The head of the industry and a Lucha legend? - 6 WWE stars who could follow John Cena into retirement
John Cena shocked the WWE Universe at Money in the Bank after claiming he'd be retiring in 2025. The 16-time World Champion has been less active over the last five years but has otherwise been a company staple since his debut in 2002.
After dominating WWE for over 15 years, Cena has turned to putting other stars over lately. He lost to Austin Theory at WrestleMania 39 and fell to Solo Sikoa at Crown Jewel last November.
While Cena is the latest huge star to announce his retirement, some other performers could follow his lead. The next six WWE Superstars could follow the 47-year-old into retirement soon.
#6. Natalya has endured several eras in WWE
Natalya's current contract with WWE recently expired. She's been a loyal member of the company since 2009, helping many in the women's division along the way.
The Queen of Harts is a respected member of the locker room due to her veteran status, in-ring acumen, and ability to pass on her knowledge. She may not have been booked to have the same amount of success as someone like Charlotte Flair, but Nattie is undoubtedly a future WWE Hall-of-Famer.
If she doesn't resume her in-ring career at the age of 42, Natalya may retire from competition. She is already a great coach and trainer and could contribute to the business she loves in another way.
#5. Brock Lesnar hasn't competed in a year
For the last decade, Brock Lesnar has set the standard for what a part-time wrestler is in WWE. It was frustrating when he held the top prize in the company, but he always performed in his programs.
His matches with Seth Rollins and Bobby Lashley helped both performers. It was with Lesnar that Roman Reigns was booked to become the next face of the company.
The Beast also had a personal feud with CM Punk and Cody Rhodes. After losing to Rhodes at SummerSlam in 2023, he raised Rhodes' hands, seemingly as a sign of passing the torch. He hadn't lost a step in the ring but at 46 years old, he may be done with being an attraction for the WWE Universe.
#4. Rey Mysterio is almost 50
Like LeBron James and his son, Bronny, Rey Mysterio has been lucky enough to be active and perform on a big stage with his son. The duo won the SmackDown Tag Team Championship and will always be at odds when crossing paths.
The former WWE Champion has been active since the early 1990s, wrestling in Mexico, Japan, and the USA. He's the performer who brought Lucha Libre to American fans and one who influenced almost countless high-flying stars who have followed the Lucha legend's path.
Mysterio is currently 49 years old and has done much in his career. He has nothing left to prove but still has gas left in the tank. While he's still delivering in the ring, he might be looking at the finish line of his career. A fitting way would be for Dominik to retire him and reconcile at WrestleMania 41.
#3. Randy Orton has been a top WWE Superstar for many years
Randy Orton debuted in 2002 with the vaunted OVW class featuring Brock Lesnar, John Cena, and Batista. He's been synonymous with Cena for the last 20 years as each star has captured numerous titles.
Whether he's a heel or a face, The Legend Killer is beloved by fans. His character has seen little change in the past decade and Orton can still bring his A-game in high-profile feuds. His recent work against The Bloodline and pairing with Kevin Owens has possibly even helped prolong his career.
However, the 44-year-old has been injured on and off over the last few years which may be a sign that he's nearing the end of his career. A return from back surgery isn't the same as a triceps injury. The Viper might make his final strike soon and follow Cena into retirement.
#2. Becky Lynch is one of the top stars in wrestling
Becky Lynch is currently a free agent after her latest deal with the Stamford-based promotion expired in June. The Man has been one of the top stars in wrestling and she rose to that spot organically.
Female performers have a different challenge of longevity because their prime can also line up with prime years for becoming parents. Such was a big deal 20 years ago, but current and some former stars like Lacey Evans, Jade Cargill, Ronda Rousey, and Lynch have been parents or given birth and returned to action.
Since she's been one of the faces of WWE for the last five years, The Man may be thinking of the next stage of her life. She has plenty left to give in the ring and new feuds will always emerge. However, it still wouldn't be a surprise if Lynch decided to call it a day soon after a hugely successful career.
#1. Roman Reigns could be nearing the end of his WWE career
![A lot has changed with the Bloodline since WrestleMania 40. [Photo credit: wwe.com]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/07/5460e-17207278991122-1920.jpg?w=500)
The WWE Universe hasn't seen Roman Reigns since his loss at WrestleMania 40. The defeat capped off a nearly four-year run as World Champion on SmackDown. Reigns signed a new deal in the middle of that run that made him a part-time performer.
If he was already thinking about part-time status while being the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, then retirement could be at the back of his mind. Heavy pushes as The Big Dog and Head of the Table thrust Reigns into the top spot in the wrestling industry.
After filming a movie with his cousin, The Rock, it's safe to say that Reigns might be intrigued with the prospect of joining Hollywood. Rocky did just that while still in the prime of his career.
Reigns, however, is nearing 40 and wants to make it big in Hollywood. After a Bloodline Civil War and a match with Solo Sikoa and The Rock, Reigns may officially retire.