In the world of WWE, the conclusion of a wrestler’s career often lacks the celebration it deserves, typically trailing off quietly or concluding with an abrupt release from the organization. However, for the most iconic names in wrestling history, the opportunity to exit in spectacular fashion exists. These memorable farewell matches can result in victory or defeat, but they are defined by their intricate storytelling and emotional gravitas, marking a significant moment in a wrestler’s legacy.
This article explores retirement matches—whether planned or not—that serve as a notable ending to a wrestler’s journey. These bouts resonate with fans and contribute to the larger narrative surrounding professional wrestling.
8 Edge vs. Alberto Del Rio
WrestleMania 27
| Retirement Match of | Edge |
|---|---|
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Winner | Edge at 11:06 |
Edge made a triumphant yet poignant exit at WrestleMania 27, facing the rising star Alberto Del Rio. The expectation was that Del Rio would seize the World Heavyweight Championship, especially following his Royal Rumble victory. Yet, in an unexpected twist, Edge emerged victorious with support from his friend Christian, fending off Del Rio and his enforcer Brodus Clay.
Just a week later, lingering neck issues forced Edge into retirement, making him one of the rare wrestlers to step away while holding a championship title. Although his return in the Royal Rumble 2020 slightly altered the original farewell narrative, the emotional weight of this match still resonates with fans, especially when Christian celebrated his own title win just a month later. This encounter may not be the pinnacle of Edge’s performances, but it remains a noteworthy moment in WrestleMania history, and I recommend watching it.
7 Cactus Jack vs. Triple H
No Way Out 2000
| Retirement Match of | Cactus Jack |
|---|---|
| Location | Hartford, Connecticut |
| Winner | Triple H at 24:01 |
Cactus Jack’s encounter with Triple H at No Way Out 2000, though memorable, was not the final chapter for Mick Foley. His promise to retire if he lost added a compelling layer to the contest. Taking place inside a Hell in a Cell, the match showcased Foley’s indomitable spirit against the brutality of Triple H, who was firmly establishing himself as a top heel.
The intensity of the match made it a thrilling spectacle, paving the way for Foley to step back from full-time wrestling while keeping the essence of his various personas alive. Although this was not a definitive end to Foley’s career, it marked a transition that shaped both men’s futures in the industry.
6 Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock
WrestleMania 19
| Retirement Match of | Stone Cold Steve Austin |
|---|---|
| Location | Seattle, Washington |
| Winner | The Rock at 17:55 |
WrestleMania 19 marked the end of an era as Stone Cold Steve Austin faced The Rock for the final time in what would become one of wrestling’s most watched confrontations. Despite their previous iconic clashes, this encounter unfolded with the Rock adopting a heel persona amid Austin’s underdog appeal, bringing palpable tension to the ring.
In a surprising twist, The Rock secured his victory against the Texas Rattlesnake, signaling Austin’s near two-decade absence from competitive wrestling. While the match might not be my favorite of their trilogy, it remains a classic that demonstrates the emotional connection fans had with both athletes as they transitioned from in-ring competitors to legendary figures.
5 Triple H vs. Batista
WrestleMania 35
| Retirement Match of | Batista |
|---|---|
| Location | East Rutherford, NJ |
| Winner | Triple H at 24:45 |
Revisiting the intense saga between Triple H and Batista, their WrestleMania 35 encounter culminated in a No Holds Barred match that encapsulated their years-long rivalry. The stakes were high as Batista challenged Triple H, asserting that his opponent would retire if he lost.
The match delivered a brutal exchange that showcased both competitors’ skills and storytelling prowess, with Triple H ultimately reigniting his dominance. While it may not stack up against their earlier bouts in 2005, it offered a fitting conclusion to their well-developed narrative, especially as it was a celebrated moment amidst a night of mixed reception.
4 The Undertaker vs. AJ Styles
WrestleMania 36 – Night 1
| Retirement Match of | The Undertaker |
|---|---|
| Location | Orlando, Florida |
| Winner | The Undertaker at 18:18 |
The Undertaker’s illustrious 30-year tenure came to a close in a groundbreaking Boneyard match against AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36. This innovative presentation, necessitated by the pandemic’s constraints on live audiences, allowed WWE to deliver a cinematic thrill ride that highlighted ‘Taker’s storied career.
With the match embracing elements of horror and storytelling, Undertaker revisited elements of his mythology, ultimately providing a beautifully crafted farewell. While it may not be every fan’s favorite match, its significance lies in its celebratory nature of the ‘Deadman’s legacy.
3 Randy Savage vs. The Ultimate Warrior
WrestleMania 7
| Retirement Match of | Randy Savage |
|---|---|
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Winner | The Ultimate Warrior at 20:48 |
The careers of Randy Savage and the Ultimate Warrior are emblematic of WWE’s golden age. Their showdown at WrestleMania 7 enlisted not just their wrestling prowess but emotional stakes as both fought for their careers. The match underscored their wrestling identities and culminated in a high-stakes narrative.
Warrior’s victory marked an unforgettable moment, further amplified by the emotional reconciliation between Savage and Miss Elizabeth following the match. However, it is worth noting that Savage would later reemerge from retirement, thus complicating the match’s legacy.
2 Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels
WrestleMania 24
| Retirement Match of | Ric Flair |
|---|---|
| Location | Orlando, Florida |
| Winner | Shawn Michaels at 20:23 |
Ric Flair’s match against Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 24 was imbued with deep emotion as it heralded the end of a magnificent wrestling career. Serving as Flair’s final chapter, the contest embodied respect, nostalgia, and emotional resonance, with Michaels exhibiting his reluctance to end the legend’s tenure.
Flair’s spirited performance kept the audience hopeful until the match’s poignant conclusion, where Michaels delivered the final superkick, invoking a heartbreaking farewell. Although Flair would eventually return to the ring in other promotions, his WWE tenure concluded with unparalleled grace, further enhancing the legacy of this historic match.
1 Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker
WrestleMania 26
| Retirement Match of | Shawn Michaels |
|---|---|
| Location | Glendale, Arizona |
| Winner | The Undertaker at 24:00 |
The 2010 clash between Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26 remains one of the most emotionally charged matches in WWE history, as it was not just about the rivalry but also advancing Shawn’s bid for redemption. The stakes were high, with Michaels’s career on the line against the Undertaker’s legendary streak.
The rematch captivated fans, echoing the quality of their prior confrontation, creating an electrifying atmosphere filled with emotion and suspense. Though Michaels has had a brief return since, this match stands as a testament to their historical encounter, signifying not only a career closure for Michaels but also a milestone in the enduring saga of The Undertaker.
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