9 WWE Retirement Matches That Actually Lived Up to the Hype
Retirement matches in pro wrestling are something special. They’re often the final chapter in a legendary career—a moment packed with emotion and meaning. When done right, these matches celebrate everything a superstar has given to the sport. These unforgettable WWE retirement matches truly lived up to the hype.
Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker, WrestleMania XXVI
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Shawn Michaels put his career on the line against The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at “WrestleMania XXVI.” Both legends delivered a breathtaking match, packed with counters and near-falls. Michaels refused to stay down and taunted The Undertaker before taking one final Tombstone. The Phenom pinned him and ended Michaels’ storied career in a match that fans still rewatch today.
Cactus Jack vs. Triple H, No Way Out 2000
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At “No Way Out 2000,” Cactus Jack faced Triple H in a Hell in a Cell match, with Jack’s career on the line. It was brutal—steel chairs, barbed wire, and a horrifying fall through the cell. Jack fought hard, but Triple H ended it with a Pedigree. It was a fitting, violent farewell for the hardcore legend.
Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels, WrestleMania XXIV
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Ric Flair’s career-threatening match against Shawn Michaels at “WrestleMania XXIV” was an emotional affair. Flair threw everything he had at Michaels, but age caught up with him. The Heartbreak Kid whispered, “I’m sorry, I love you,” before delivering Sweet Chin Music.
William Regal vs. Antonio Cesaro, NXT December 25, 2013
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On December 25, 2013, William Regal took on Antonio Cesaro in NXT. Regal wrestled with his signature technical brilliance and countered Cesaro at every turn. But “The Swiss Cyborg’s” strength was too much; he applied a Neutralizer to pin Regal and concluded a career that shaped countless wrestlers.
Randy Savage vs. Ultimate Warrior, WrestleMania VII
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“WrestleMania VII” featured a “Career vs. Career” match between Randy Savage and Ultimate Warrior. Savage hit five flying elbows, but his opponent kicked out and mounted a comeback. After three shoulder blocks, Warrior pinned Savage and forced him into retirement. The post-match moment where Miss Elizabeth reunited with Savage was wrestling at its best.
Steve Austin vs. The Rock, WrestleMania XIX
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At “WrestleMania XIX,” Steve Austin fought The Rock in what would be his final match. They went full speed, trading finishers and near-falls. Rock finally put “The Texas Rattlesnake” down after three Rock Bottoms. Austin’s career ended in the ring, but he left at the top of his game. Rocky stayed behind, whispering something to his rival—one legend honoring another.
Trish Stratus vs. Lita, Unforgiven 2006
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Trish Stratus concluded her career facing Lita at “Unforgiven 2006” in her hometown of Toronto. The crowd erupted as Trish locked her longtime adversary in the sharpshooter and made her tap out. She retired as a seven-time women’s champion.
The Undertaker vs. AJ Styles, WrestleMania 36
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The Undertaker battled AJ Styles in a Boneyard Match at “WrestleMania 36.” It wasn’t a traditional match but a cinematic brawl in a graveyard filled with mind games and destruction. Taker buried “The Phenomenal One” alive and rode off into the night on his motorcycle.
Edge vs. Alberto Del Rio, WrestleMania XXVII
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“WrestleMania XXVII” saw Edge defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Alberto Del Rio. He fought through “The Mexican Aristocrat’s” relentless assault, hit a final spear, and retained his title. Days later, he retired due to a career-threatening injury. The match didn’t feel like a farewell at the time, but looking back, it was the perfect way for Edge to bow out.
Batista vs. Triple H, WrestleMania 35
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Batista returned to face Triple H at “WrestleMania 35” in 2019 in a No Holds Barred match. It was brutal—sledgehammers, steel steps, and “The Animal” even had his nose ring ripped out. Triple H finally put him down with a Pedigree.
Kurt Angle vs. Baron Corbin, WrestleMania 35
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Kurt Angle chose Baron Corbin as his final opponent at “WrestleMania 35.” Fans expected a feel-good win, but “The Lone Wolf” shocked everyone by beating the Olympic gold medalist. The crowd wasn’t happy, but Angle took his loss with class and even thanked the fans before walking away.
Sting vs. Seth Rollins, Night of Champions 2015
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Sting challenged Seth Rollins for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at “Night of Champions 2015.” A Buckle Bomb changed everything when it left Sting struggling to stand. He pushed through, but “The Architect” put him down with a Pedigree. A serious neck injury ended “The Stinger’s” WWE run, leaving fans wondering what could have been. Indeed, even legends aren’t invincible.
Roman Reigns vs. The Undertaker, WrestleMania 33
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At “WrestleMania 33,” Roman Reigns squared off with The Undertaker in a No Holds Barred match. Reigns threw everything at The Deadman, kicking out chokeslams and Tombstones before finally finishing him with a Superman Punch and Spear. After the match, Undertaker left his hat and coat in the ring to hint at retirement.