Wresting retirements always feel untrue. Ric Flair recently wrestled a match even though he "retired" from wrestling in 2008 in an epic match in WWE, and again in 2011. Not every retirement is like Flair's since many people have left the ring and never returned.
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2023 could see the final matches of many superstars who rose to prominence in the 90s. It's tough to believe, but by 2023, it will be 25 years since the Attitude Era. Not every retirement in 2023 will be superstars from the 90s, many may throw in the towel due to injury. This list will examine 10 wrestlers fans may have to say an emotional goodbye to in 2023.
10 Randy Orton
The WWE has been very coy about the injury that Orton suffered in 2022. Rumors have been swirling that the WWE is worried about Orton's injury and it could mean the end for the Viper. Orton's return feels up in the air and retirement doesn't seem out of the question.
If anyone can walk away from the ring with his head high in 2023 it's Randy Orton. He's accomplished everything there is to accomplish in wrestling, although it won't be easy for fans who have been watching him since his days in Evolution.
9 R-Truth
R-Truth has been turning lemons into lemonade his entire career. Fans were excited to see Truth end up at NXT. There isn't a place in wrestling where R-Truth can't shine. Some fans forget he debuted in the Attitude Era and is the first Black person to be NWA Champion.
He recently suffered a torn quad during a match on NXT. At 50 years old, it seems fans may be on the verge of the retirement of one of the longest-tenured WWE superstars. He's a fan favorite, so his departure won't be easy for the WWE universe.
8 Adam Cole
Adam Cole's absence from AEW has not gone unnoticed. Ten years ago there would be little chance that Cole would retire from wrestling due to his concussion, but society now knows the serious long-term effects of brain injuries and that could mean the end for "Bay Bay."
AEW is, apparently, very concerned about Cole's injury. The concussion has caused lingering issues that have lasted months. NFL players are famous for retiring early due to concussions and Cole might be headed on that course if things don't improve. It's always sad to see injury lead to retirement, especially at a young age.
7 Edge
Edge is one of the most famous wrestlers from the Attitude and Ruthless Aggression Eras that still competes on the active roster today. His workload has been very limited since he returned to the WWE in 2020, but he has competed in great matches.
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Edge, himself, has hinted at retirement in the near future. He's already mounted an amazing comeback and has fulfilled a ton of dream matches. The Rated "R" Superstar will likely be retiring for good in 2023 since there is little left for him to accomplish. Either way, his departure will be emotional for wrestling fans everywhere.
6 Shelton Benjamin
Shelton Benjamin will forever be one of the most underutilized wrestlers in the history of the WWE. He has been entertaining wrestling audiences since 2000. He's recently popped up on Raw taking clean losses from wrestlers half his age.
It seems the WWE doesn't have any plans for him and at 47 years old, Shelton Benjamin could retire before he's turned into a veteran jobber. It will be emotional to see him leave, never getting the main event run he deserved.
5 Rhino
Rhino grew to prominence at ECW. He was never a huge star but was always a utility player. Although he is currently one-half of the Impact World Tag Team Champions, retirement could be on the horizon for the ECW and WWE veteran.
At 47 years old, Rhino's aggressive style has cooled, and he might be ready to call it a career since he's got little to prove to anyone. ECW stars are known for their longevity, but Rhino has exceeded most of his peers by over a decade.
4 Rey Mysterio
Rey Mysterio is one of the most famous wrestlers to ever step foot in a wrestling ring. His career spans over 30 years. He's accomplished everything there is to accomplish in wrestling and will never be forgotten when he retires. He wrestled with a new spark while trying to put his son Dominic Mysterio over.
He was recently separated from Dom and is now on SmackDown. He's been putting other wrestlers over for years and could throw in the towel in 2023. He's recently even begun to discuss serious retirement plans for the first time in his career.
3 Christian Cage
Christian Cage has been wrestling at major promotions since 1998. He's one of the biggest veteran superstars at AEW, but he's played a more managerial role at the company since 2021.
Although it's clear he still wants to compete, he's been recently hindered by injuries that may dictate his future. He could retire from in-ring wrestling as soon as 2023, but will likely continue to be a force at AEW for years.
2 Tommy Dreamer
Tommy Dreamer is an ECW legend who had a great WWE career. He's competed at Impact and the indies and has won one singles match in the past year. It's clear that Dreamer has a love for wrestling, but the end could be near.
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At 51 years old, Dreamer only has so many bumps left to take, and his time as a wrestler may be limited. He has transitioned into a backstage role at Impact, but odds are he'll get one final match in 2023.
1 Dustin Rhodes
Dustin Rhodes should already be in the WWE Hall of Fame. He was a major mid-carder during the Attitude Era and has wins over Razor Ramon, Triple H, and Yokozuna.
He's had some of the best matches of his career at AEW, but his time in the ring could be coming to an end. At 53 years old, his ring time has become very limited and retirement makes sense for a legend of his caliber. He has become more of a coach at AEW, so his final match is on the horizon.
