5 WWE Superstars who could confirm their retirement in 2026

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#5. Asuka

Asuka is the first name on the list. Her name was picked due to what happened last Saturday at Backlash 2026. After months of tension between the former allies, The Empress of Tomorrow faced IYO SKY in an emotional singles match. Many fans considered it one of the best bouts of the entire event.

The duo delivered a hard-hitting battle. In the end, SKY emerged victorious, defeating Asuka. The two then shared an emotional hug after the bout.

This post-match moment has fueled several speculations among the wrestling community that WWE could be preparing for Asuka’s eventual farewell. Reports following Backlash also suggested there was uncertainty backstage regarding Asuka’s future.

At 44 years old, Asuka has already achieved everything possible in WWE. She dominated NXT with her historic undefeated streak. On the main roster, she became a Grand Slam Champion, won the Royal Rumble, and captured Money in the Bank. Hence, she has undoubtedly established herself as one of the greatest female wrestlers of her generation.

The emotional ending to her match against IYO SKY at Backlash felt significant. WWE often uses those kinds of moments to begin setting up a legend’s final chapter. Hence, many fans believe that could be exactly what happened here.

#4. Rey Mysterio

Despite spending over three decades in professional wrestling, the legendary luchador still manages to perform at a surprisingly high standard.

Rey Mysterio is already in his early 50s. He has accumulated countless injuries throughout his legendary career. This has understandably slowed him down compared to his prime years.

The WWE Hall of Famer has repeatedly hinted that retirement is getting closer. This is evident after finally getting the opportunity to work alongside his son, Dominik Mysterio, on WWE television. Many fans viewed that storyline as one of the final major goals left in his career.

There is also the possibility that Rey may want one final emotional feud or tag team storyline involving Dominik before officially calling it quits. WWE would almost certainly give him a massive farewell tour, considering his impact on the wrestling business worldwide.

Mysterio seemingly changed the perception of smaller wrestlers forever. That’s not all. He has also inspired an entire generation of performers. Whenever he retires, it will mark the end of an era in pro wrestling. Having said this, 2026 feels like a realistic timeline for that announcement.

#3. Finn Balor

Finn Balor has already teased that retirement may not be too far away.

The former Judgment Day member recently admitted that his “days are numbered” following AJ Styles’ retirement, while also reflecting on his own 25-year wrestling career. Community discussions online have also increasingly centered around Balor potentially entering the final phase of his career.

At 44 years old, Finn Balor is still performing at a very high level. However, there is a growing sense that he may want to end his career before his in-ring abilities significantly decline. Unlike many wrestlers, The Prince has always seemed very aware of preserving his legacy.

One major reason why retirement speculation has increased is that Balor has openly discussed his body of work and how he wants fans to remember his entire career rather than one disappointing moment. That sounds like someone already thinking about the bigger picture beyond wrestling.

There is also the lingering frustration surrounding his short Universal Championship reign in 2016. Many fans still believe The Prince never truly received the main-event run he deserved after suffering an injury immediately following his win of the title.

Even so, his legacy is undeniable. Balor helped revolutionize modern wrestling through his work in NJPW, NXT, and WWE. He was instrumental in the rise of Bullet Club and became one of the defining stars of WWE’s black-and-gold era.

If 2026 ends up being his final year, WWE could easily build toward one last major singles push before he officially retires.

#2. Randy Orton

Randy Orton already came dangerously close to retirement once before.

The Viper missed over a year due to severe back issues before making his shocking WWE return in 2023. At one point, there were genuine concerns that he might never wrestle again.

Although Orton has looked fantastic since returning, he is now 46 years old and has spent more than two decades competing in WWE. Very few wrestlers maintain a full-time schedule at that age, especially after dealing with serious spinal problems.

That said, Randy Orton has already achieved virtually everything possible in WWE. Multiple world title reigns, Royal Rumble victories, WrestleMania main events, and countless memorable rivalries have already secured his place among the all-time greats. Hence, The Viper might decide that 2026 is the right time to step away, especially after falling short at WrestleMania 42.

#1. Kevin Owens

Kevin Owens may unfortunately be the most likely name on this list to retire in 2026.

The former Universal Champion has been dealing with serious neck issues that already forced him out of a major WrestleMania match against Randy Orton. Owens later underwent neck surgery, and admitted there was significant uncertainty surrounding the injury.

Neck injuries are among the scariest in pro wrestling history. This is because many legendary careers have either ended or dramatically changed because of them.

Owens has built his reputation around an extremely physical wrestling style. From brutal bumps to high-risk dives, he has consistently pushed his body to the limit throughout his career. While that approach made him one of WWE’s most beloved stars, it may also have accelerated the physical damage.

Even though fans are hopeful that Kevin Owens can successfully return, there is no guarantee he will ever be able to wrestle at the same level again. WWE may also choose to be especially cautious, considering the long-term risks associated with neck problems.

KO has already enjoyed an incredible WWE run that includes world championships and WrestleMania main events. That’s not all. He also had unforgettable rivalries with stars like Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn, and Seth Rollins.

If Kevin Owens ultimately decides that protecting his long-term health is more important than continuing his in-ring career, it would be completely understandable. Unfortunately, 2026 could realistically become the year Owens officially announces his retirement from pro wrestling.