Following the recent departure of Santos Escobar, Andrade and Karrion Kross from WWE, there could potentially be more stars leaving in the future.
Whether it be contract expirations or departing temporarily to pursue opportunities outside the ring, there could be several more WWE stars poised to leave the company in the near future.
Here are eight more WWE stars that could potentially leave the company in the near future.
8. Shinsuke Nakamura
One potential departure in the relatively near future could be former three-time United States Champion, Shinsuke Nakamura.
Nakamura hasn’t seen in-ring action in WWE since early June 2025, however he continues to appear on the active roster page.
Potentially striking up a new storyline, he has been spotted on SmackDown over the past few weeks lurking in the shadows behind WWE United States Champion Sami Zayn, suggesting he may soon answer Zayn’s US Title Open Challenge.
Whether or not Nakamura would depart WWE for retirement, NJPW, AEW or something else entirely remains to be seen with no official word regarding the length of his current contract.
Click the next page button below for more
7. 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 is set to expire in February 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.
Click the next page button below for more
6. Angel & Berto
With the WWE departure of Santos Escobar, questions will naturally arise regarding the future plans for his previous faction members.
While Escobar’s Legado del Fantasma stable featured Joaquin Wilde & Cruz del Toro on NXT – on the main roster, that duo remained affiliated with Dragon Lee and Rey Mysterio in the LWO.
However picking up on the main roster with tag team Angel & Berto, Santos Escobar would end up serving as a manager figure for the duo in their recent exploits in Mexico with AAA.
Now that WWE has acquired the AAA promotion, it is possible that some stars may be more likely to appear in AAA rather than on WWE TV which could end up being the case for this tag team, who both reportedly signed new deals with the company last year.
Click the next page button below for more
5. Rey Mysterio
WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio has been out of action after sustaining a groin injury the day before WrestleMania 41.
While he has appeared on TV since – including in AAA – he has yet to return to active in-ring competition.
Potentially looking to wind down in his in-ring career, it could be that in the near future there is a final showdown between Mysterio and his dastardly son, “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio.
Long having mentioned potential retirement plans including some sort of mask stipulation match against Dominik – perhaps a final in-ring farewell from Rey Mysterio is coming sooner than fans may expect.
Click the next page button below for more
4. Corey Graves
After being given a pair of vicious F5’s from Brock Lesnar in the ring, Corey Graves has yet to return to WWE TV.
While some fluctuation continues in the line-up for the commentary teams, in recent weeks the combinations have settled into Wade Barrett and Joe Tessitore on WWE Raw and Michael Cole and Booker T on SmackDown.
Although it could be a sign that Graves may depart his role in WWE – the absence could also mark a different kind of important shift in his career.
With his in-ring career previously cut short due to injury, Graves has been open about the fact that he is now medically cleared to compete. Possibly leading to an in-ring return, it could be that Graves is back in action in the near future.
Click the next page button below for more
3. Roman Reigns
While it could be premature to call it a full farewell into retirement, it may not be long before Roman Reigns ends up moving into Hollywood on a full-time basis.
With his upcoming role in the live action Street Fighter film, it is conceivable that Roman Reigns may transition to an even more infrequent schedule in the future.
Unlikely to officially retire but rather appear as an attraction star for big events, it seems entirely likely that Reigns is headed for even bigger projects on the big screen.
Following in the footsteps of the Final Boss, Reigns may not have an official “retirement” any time soon but may begin to make fewer and fewer appearances over the years.
Click the next page button below for more
2. Trish Stratus
Trish Stratus is one of the most decorated female competitors in WWE history with a career that has spanned decades.
However, with her appearances sporadic on WWE TV, perhaps Trish could embark on a similar mission to John Cena, being announced for multiple major dates through one calendar year to officially say goodbye to fans all over the world.
Providing an opportunity for dream matches and renewed rivalries alike, Stratus could be a trailblazer in her retirement run as she was throughout her career.
Able to bolster the recognition of younger stars while also bringing back some nostalgic favorites for appearances, having a big sendoff for Stratus would be well deserved.
Click the next page button below for more
1. Finn Balor
A dynamic character that has been entertaining fans in WWE for years, Finn Balor could be looking for a new challenge.
While Balor continues to feature on TV in a prominent stable as well as hold WWE Tag Team Championship gold, it is possible there may be adventure still out there for him.
With a lengthy career in professional wrestling that spans companies including NJPW, there could always be other options out there for Balor.
Potentially looking to retire in the coming years, Balor could return to Japan for one last run as Prince Devitt before calling time on his career.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
Comments.
Loading comments…