10 WWE Wrestlers Who Were Forced to Retire – Featuring Braun Strowman & Ronda Rousey (500 Words)
In the world of WWE, careers can end in a heartbeat. Some wrestlers walk away on their own terms, while others are forced to retire because of injuries, health issues, or sudden circumstances beyond their control. Today, we look at 10 WWE wrestlers who were forced to retire, including shocking names like Braun Strowman and Ronda Rousey.
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1. Braun Strowman
Braun Strowman’s retirement shocked the WWE Universe. After years of dominating as “The Monster Among Men,” severe neck and spinal complications finally caught up with him. Doctors warned him that continuing to wrestle could risk permanent damage. Though he made a few brief appearances, the physical toll forced him to step away, ending the career of one of WWE’s most powerful big men.
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2. Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey is known for her toughness, but even she couldn’t escape the dangers of the ring. After multiple ligament and shoulder injuries, combined with the long-term effects of MMA wear and tear, Ronda was advised to stop performing full-time. Though she might return for special appearances, her full-time wrestling career effectively ended due to medical reasons.
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3. Edge (Retired in 2011)
Edge’s retirement was one of WWE’s saddest moments. Diagnosed with cervical spinal stenosis, doctors informed him he risked paralysis if he continued wrestling. He tearfully retired in 2011—but fortunately returned nine years later after miraculous recovery.
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4. Paige (Saraya)
A devastating neck injury in 2017 ended Paige’s WWE in-ring career at just 25. A kick during a live event triggered severe nerve damage, and doctors prohibited her from wrestling. Years later, she returned to action in AEW, but her WWE career ended prematurely.
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5. Stone Cold Steve Austin
Austin’s iconic career ended due to neck and knee issues accumulated over years of high-impact matches. Doctors told him he could suffer permanent paralysis if he kept wrestling. His last official match came in 2003, though he did return for one match in 2022 as a special moment.
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6. Daniel Bryan (Forced to Retire in 2016)
In 2016, Bryan announced a heartbreaking retirement after multiple concussions left him with brain lesion concerns. After years of treatment and medical clearance, he returned in 2018, but his forced retirement remains one of the most emotional in WWE history.
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7. Sting
A spinal injury suffered at Night of Champions 2015 forced WWE doctors to pull Sting from competition. The legend was told continuing would be life-threatening. He eventually returned to action years later in AEW, but his WWE career ended instantly.
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8. Tyson Kidd
A freak accident during a dark match left Tyson Kidd with only a 5% chance of survival. He suffered spinal damage so severe that wrestling again became impossible. Today he works behind the scenes as a producer.
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9. Corey Graves
Corey Graves’ concussion history forced WWE to end his in-ring career. He transitioned to commentary, where he became one of WWE’s best voices. Later he was medically cleared, but he has not officially returned to full-time wrestling.
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10. Nikki Bella
Nikki suffered a herniated disc and a cyst on her brain stem, forcing her into early retirement. Even though she made occasional appearances, doctors insist full-time wrestling is too dangerous for her.
