Here’s a list of 10 WWE wrestlers who were forced to retire (or took an unexpected break due to injuries, health issues, or other external circumstances), including Braun Strowman and Ronda Rousey:
1. Braun Strowman
Reason: In 2023, Strowman suffered a serious neck injury requiring fusion surgery. Though not officially retired, he’s been out of action for a prolonged time, casting doubt on his in-ring future.
2. Ronda Rousey
Reason: While not officially retired, Rousey stepped away from WWE in 2023 citing family commitments and dissatisfaction with WWE creative. She’s since hinted she’s done with wrestling for good.
3. Edge (Adam Copeland)
Reason: Retired in 2011 due to spinal stenosis but returned miraculously in 2020. Although he made a successful comeback, his original retirement was medically forced.
4. Paige (Saraya)
Reason: Retired in 2018 after a neck injury, though she later returned to wrestling in AEW. Her WWE in-ring career ended prematurely due to spinal issues.
5. Daniel Bryan (Bryan Danielson)
Reason: Retired in 2016 due to concussion-related issues. He later returned in 2018 after being cleared but his retirement was originally medically necessary.
6. Stone Cold Steve Austin
Reason: Forced to retire in 2003 due to a serious neck injury and accumulated damage over time. He returned for a one-off match at WrestleMania 38, but remains officially retired.
7. Edge’s tag team partner Christian (Christian Cage)
Reason: Retired in 2014 due to multiple concussions. Like Edge, he later returned—this time in AEW—but his WWE career ended due to medical concerns.
8. Tyson Kidd
Reason: Suffered a nearly fatal neck/spinal injury in 2015 during a dark match with Samoa Joe. He never wrestled again and now works as a producer.
9. Jason Jordan
Reason: A promising talent whose career ended early due to a severe neck injury in 2018. He now works backstage as a producer.
10. Wade Barrett (Bad News Barrett)
Reason: While not medically forced, persistent injuries and frustration with WWE’s use of his character contributed to his early exit in 2016. He later returned in a non-wrestling role.
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