in WWE, it does seem likely that this run could lead to an official retirement.
Potentially able to have an extended farewell tour ahead of an announced end date in the vein of the recent run of John Cena – AJ Lee could be a female trailblazer yet again by officially retiring on her own terms.
Incorporating opponents that are a mix of established current talent, future prospects and nostalgic favorites, it could end up being an incredible retirement run.
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