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WWE has been blessed with numerous Superstars throughout its history that have contributed to establish the promotion as the most popular in the world. Their contribution has been priceless, and if it were up to fans, we would want them to wrestle forever. Sadly, all good things must come to an end.
The sport of pro wrestling, although scripted, takes a huge toll on the Superstars' bodies. The number of risks they take inside and outside the ring to entertain us comes with a price to pay. Naturally, there's only so long these Superstars could continue to perform at the highest level before deciding to call it a day.
The year 2019 saw top WWE Superstars like Batista, Kurt Angle, Trish Stratus and others hang up their boots and focus on the next chapter of their lives. The year 2020 won't be any different, as there are several Superstars who could retire next year. Of course, retirement in pro wrestling hasn't always been a permanent affair, but that just keeps hope alive that we will see our favorite characters in a ring once again.
So without further ado, let's take a look at the five superstars who could retire in 2020.
#5 Big Show
'The World's Largest Athlete' has been one of the major players in WWE over the last two decades, delivering in whichever role the company asks him to. As one of the longest active wrestlers in the company, the rumors of Big Show retiring have been out there for quite some time now.
Much like Kurt Angle did this year, Big Show might also come back for one final run - culminating in a retirement match at WrestleMania 36. Many Superstars could use the rub of retiring WWE's beloved giant as Baron Corbin did with Angle.
While someone like Braun Strowman sounds like an ideal name to retire Big Show, we've already seen that contest quite a few times in the past. A returning Lars Sullivan might just be the perfect candidate, considering WWE had plans to push him last year.
#4 Kane
When we talk about the longest tenured WWE Superstars, one of the names to pop up is Kane. Having started his career in 1992, 'The Devil's Favorite Demon' has made a name for himself in WWE and throughout the wrestling world. His 'Big Red Monster' persona with a scary mask has caused sleepless nights for many children, but the man behind the mask is a true gentleman.
Having shifted his focus from wrestling to politics, Kane aka Glenn Jacobs currently serves as the Mayor of Knox County. While he still occasionally appears on WWE shows, the year 2020 might just be when he decides to hang up his boots with a retirement match.
Kane last appeared on RAW a couple of months ago where he was confronted and attacked by WWE's newest demonic entity - 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt. It was a great sight for fans to witness: the two faces of fear in the same ring, and one has to wonder whether this would be the ideal match to retire Kane.
Kane has been known to put over young Superstars in order to elevate their career. Anyone who receives the honor of retiring him would see his stock rise exponentially overnight. There will never be another Superstar like Kane, and he deserves a proper farewell for his many years of service to the company.
#3 Rey Mysterio
Rey Mysterio is one of those Superstars who has only gotten better with age. While we see many Superstars starting to struggle inside the ring after a certain age, 'The Master of the 619' still has enough agility to go up against the likes of modern high-flyers like Ricochet and Andrade. Who would ever believe that this masked man flying all over the ring is 44 (almost, 45) years old?
Earlier this year, Mysterio mentioned that he doesn't expect to wrestle much longer. It's indeed incredible seeing him this fit in his mid-40s, but it's naturally understandable that his wrestling style might not allow him to perform at the highest level for a long time.
The former WWE Champion even teased a retirement on RAW a couple of months ago, only to come back after his son Dominic insisted that he not give up. With the massive involvement of Dominic in his storylines, it's clear that WWE is planning to debut Junior Mysterio soon. Rey has previously expressed his desire to pass on his mask to his son, indicating that he might not be around for long once Dominic officially starts his in-ring career with WWE.
Being the living legend that he is, fans should cherish his current performances as there's no guarantee of how long this will last.
#2 Triple H
Triple H has played a crucial part in shaping the modern version of the company, as we know it today. Spearheading the charge of the so-called "developmental brand" in NXT, Triple H has proven his worth as Vince McMahon's heir, once and if he decides to step away as the CEO.
Before Triple H became the corporate COO, he was one of the biggest stars of the Attitude Era. Having had memorable feuds against the likes of The Undertaker, John Cena, Brock Lesnar, The Rock, and many others, 'The Cerebral Assassin' is one of the longest-tenured Superstars in the company.
Earlier this year, Triple H faced Batista at WrestleMania 35 in the latter's retirement match. In the WWE Network documentary about his preparation for WrestleMania weekend, 'The Game' mentioned how he might not be able to wrestle for a long time, considering his other duties and busy schedule.
With that in mind, and the move of NXT to USA network - officially making it WWE's third brand, Triple H is sure to have busier days next year. While he does step out of his corporate suit once or twice a year to compete in a match, 2020 might just see his last. Who do you think he should face, if that does happen to be his retirement match?
#1 The Undertaker
The Undertaker is considered by many to be the greatest gimmick or character ever produced by Vince McMahon and WWE. Having been with the company for nearly three decades now, 'The Dead Man' continues to still be one of the biggest attractions of the company in mega events.
Unfortunately, the last few years have made it very clear that his body is unable to perform at the high standard which he has set for himself. He has mentioned in interviews that he does not want to end up becoming a parody of himself, but as unfortunate as it might sound, his match with Goldberg at Super ShowDown did hurt his legacy.
Throughout all these years, 'The Phenom' has been one of the Superstars to have maintained kayfabe and has never appeared out of character in public, but in the last year or so this has changed as well. He has appeared on talk shows, has also started using Instagram, and recently was a guest on 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin's podcast. All these look to be signs that the man who made The Undertaker character so popular is slowly starting to relax and enjoy his life outside of the business.
After many years, WWE has finally found a gimmick good enough in The Fiend to carry the torch of supernatural characters in the company. We have seen Wyatt take out many legends, and having this new face of fear retire The Undertaker might just be the perfect thing to do.
Which other Superstars do you think could retire in 2020?
