{"id":146803,"date":"2025-11-23T07:00:21","date_gmt":"2025-11-23T12:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/?p=146803"},"modified":"2025-11-22T22:01:19","modified_gmt":"2025-11-23T03:01:19","slug":"best-wwe-retirement-matches-ranked","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2025\/11\/23\/best-wwe-retirement-matches-ranked\/","title":{"rendered":"Best WWE Retirement Matches Ranked"},"content":{"rendered":"

In any sport, a retirement is always a unique experience to witness. There’s something special about watching a legendary athlete compete one last time. While it is bittersweet knowing you’re seeing a legend for the final time, it’s equally essential for an athlete to time their farewell properly, to preserve their legacy and leave fans with good memories.<\/p>\n

In the world of professional wrestling, retirements work very differently. They’re often a disappointment, as wrestlers frequently come out of retirement, rendering those special moments meaningless. More often than not, wrestlers are also well past their peak by the time they hang up their boots, thus not being able to deliver a memorable performance.<\/p>\n

As we all know, John Cena, who is one of the most popular wrestlers ever, will be wrestling his final match on December 13th, 2025. Cena has shown that he’s still capable of delivering quality performances, so fans are hopeful his farewell will be a great one. As we await Cena’s final match, let’s take a look at the 10 best retirement matches in WWE history.<\/p>\n

10. Goldberg Vs. Gunther (Saturday Night’s Main Event – 07\/12\/2025)<\/h2>\n

This is the most recent retirement match on the list. Goldberg was an insanely popular figure during the late 1990s in WCW and is widely regarded as one of the most iconic stars in that company’s history. However, his WWE tenure has been largely controversial, particularly his second run since his return in 2016.<\/p>\n

He’s had meaningless title reigns and been involved in some truly awful matches. Despite the controversies, Goldberg absolutely deserved a proper sendoff given his legendary status and popularity.<\/p>\n

His final match took place at Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12th, 2025, in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. He challenged Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship. Gunther was the perfect choice as his final opponent, as he was one of the very few wrestlers capable of carrying Goldberg to a decent match.<\/p>\n

Surprisingly, the bout went well over 14 minutes, a rarity for a Goldberg match. The match did have its flaws, but Goldberg delivered a respectable performance that made for a solid send-off.<\/p>\n

The Ring General won the match by putting Goldberg to sleep with the Sleeper hold, and credit to Goldberg for putting him over on his way out.<\/p>\n

Even though Goldberg had some complaints about this retirement match, it was actually a fitting farewell, especially in his hometown. Goldberg seems to be done with wrestling, and it seems highly unlikely he’ll ever step foot in the ring again.<\/p>\n

9. William Regal Vs. Antonio Cesaro (NXT – 12\/25\/2013)<\/h2>\n

William Regal was a notable name in WWE during the 2000s. He was a brilliant in-ring technician who also excelled in various non-wrestling roles throughout his career. It’s a shame Regal never won a World Title in WWE, as he would have made an excellent champion<\/p>\n

By 2010, the 2008 King of the Ring winner had transitioned away from working important matches and eventually became a commentator for NXT. In late 2013, Regal found himself in a feud with Antonio Cesaro, culminating in a match on the NXT Rewind episode that aired on December 25th, 2013.<\/p>\n

The match was an incredible display of technical wrestling, featuring excellent psychology. Both men did a tremendous job, with great selling and in-ring work. Cesaro would pick up the win after hitting Regal with the Neutralizer.<\/p>\n

The match remains Regal’s last wrestling match, and it was the perfect way for the man to retire, elevating Cesaro on his way out. Since then, Regal has continued working non-wrestling roles in both WWE and AEW, which he has excelled at.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

8. Trish Stratus Vs. Lita (Unforgiven 2006)<\/h2>\n

Trish Stratus is a highly influential figure in women’s wrestling, having inspired an entire generation of female wrestlers. She first appeared in WWE in 2000, starting as a manager before gradually transitioning into a full-time competitor.<\/p>\n

At a time when women’s wrestling wasn’t taken seriously, Stratus still proved to be a great in-ring performer and delivered memorable matches. She also held a record-breaking 448-day reign as WWE Women’s Champion. In 2006, it was announced that Stratus would wrestle her final match at Unforgiven in her hometown of Toronto, against her long-time rival Lita, for the WWE Women’s Championship.<\/p>\n

Trish and Lita delivered an outstanding match at the PPV, which stood as the best women’s match in WWE for years. Trish won by making Lita tap out to the Sharpshooter, a tribute to fellow Canadian legend Bret Hart, retiring as a record-setting 7-time Women’s Champion.<\/p>\n

Stratus has since come out of retirement, however, and has wrestled several matches over the years, including a title match against Tiffany Stratton at Evolution 2025. While it remains to be seen when she’ll have her actual final match, Unforgiven 2006 marked the end of her career as a full-time wrestler and served as a fitting farewell to the legend.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

7. Batista Vs. Triple H (WrestleMania 35)<\/h2>\n

Batista was one of the biggest names of the Ruthless Aggression Era, standing as one of the faces of the era. After losing an I Quit match to John Cena in 2010, he stepped away from wrestling before making a return in 2014. However, that comeback was a massive disappointment, and he walked away once again.<\/p>\n

Batista would go on to build an impressive Hollywood career, starring in major franchises including the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and stayed away from wrestling.<\/p>\n

Still, fans clamored for the return of The Animal, and he finally returned on the 1000th episode of SmackDown, reuniting with his Evolution stablemates. During the segment, Batista planted the seeds for a future encounter with Triple H, which came to fruition in early 2019 when he attacked fellow Evolution member Ric Flair and demanded a match from The Game.<\/p>\n

Triple H accepted Batista’s challenge, and the two battled in a No Holds Barred match on the Grandest Stage of Them All, with Triple H’s career on the line. While the match could have been better, it was a solid effort and the best they could deliver given the age of both wrestlers.<\/p>\n

Triple H defeated Batista with an assist from Ric Flair, picking up his first singles victory over The Animal and sending him into retirement. Since then, Batista has stated numerous times that he has no intention of returning to wrestling, and given his Hollywood commitments, his words seem to be true.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

6. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin Vs. The Rock (WrestleMania 19)<\/h2>\n

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin is a massive name in the wrestling world, serving as the face of WWE during the Attitude Era, the period when the company was at the peak of its popularity. However, Austin’s career didn’t last as long as one might expect.<\/p>\n

During a match against Owen Hart at SummerSlam 1997, he suffered a severe neck injury that became a significant turning point in his career, forcing him to change his wrestling style from a technician to that of a brawler.<\/p>\n

He continued wrestling full-time until 2002, when he walked out of WWE following creative disagreements, before returning in early 2003. Upon his return, he resumed his rivalry with The Rock, his greatest rival and the other face of the Attitude Era. The two legends faced off at WrestleMania 19, marking their third encounter on the Showcase of the Immortals.<\/p>\n

After an entertaining and memorable match, The Rock would emerge victorious. The Rattlesnake was forced to retire after this bout at the age of just 38 due to his injuries. Despite the retirement being forced, it was actually a fitting end for Austin’s career, going out against his greatest rival at wrestling’s biggest stage.<\/p>\n

Austin returned for a one-off match against Kevin Owens, 19 years later, at WrestleMania 38. It was a really entertaining match, though, and thus, no one complained about it, and fans were happy to see Austin wrestle one more time, even if it was just a one-night affair.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

5. Ric Flair Vs. Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 24)<\/h2>\n

Ric Flair is among the most influential wrestlers in history. While his most memorable moments and matches took place outside of WWE, he still had a notable tenure with the company across two runs, from 1991 to 1993, and again from 2001 to 2008. Despite being well past his prime, the Nature Boy still managed to deliver some quality matches during his time in the company.<\/p>\n

In late 2007, after Flair stated that he would never retire, Vince McMahon announced that the next time Flair lost a match, it would be his last. Over the following months, Flair won match after match, keeping his career alive with each victory. Eventually, he challenged Shawn Michaels to a match at WrestleMania 24.<\/p>\n

The two wrestlers fought a deeply emotional match, as Flair tried his best to keep his career alive. However, he came up short, as Michaels won the match after delivering a Sweet Chin Music after uttering the words, “I’m sorry, I love you”, which would become one of the most iconic wrestling moments ever.<\/p>\n

While this still remains Flair’s last WWE match, he tarnished the legacy of this farewell by continuing to wrestle in other promotions, wrestling as recently as 2022. Knowing Flair, he could very well come out of retirement again, but still, this WrestleMania farewell remains absolutely iconic.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

4. The Undertaker Vs. AJ Styles (WrestleMania 36: Night One)<\/h2>\n

The Undertaker is one of the most iconic characters in the world of wrestling. From his WWE debut in 1990, Undertaker continued to compete until 2020, a testament to his incredible longevity. He has been part of some of the most memorable matches and moments in WWE history. However, the Deadman was in a clear decline by the mid-2010s.<\/p>\n

His in-ring performances had deteriorated due to age, and fans weren’t happy watching the Undertaker struggle. Thus, the Phenom decided to hang up his boots in 2020, but not before wrestling one final match against the Phenomenal One, AJ Styles, at WrestleMania 36.<\/p>\n

\"A
Photo Credit: WWE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The two entered into a deeply personal feud, and the stage was set for an epic clash on the Grandest Stage. However, due to the pandemic, plans had to change; the match would take place behind closed doors with no live audience.<\/p>\n

Despite the limitations, WWE delivered, as the two competed in a Boneyard match, a cinematic spectacle filmed at a cemetery. Undertaker arrived on a motorcycle channeling his American Badass persona, and what followed was an action-movie-style brawl with druids, interference from The O.C., and Undertaker ultimately burying Styles alive, picking up the win.<\/p>\n

The match is widely appreciated and served as the perfect farewell for Undertaker. Since then, Undertaker has stayed retired with no intentions of coming back.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

3. Randy Savage Vs. The Ultimate Warrior (WrestleMania 7)<\/h2>\n

Randy Savage was a beloved wrestler during WWE’s Golden Era. The Macho Man always delivered memorable performances and was part of some of the best matches of that time. By 1989, Savage had adopted the “Macho King” persona, aligning himself with Sensational Sherri after parting ways with Miss Elizabeth.<\/p>\n

In early 1991, Savage entered into a feud with The Ultimate Warrior, who had refused to give him a shot at his WWE Championship. This led to Savage interfering in Warrior’s title match against Sgt. Slaughter at Royal Rumble 1991, costing Warrior the championship.<\/p>\n

This set the stage for a showdown between the two at WrestleMania 7. It was a career-ending match, with both wrestlers’ careers hanging in the balance.<\/p>\n

The match was a storytelling masterpiece and stands as one of the best bouts of both men’s careers. Savage delivered five consecutive flying elbow drops, yet Warrior somehow kicked out before putting Savage away, thus ending his career. The post-match scene, however, is what truly made this match memorable, as Sherri attacked the fallen Savage, only for Miss Elizabeth to rush from the crowd to save him.<\/p>\n

The emotional reunion between Savage and Elizabeth had fans in tears and remains one of wrestling’s most beautiful moments. Savage came out of retirement shortly after and had a long career following this, but the match itself remains unforgettable.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2. Mick Foley Vs. Triple H (No Way Out 2000)<\/h2>\n

Mick Foley is one of the most respected figures in the wrestling business, known for his brutally violent style and willingness to put his body on the line. Due to the toll his risky approach had taken on his body, the Hardcore Legend decided to hang up his boots in early 2000, at the age of just 34.<\/p>\n

At the time, he was involved in a feud with Triple H over the WWE Championship. After losing a grueling Street Fight at Royal Rumble 2000, Foley would get one more shot at Triple H’s title at No Way Out.<\/p>\n

This time, the match would be contested inside Hell in a Cell, with Foley’s career on the line. It was a very brutal match with jaw-dropping spots, as both men put their bodies on the line, especially Foley, who seemed determined to leave everything in the ring.<\/p>\n

The highlight of the match was the insane spot where Foley attempted to hit a Piledriver on Triple H through a flaming 2\u00d74 wrapped in barbed wire, but Triple H backdropped Foley through the cell, even breaking the ring upon his fall.<\/p>\n

Despite giving everything he had, Foley lost the match, effectively ending his career. He didn’t stick to his retirement, however, returning just weeks later for another match at WrestleMania 2000.<\/p>\n

He’d wrestle a few more matches down the line as well, but his time as a full-time competitor was over after WrestleMania 2000. Foley hasn’t competed in a wrestling match since the 2012 Royal Rumble match, and given his health conditions, it’s unlikely he’ll ever return.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1. Shawn Michaels Vs. The Undertaker (WrestleMania 26)<\/h2>\n

The greatest WWE retirement match of all time is, without a doubt, the clash between Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26.<\/p>\n

After failing to defeat Undertaker at WrestleMania 25, the Heartbreak Kid became obsessed with the idea of ending the Deadman’s legendary WrestleMania streak. After numerous failed attempts to secure a rematch, Michaels finally got his wish, but with his career on the line.<\/p>\n

The match was contested under No Disqualification rules and served as the night’s main event. The two legends delivered yet another classic, with amazing storytelling.<\/p>\n

The bout featured several memorable moments and near falls, and for the first time, fans genuinely believed the streak might end. But despite giving absolutely everything he had, Michaels came up short, bringing his storied career to an end.<\/p>\n

It was an extremely emotional moment, watching Mr. WrestleMania bow out at WrestleMania itself, especially after such a breathtaking performance. Shawn would stay retired for over eight years before returning for a tag team match at Crown Jewel 2018, teaming with his best friend Triple H against Undertaker and Kane.<\/p>\n

The match was a massive disappointment, and Shawn’s decision to come out of retirement was widely criticized. However, we can excuse it just as a one-off, and it doesn’t damage the legacy of the iconic WrestleMania match.<\/p>\n

More From LWOS Pro Wrestling<\/strong><\/p>\n

Header photo \u2013 WWE \u2013 Stay tuned to the\u00a0<\/i><\/em>Last Word on Pro Wrestling<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a> for more on the best WWE Retirement Matches and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the significant news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world.<\/i><\/em><\/p>\n

You can check out WWE programming on\u00a0<\/i><\/em>Netflix<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a>\u00a0(Raw),\u00a0<\/i><\/em>USA Network<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a>\u00a0(SmackDown),\u00a0<\/i><\/em>The CW<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a>\u00a0(NXT),\u00a0<\/i><\/em>Tubi<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a>\u00a0(WWE Evolve),\u00a0<\/i><\/em>A&E<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a>\u00a0(WWE Superstar Sunday \u2013 Rivals, WWE LFG, and Greatest Moments), and\u00a0<\/i><\/em>Peacock<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a>\u00a0(WWE Main Event, as well as archives and premium live event streaming). Follow WWE on social media to relive top moments and matches on\u00a0<\/i><\/em>YouTube<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a>, and catch fast-paced action on X (<\/i><\/em>WWE Speed<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a>).<\/i><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In any sport, a retirement is always a unique experience to witness. There’s something special about watching a legendary athlete compete one last time. While it is bittersweet knowing you’re seeing a legend for the final time, it’s equally essential for an athlete to time their farewell properly, to preserve their legacy and leave fans […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5707,"featured_media":146824,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,7205,4,3],"tags":[629,145,1432,400,543,267,8238,239,8298,201,469,395,550,297,75,238,2306,863],"class_list":["post-146803","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-history","category-wwe","category-wwe-universe","tag-stone-cold-steve-austin","tag-aj-styles","tag-batista","tag-cesaro","tag-claudio-castagnoli","tag-goldberg","tag-gunther","tag-lita","tag-macho-man-randy-savage","tag-mick-foley","tag-ric-flair","tag-shawn-michaels","tag-the-rock","tag-the-undertaker","tag-triple-h","tag-trish-stratus","tag-ultimate-warrior","tag-william-regal"],"modified_by":"Michael Joseph Sugue, Manager","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/146803","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5707"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=146803"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/146803\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":146825,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/146803\/revisions\/146825"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/146824"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=146803"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=146803"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=146803"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}