5 WWE Superstars who faked their own retirement

Retirement is extremely weird in WWE. The industry is all about telling a story, so what retiring is, in reality, is different from what it is in PRO wrestling. Several stars throughout the years have used retirement as a tool to craft a tale that intrigues fans.

Whether it be WWE or AEW, every wrestling company has had career-threatening matches with the results dictating the future of the individuals involved. Countless competitors have also questioned if their time was winding down and if they could return to the squared circle.

With so much history in this business, it seems that some of the biggest legends of the industry have either been in a career-threatening match or completely fooled the fans only to come back. In this article, let's take a look at five wrestlers who have faked their own retirement.

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5) The legendary feud of Terry Funk vs. retirement

Terry Funk is an absolute legend with over 50 years in the business. The hardcore icon went through the territory era, NWA, ECW, and WWE. He has faced some of the very best wrestlers to step foot in the ring, from Ric Flair to Stone Cold Steve Austin.

When many fans think of Funk, they don't think about his legendary death matches against Cactus Jack or his memorable time as Chainsaw Charlie in WWE. They immediately brought up the many times the man had retired, only to return shortly after that.

Starting in 1983, Terry Funk made somewhat of a habit of cutting promos to retire from wrestling. The legend had put his body through it all to become a top star in the industry. The risks that Funk took are iconic in themselves, but they came with a price. He often believed that he would be wrapping up his career and other times he would get wrapped in the moment.

Whatever the reasoning, Terry Funk has to hold the record for fake retirements. Despite memorably retiring from Jim Crockett Promotions and Extreme Championship Wrestling, the middle-aged star wrestled on the independent scene until 2017. Here's hoping he gets healthy and returns to the wrestling business.

4) Hulk Hogan's Retirement Match at WrestleMania 8 leads to his return less than a year later

Another legend who's known for a famous retirement or, should we say, retirements is Hulk Hogan. The Immortal One was the biggest WWE Superstar of the 1980s and held the top prize in the company on six occasions.

In 1992, Hogan referred to his WrestleMania 8 main event against Sid Justice as his final match. However, he returned in 1993 ahead of WrestleMania 9.

That wasn't the only time Hogan did that, either. In WCW, Hollywood Hogan decided to call it quits and thought about a run for office in Washington in 1999, but this was short-lived. He returned in 2000 to get into his infamous altercation with Vince Russo, which led to his eventual departure.

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3) The Undertaker has a retirement ceremony at WrestleMania 33 and returns one year later

Ahead of WrestleMania 33, the wrestling world was buzzing with speculation that the event would mark the final match in The Undertaker's legendary career. The Deadman was set to face Roman Reigns in the main event, and many fans were ready to send off the Phenom.

Reigns defeated The Undertaker in a disappointing contest. However, Taker received a huge ovation after the match. He placed his hat and jacket in the middle of the ring, went to ringside to kiss his wife Michelle McCool, and left. The moment was wonderful and felt meaningful, but The Undertaker returned a year later at WrestleMania 34, not satisfied with the send-off.

2) Ric Flair's retirement ends with his TNA in-ring debut

Ric Flair's retirement at WrestleMania 24 brought tears to many fans' eyes. The Nature Boy spent nearly 40 years becoming one of the greatest professional wrestlers to ever live. His sendoff against Shawn Michaels at the Showcase of the Immortals felt as legendary as his career and the following night with his ceremony was one of the best RAW segments in WWE history.

Flair never wrestled again in WWE, but he did leave the promotion in 2009 and debuted in TNA in 2010. The legend had a managerial role for AJ Styles and the Fortune stable. However, he would step back into the squared circle and compete against Jay Lethal, Mick Foley, and others. This ruined that Mania moment for many fans.

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1) Mark Henry pulls off the most elaborate fake retirement in WWE history

Some of the entries were stars who were meant to retire and eventually return to the ring. However, there is no better fake retirement than Mark Henry's. The World's Strongest Man is best known for his successful Hall of Pain run in 2011, but his speech in 2013 may be just as memorable.

WWE Champion John Cena cut a promo on a July 2013 episode of RAW and was interrupted by a salmon-blazer dressed Henry. He asked for the microphone and addressed injury rumors, saying retiring.

The WWE Hall of Famer cut the greatest promo of his career, talking about the love for his family and missing time with them. The passion and emotion were there as tears flowed down Henry's cheek. He finally ended this heart-filled speech and received cheers from the crowd. Cena stepped back in the ring and raised Henry's hand.

When fans were buying this hook, line, and sinker, Mark Henry dropped John Cena with the World's Strongest Slam. It was amazing to watch with the fans believing every word from Henry and making the eventual reveal much shocking.