John Cena announced he would be retiring from WWE in-ring competition at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas. The announcement shocked the world but wasn't a complete surprise due to his shift to part-time status over the last five years.
Having performers come and go every year is just a part of the business. Daniel Bryan, Edge, and Cesaro all left WWE to join AEW. Bryan is the current AEW World Champion while both Edge and Cesaro have captured gold.
While Cena's announcement doesn't necessarily mean that he won't appear for the promotion from time to time, the next six stars could leave WWE in 2025.
#5. Tegan Nox has been used sparingly since returning to WWE
Tegan Nox was an important piece of NXT during her initial tenure on the black-and-gold brand. Unfortunately for her, persistent injuries stifled her momentum anytime it started to build.
She was important to NXT's version of WarGames as it facilitated Dakota Kai's heel turn. The 2019 match also included Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, and Bianca Belair.
After minimal success, Nox joined SmackDown with Shotzi in a short-lived tag team. She was later included in the mass releases of 2021.
Nox was then re-signed but hasn't been used much onscreen. If her contract is up in 2025 or she requests a release, she could look to try her luck in TNA or Japan.
#4. Dragon Lee inked a three-year deal in the spring of 2022
It feels like Dragon Lee just joined WWE, and in some ways, it's true. He's been in and out of action throughout his tenure, starting in NXT.
He won the North American Championship but has always been involved with LWO drama. Lee is officially a member but feels stuck with the faction.
Lee's booking is better under Triple H, but the company has endured many changes since the former North American Champion signed his contract.
The UFC merged with WWE, and RAW is moving to Netflix in January 2025. It's hard to gauge how he feels about his tenure so far. If it hasn't met his goals, he could opt to move on.
#3. The New Day's contracts expire in December
One of the greatest tag team duos in wrestling history wouldn't leave WWE, would they? Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods are immersed in the middle of a tenuous relationship after more downs than ups.
It feels like a heel turn for one member is on the horizon, especially with their 10-year anniversary slated for November. The potential for a massive shift in group dynamics could telegraph if both members stay where they formed their faction.
If Woods wants to test himself in another company, he could opt to leave. Kofi Kingston could also depart the company or retire. Big E's injury muddles his contract situation, so he may be extended.
#2. AJ Styles is a generational talent
The Phenomenal One signed a deal that expires at the end of 2024. With injury time, however, it may extend into 2025. Styles has been in and out of feuds on SmackDown but returned before Bad Blood.
He's still in amazing shape at 47 years old but could be closer than ever to retirement. Other companies would obviously battle to secure his services if he left WWE with the intention of continuing to wrestle.
While he hasn't won a major title in six years, he's still greatly valued up and down the card across all brands.
#1. Kevin Owens has tremendous value in the industry
Kevin Owens has been with WWE since 2014. He's wrestled many of the greats, including Stone Cold Steve Austin and John Cena. Few wrestlers alive are the total package of in-ring and mic ability like The Prizefighter.
Like Styles, Owens hasn't captured major gold in several years. Despite that, he's won tag team gold and both mid-card titles. The former Universal Champion is one of the most important stars in the company.
He tests up-and-coming stars from NXT and slots into main-event feuds when needed. Owens' storytelling is among the best in the business.
AEW scoops up almost any former Ring of Honor star, and Owens was one of the biggest ROH stars of his era. He could leave next year to join friends like Adam Cole and the Young Bucks in AEW.