5 former WWE Superstars who are likely to retire in AEW
Since its inception, AEW has given a platform to many stars who were significantly underutilized in WWE. From new stars looking for a breakout opportunity to veterans yearning to revitalize their careers, All Elite Wrestling has allowed many individuals the chance to prove their worth.
While Vince McMahon always overlooked the abilities of certain performers, Tony Khan did an appreciable job of elevating the same individuals. The Jacksonville-based promotion allowed several former WWE stars to realize their true potential and carve out a new chapter in their careers.
Sting, a well-respected veteran of the business, finally got a satisfying closure to his career in All Elite Wrestling. However, Stinger might not be the only former WWE star to draw curtains on his career in the Jacksonville-based promotion. In this article, let's look at five former WWE Superstars who could retire in All Elite Wrestling:
#5. Shelton Benjamin could end his career in All Elite Wrestling
Shelton Benjamin is regarded as one of the most highly skilled pro wrestlers to come out of The Ruthless Aggression Era. While Benjamin did get a great amount of success during his first WWE stint, his latest run in the Stamford-based promotion left a lot to be desired.
However, The Gold Standard has certainly lived up to the hype since he arrived in All Elite Wrestling. The 49-year-old star has been a tremendous addition to the roster, proving that he could still hang with the very best in the ring.
Benjamin's recent work with The Hurt Syndicate has helped bring his ruthless side out. It has also led to him earning the adulation of the AEW audience, which always seems excited to watch the veteran wrestle inside the squared circle.
The former WWE United States Champion would be extremely ecstatic with the opportunities he has got in AEW so far. With Tony Khan determined to push Shelton Benjamin, it wouldn't be surprising if The Hurt Syndicate member stayed in All Elite Wrestling till the end of his career.
#4. Bobby Lashley could draw curtains on his career in All Elite Wrestling
Bobby Lashley's mainstream appeal cannot be denied. The All Mighty's ability to captivate the audience is the reason why he stayed at the top of WWE for years.
However, The Dominator's booking in the Sports Entertainment juggernaut took a hit since Triple H took over the creative team in 2022. The former WWE Champion was unhappy with a lack of creative direction for his character, prompting him to leave the Stamford-based promotion earlier this year.
Tony Khan has ensured the best possible onscreen presentation for The Destroyer in AEW. Since making his debut in the Jacksonville-based promotion, Bobby Lashley has been portrayed as an invincible force who can decimate anybody who stands in his path.
In his first match on an AEW pay-per-view, The Dominator took down Swerve Strickland, who has been one of the most protected talents in recent times. If The Hurt Syndicate continues to terrorize the rest of the roster, a world title run may not be too far for Lashley.
At 48, Bobby Lashley only has a limited time left as a full-time performer. With WWE not having concrete plans for The Hurt Syndicate trio, The All Mighty would likely wrap up his career in the Jacksonville-based promotion.
#3. Dustin Rhodes is a certified AEW legend
Dustin Rhodes will always have a soft spot for All Elite Wrestling for allowing him to have a career resurgence. Following years of atrocious booking in WWE, Rhodes arrived in AEW in 2019 with a point to prove.
At Double or Nothing 2019, The Natural wrestled his brother Cody Rhodes in one of the greatest AEW matches of all time. With his incredible performance, the veteran established himself as a fan favorite.
The 55-year-old star has emerged as a guiding figure for the young crop of AEW wrestlers while also maintaining the high quality of in-ring performance. Having played a massive role in elevating the company's product, it is unlikely that Dustin Rhodes would leave the promotion anytime soon.
The reigning ROH World Tag Team Champion recently announced that he has signed a new contract with the Tony Khan-led company, seemingly confirming that he would wrestle his final match in All Elite Wrestling.
#2. Jeff Jarrett could retire from in-ring duties in All Elite Wrestling
Jeff Jarrett has been a prominently featured figure on AEW television since November 2022. The Last Outlaw has been a part of several entertaining moments in AEW over the last two years.
Double J played a key role in the success of the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament this year. The veteran impressed the audience with his emotional promos about Owen Hart.
His mini-feud with ''Hangman'' Adam Page earlier this year certainly helped elevate Jarrett's onscreen presence. Apart from his role on television, Double J also has some major backstage responsibilities in the company.
At the age of 57, The Last Outlaw is nearing the end of his legendary career. Tony Khan thinks very highly of Jeff Jarrett and is likely to book a perfect farewell for the veteran in AEW.
#1. Jon Moxley could hang up his boots in All Elite Wrestling
While the other names on this list are at the tail end of their careers, Jon Moxley likely still has more than a decade left in the tank. However, The Purveyor of Violence's appreciation for the Tony Khan-led company might compel him to stay in the promotion till the end of his career.
The erstwhile Lunatic Fringe arrived in AEW in May 2019, intending to remove the "mid-card" tag that had been forced upon him in WWE. Although Vince McMahon never acknowledged Moxley as a reliable main event talent, Tony Khan immediately gave him a solid push upon his arrival.
The reigning AEW World Champion has always stepped up for the Jacksonville-based promotion in tough circumstances. Moxley's contributions to the Tony Khan-led company over the past five years have earned him the moniker "The Ace of All Elite Wrestling."
The Purveyor of Violence is one of the highest-paid stars on the roster and remains one of the protected stars on AEW television. Unless he has a fallout with Tony Khan in the future, Jon Moxley is likely to wrestle his retirement match in the Jacksonville-based promotion.