10 WWE And AEW Wrestlers Who Must Retire Before 2024 Ends, Including Chris Jericho

WWE did not want to make Bryan Danielson a top guy, but the fans did not care. After all the pushback, WWE caved and they allowed Bryan to defeat Triple H in the opening match at WrestleMania and then defeat Randy Orton and Batista in the main event; thus, getting the better Evolution. It was a great moment, but consist neck injuries saw his career end. He kept fighting to be cleared and after a few years, it happened. Currently, Danielson is part of AEW and has hinted about retiring very soon. Sadly, few in pro wrestling stick to their words about retirement.

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When Brock Lesnar left WWE after WrestleMania XX, he seemed done with the business. He did not succeed in the NFL, but became UFC Heavyweight Champion after only a few fights. Due to medical issues, he left UFC and returned to WWE. Now, I have no problem with Lesnar working part-time with WWE because that creates more mystery. However, I have a huge issue about him being referenced in the Vince McMahon lawsuit. He is yet to return to WWE after almost a year and hopefully those running the show do not want his presence.

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When Edge announced he was forced into retirement, the moment did not feel real. Like a week or two before, the retained the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania. If he could not wrestle again, I figured there was no better way to go out. Eventually, doctors gave him the okay to wrestle and AEW called. Edge told WWE and their counter offer was enough for him to make an in-ring return for WWE. Once his contract was up, Edge and WWE could not agree on a new number and he departed for AEW. Unfortunately, Edge (now going as Adam Copeland) just broke his leg because he thought jumping off a steel cage at his age made sense.

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Things change consistently, so you will have to see where The Hardy Boyz call home at the moment. Matt Hardy left AEW and not far behind was Jeff Hardy. They both returned to TNA, but neither have signed contracts. The brothers are best known for their TLC matches in WWE. In AEW, they did nothing and it was a giant waste of time. Seeing the legal battles and addictions they have struggled with, retirement might keep them calm and out of trouble.

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15 years ago, there were questions if Randy Orton was worth the hassle. He is an unbelievable talent, who has dealt with multiple shoulder injuries and behavioral issues. Therefore, he was suspended numerous times by WWE and the idea of releasing him was discussed. Thankfully, he has matured and is now considered a veteran of the roster. He underwent spinal surgery and was encouraged to retire. However, “The Viper” returned at Survivor Series to a massive pop, but he is on borrowed time.

When CM Punk left WWE, I figured he was done with pro wrestling. Somehow, AEW convinced him they were a better company and he signed with them about 7 years after the WWE exit. Things started well, but problems with talent and injuries plagued Punk. He got into a backstage incident with Jack Perry right before his All In match. Heading out there, Punk knew he was done with AEW following the pay per view from London. Even after returning to WWE, he was injured again in his first, and so far, only televised match.

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In ECW, WCW and WWE Chris Jericho felt like that special talent who gets better with age. He joined AEW on day one and his veteran mindset helped guide the company. At a certain point, fans noticed the large gut on Jericho and felt he was no longer staying in shape. His biggest issue could be rumors that he played a role in Kylie Rae’s short stint with AEW. Basically, Jericho said he would help Rae with pro wrestling, but when she went, nobody else was in the room. She felt uncomfortable and I can understand. 

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When looking back at those responsible for building WWE to what it is today, be sure to thank John Cena. For over 20 years he has been with WWE and he never gets in trouble. The man would do anything for those in the Make A Wish Foundation, hence he is a great person. The fans used to give him crap and he took every blow with stride. Now, Cena has not won a singles match in like 5 years. I think he should return and wrestle in a match where, if he does not win, then he retires. It is a great final storyline for the record tying, 16 time world champion. 

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When Big E won Money in the Bank, everyone was hoping he would successfully cash-in. In a unique cash-in, Big E actually let the world know when he would be going for that title match. And, he won the WWE Championship in a moment that still makes me smile. Unfortunately, a lackluster title run ended and then Big E broke his neck during a live episode of SmackDown. He is still an active competitor, despite not wrestling since the diagnosis. Let him retire and continue to serve WWE in an ambassador type role.

In ECW and WCW, watching Rey Mysterio was like magic. I had never seen someone who cut pull-off those moves and make it look effortless. He went to WWE and has been a major star there too. The mask, tattoos, friendly demeanor and moves made him become must-watch TV. Although, with such high risk moves, there is also a huge chance of injury. On many occasions, Mysterio has been sidelined. At one point, it felt like he would return after months and be hurt again within 2 weeks. Let Dominik Mysterio defeat Rey in a turning point for the father and son duo.

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