Get ready for a blockbuster year in WWE! 2026 is shaping up to be a year of emotional goodbyes and legendary retirements. The rumors are swirling, and it's got the wrestling world buzzing.
The Big Question: Who's Riding Off into the Sunset?
Brock Lesnar, the beast incarnate, is reportedly eyeing his retirement at SummerSlam 2026. While the date isn't set in stone yet, the whispers are getting louder. But here's where it gets controversial... Lesnar isn't the only WWE superstar considering hanging up the boots. AJ Styles and Chris Jericho are also rumored to be planning their farewells for the same year.
Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Dave Meltzer has weighed in, confirming that 2026 is the target year for these retirements. He adds that while the specific SummerSlam date isn't locked in, the talk around the industry is that these legends are planning their exits.
John Cena, in a recent interview, hinted at Lesnar's potential retirement, suggesting a long-term plan that will see Lesnar 'go into the sunset' in his home state of Minnesota. With Lesnar's history as a former NCAA Heavyweight Champion for the University of Minnesota and his residence in the area, the SummerSlam event in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on August 1st and 2nd, 2026, could be the perfect setting for his farewell.
Cena also explained his recent loss to Lesnar as a strategic move to build Lesnar up as a formidable opponent for a future star to conquer. He praised Lesnar's unique presence in the industry, saying, "There will be one Brock Lesnar in wrestling, from carnival time to the time we shut the lights out."
And this is the part most people miss... the situation with Chris Jericho. His contract is up soon, and WWE wants him back for a retirement tour in 2026. If this aligns with Lesnar and Styles' plans, 2026 could be a historic year for WWE legends.
So, what do you think? Will 2026 be the year of the WWE legends' retirement? Share your thoughts in the comments!
This article was written by Andrew Ravens, a reporter for WrestlingNews.co, who covers the latest in professional wrestling. Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Andrew's expertise lies in day-to-day wrestling news, with a special focus on WWE and AEW. With over eight years of experience in the industry, Andrew provides in-depth coverage and serves as a beat writer for wrestling companies and their storylines. His skills include detailed play-by-play event coverage and transcription of interviews and media scrums. You can reach Andrew for news tips or correspondence at ravenstarmedia21@gmail.com.
