2025 has proven to be a year of several major stars retiring from in-ring competition, such as WWE’s John Cena and NJPW’s Hiroshi Tanahashi.
With the likes of AJ Styles already revealing 2026 will be his final year, fans have to look towards All Elite Wrestling to see who else will be closing the book on their in-ring careers.
Considering the number of legendary names part of the AEW roster, there could be some notable stars in the company that can retire in the new year.
Here are eight AEW stars to potentially retire in 2026.
8. Dustin Rhodes
Back in July 2025, Kyle Fletcher defeated Dustin Rhodes in a Chicago Street Fight to win the TNT Championship.
After losing the gold, it was revealed that Rhodes had undergone knee replacement surgery to recover from lingering injuries.
Now on the sidelines, Rhodes remains determined to make his in-ring return in All Elite Wrestling at some point in 2026.
At 56 years old, Dustin Rhodes could return for one final run before hanging up his boots to end his illustrious career once and for all.
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7. Billy Gunn
Another day one AEW signing when the company was created in 2019 was Billy Gunn.
The WWE Hall of Famer has played a crucial role in the company as a backstage producer and on-screen performer, most notably being the manager for The Acclaimed during their meteoric rise up the ranks.
After guiding Max Caster and Anthony Bowens to the AEW World Tag Team and Trios Championships, it seems like Gunn’s time with the duo could be over, which could open the door for the WWE legend to close the book on his in-ring career.
Despite being in the best shape of his life, Billy Gunn is 60 years old and could be about to retire with his legacy in the pro wrestling business intact.
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6. Serena Deeb
Serena Deeb is someone who has earned the reputation as an in-ring technician throughout her career.
“The Professor” has been a reliable and consistent in-ring competitor for the AEW women’s division since arriving in the company back in 2020.
While she has been a title contender and prominent name in the past, it has been a while since Deeb had a significant role on AEW TV.
Deeb deciding to hang up her boots would be a loss for the AEW women’s division, but she has done more than enough in her entire career to decide to finally retire in the new year.
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5. Jeff Jarrett
At the start of 2025, Jeff Jarrett revealed that he had signed a new one-year contract with All Elite Wrestling.
Now that a new year is about to begin, it looks like Jarrett’s time with AEW might be coming to an end.
At the age of 58, it would make a ton of sense if Jarrett decided that now was the time to call his career a wrap.
Jarrett is a bonafide living legend and should get a proper sendoff to end his legendary career in 2026.
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4. Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho has found himself consistently in the headlines as of late with his AEW contract set to expire at the end of 2025.
With this being his contract year, reports have indicated that WWE has interest in bringing Jericho back into the fold for one final run.
Despite having some interest from WWE, Jericho could return to All Elite Wrestling where he could write the final chapter of his run with the company.
Jericho retiring from in-ring competition might just prove to be one of the most compelling stories of the year from AEW if he chooses to return.
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3. Christian Cage
Back in 2021, Christian Cage joined AEW by signing as a major free agent acquisition for the promotion.
The former two-time TNT Champion has been a mainstay of the company and has provided fans with many memorable matches as well as moments over the past four years.
Now reunited with his longtime best friend and tag team partner Adam Copeland, this could be Christian’s final run before he hangs up his signature turtleneck for good.
With a return likely in the new year, fans could enjoy one last year with Christian working alongside Cope before potentially both men retire.
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2. Adam Copeland
Adam Copeland joined his longtime best friend Christian Cage in All Elite Wrestling when he signed in 2023.
Since then, Copeland and Christian have been bitter rivals as well as unlikely tag team partners again.
Fans have not seen “The Rated R Superstar” on AEW TV since FTR attacked his wife Beth Copeland back at AEW All Out 2025.
With an inevitable bout against Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler waiting for him in the new year, it would make a ton of sense for Copeland to finish off his Hall of Fame career teaming with Christian to overcome FTR before his second retirement.
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1. Samoa Joe
At AEW Full Gear 2025, Samoa Joe defeated Hangman Adam Page to become a two-time AEW World Champion.
In interviews leading up to the event, Joe admitted that retirement has crossed his mind in recent years.
With his former rivals John Cena and AJ Styles either retired or about to end his in-ring career, it would be logical to assume that Joe might follow their lead sooner rather than later.
Joe retiring in 2026 would be a shocker, but it could prove to be a compelling story as he struggles to hold on to not only his AEW World Title, but his in-ring career with time running out.
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