Emotional Wrestling Goodbyes In 2024

Every professional wrestler has to retire at some stage, with every performer knowing when the right time to finish is. Whether it's due to injuries, a focus on family, or other commitments, 2024 could end up being the time when some fan favorites decide to hang up their boots.

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Retirements can always create emotional responses from fans because they invest so much time and effort into following their careers and connecting with them. However, when done right a retirement storyline or match can also be incredibly special and memorable, and while not every wrestler can get that, there's some that audiences simply aren't emotionally prepared for.

10 Sting Is Finally Hanging Up His Boots

He Is Confirmed To Retire At AEW Revolution

One retirement that audiences do know they will have to deal with this year is that of Sting. He has confirmed that his final match will be taking place at AEW Revolution, as he and Darby Allin team up to face The Young Bucks for the AEW World Tag Team Championships in what is sure to be an emotional encounter.

Sting has had a career unlike many due to how long he's been in the business. His career has spanned over three decades which has allowed him to create memories for different generations of fans which is sure to make his final night a rollercoaster for people.

9 Paul Wight Could End His In-Ring Days

He's Been Dealing With Knee Issues In AEW

Paul Wight has always been one of the biggest names in professional wrestling, quite literally, but that could come to an end this year. Wight has had an amazing career, from being part of WCW to becoming one of the top stars in WWE who has done everything there is to do in the industry.

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While he continues to try and wrestle sporadically to this day, it is evident that he's in pain and he is set to undergo knee surgery soon. Considering his age and the wear and tear on his body, it wouldn't be a surprise if he wanted to call time on his career at this point, which would be emotional to see due to his years in the business.

8 Tommy Dreamer May Finally Stop Competing

He's Often Recalled As The Heart & Soul Of ECW

Tommy Dreamer is another popular legend who might opt to wrap up his career in 2024. It's a retirement that audiences do need to prepare for emotionally, and that's something that they'll have had experience with due to the fact he's put his career on the line several times now.

Eventually, the decision will be made for him to hang up the boots and that could end up happening this year. His ability to always connect with a crowd is why him retiring would be emotional, and that's something people have to prepare for.

7 Goldberg Wants One More Match

Who Will Be Last?

Goldberg hasn't competed in a match since 2022, but that doesn't mean he has hung up his boots. The WWE Hall Of Famer has been very vocal about the fact he wants to wrap up his career with an official retirement match, blasting Vince McMahon for not providing him with that.

Goldberg's last match wouldn't be a technical masterclass, but it would provide story and emotion due to how popular he has been throughout his career, which is why he deserves this moment.

6 Bryan Danielson Has Made It Clear The End Is Coming

He Will At Least Be Slowing Down His Career

Bryan Danielson is a beloved figure in professional wrestling, and that was clear by how emotional people were during his original retirement. While the next one will hopefully be his own decision rather than due to injury, it won't make it any less upsetting for fans when it does happen because he's so popular.

Danielson has made it clear he will be slowing down drastically this year, and has teased the possibility of retirement to spend more time with his family. While there's a chance he could keep competing in one-off special matches, it could end up being the end if he makes that decision.

5 Billy Gunn Has Already Done One Retirement Angle

Billy Gunn might be in the best shape of his career at this point, but that doesn't mean a retirement is out of the question. Gunn has certainly slowed down in the ring and competes far less frequently, and the fact that AEW has already run a retirement angle with him showcases he could be considering it.

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Being able to wrap up his career with his current storyline working alongside his sons is a perfect way to round out any career, and now that has lined up to potentially happen there could be a big emotional situation taking place this year.

4 Hiroshi Tanhashi Has New Priorities

He Is Now The NJPW President

Hiroshi Tanahashi is a legendary figure in the wrestling world, being someone who has had an unforgettable career in NJPW. However, nowadays he's taken it to a new level by being named the president of the entire company, which is why the focus is likely going to be shifting for him.

Considering that he's slowed down inside the ring, it wouldn't be a shock to see him call time on his wrestling days to ensure he works hard behind the scenes. However, that's going to bring a lot of emotions due to the legacy he has.

3 AJ Styles Claimed His Current Contract Would Be His Last

It Remains To Be Seen Whether Or Not He Re-Signs

There's no doubt that AJ Styles is still capable of competing at a high level, which he has displayed ever since returning from injury. However, when he signed his previous contract he claimed that would be the last deal he signed, and that opens up the possibility of him retiring this year.

His career has been a fantastic one, with Styles helping to take the in-ring aspect of wrestling to another level by helping to inspire so many others. Of course, he could choose to put pen to paper on another deal, but if he believes it's time to end then it will be an emotional moment.

2 The Rock Might Wrap Things Up

It Could Be Time To Focus On A New Role In The Business

The Rock is currently more active in professional wrestling than he has been for years. He's expected to be involved at WrestleMania 40 in some capacity, and it remains to be seen whether or not he continues wrestling or not, but 2024 could be the natural time for him to wrap up his in-ring career.

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Whether it happens against Roman Reigns down the line or someone else, having a major match to end his career with would be huge. He can then focus on being on the TKO Holdings Group board of directors as well as his acting career, but seeing him retire will certainly be emotional.

1 John Cena Has Already Begun Teasing His Retirement

He Wants To Finish His Career In London, England

John Cena is one of the biggest names in the history of the wrestling business, and while he has been polarizing at times there's no getting away from the fact he's a beloved legend. He's been the face of wrestling during his time in the industry, and that is why retiring would be massively emotional for people to understand.

Cena has been open that he can't compete for much longer as he isn't at the level of current stars, therefore a retirement is coming. If the right storyline is provided, then 2024 could easily be the year that would certainly lead to plenty of tears being shed.