WWE fans have seen a few important retirements over the years, and a couple big ones in recent memory. John Cena and AJ Styles called it quits on their own terms, and we also thought that Brock Lesnar was hanging up his boots for good. That being said, the idea of retiring isn’t what it used to be for some fans.
Cody Rhodes says he misses the days when wrestling retirements were never really permanent. The Undisputed WWE Champion recently spoke about Brock Lesnar’s quick return after WrestleMania 42 and explained why he prefers the old-school style of retirements that leave the door open for another comeback.
While speaking on Unsportsmanlike, Cody Rhodes made it clear that he has no problem with wrestlers stepping away and later changing their minds about retirement.
“I want to get back to 90s-style retirements, where we say we’re retired, and then we’re not. I think Brock has started (that way). Terry Funk was retired for 20 years. (Ric) Flair retired a bunch. (Randy) Savage kept retiring. I’m good with it if we’re not doing big, absolute, definitive retirements anymore. Just say I’m taking a break.”
At WrestleMania 42, Brock Lesnar appeared to retire after losing to Oba Femi. Lesnar left his gloves and boots in the ring following the match, which many fans viewed as a symbolic farewell. However, Lesnar returned one month later on WWE RAW when he attacked Femi and reignited their rivalry heading into Clash in Italy.
Brock Lesnar is currently set to face Oba Femi at WWE Clash in Italy as their feud continues following WrestleMania. Many fans expect the match to play a major role in determining whether Lesnar’s original retirement tease meant anything at all or if WWE simply used it as part of a larger storyline.
Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against GUNTHER during the opening match of Clash in Italy. The event is scheduled to take place on May 31 at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy. We will have full coverage of the entire event here at Ringside News.
What’s your take on pro wrestling retirements? Do you think that they should last forever, or can they be a work? Let us know what you think in the comments section!
