WWE: Edge and the 15 Saddest Retirements in Wrestling History
Edge retiring from the WWE was shocking to say the least. But where does it land in a list of 15 retirements in WWE history?
A few people on this list could be considered on a "break" from the company. That is the main reason why they won't be too high on the list.
The top three of this list may be in any order in most people's opinion. It will depend on likes and dislikes.
These are the top 15 retirements from the WWE, in my opinion.
No. 15: Sable
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Sable played a huge role in the "Attitude Era."
She quit the WWE and filed a lawsuit against the company in 1999 citing sexual harassment allegations.
Sable returned to the WWE in 2003. She retired from the business in 2004 to spend more time with her family.
Look at her, need I say more as to why she is on this list?
No. 14: Torrie Wilson
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Back injuries and a non-renewal of a contract saw Wilson depart with the WWE.
For me, she was a sad retirement because of injury, and i loved to watch her wrestle/entertain.
She wasn't the greatest at anything in the business, but I still enjoyed her career in the WWE.
No. 13: Batista
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Batista simply quit in 2010. He will most likely return sometime but we haven't seen him yet.
The WWE hasn't gone "bankrupt" in less than a week but it would be nice to see Batista return.
He isn't the greatest on-mic guy, but he has had a few classic matches in his career.
No. 12: The Rock
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His hiatus was because he wanted to explore other directions in his life.
Although a retirement may have never officially came, his departure left a gaping hole in the WWE because of how big of a star he was.
He made appearances for about five years and is now getting ready to wrestle John Cena at WrestleMania 28.
Too bad we have to wait a billion years just to see one of the greats wrestle again.
No. 11: Victoria
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Victoria retired from the WWE in 2009 after a match on SmackDown.
Her retirement was sudden and heartfelt. Although she now wrestles on TNA, she really cared about her wrestling career and it was easily visible.
I always thought she was one of the better wrestling divas in the industry.
No. 10: Mick Foley
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Of course, Foley wouldn't really be done after his match with HHH in Hell in a Cell in a retirement vs. championship belt match, but who cares.
His retirement video was Sarah McLachlan's "I Will Remember You."
This retirement was kind of funny, but if you really felt this was the end, it most likely was sad.
No. 9: Trish Stratus
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Trish Stratus may have been one of the greatest divas in WWE history. She had the perfect balance of beauty and talent.
She retired in 2006.
Stratus felt that being in the business for seven years was long enough. She was ready to start the next chapter of her life—marriage.
No. 8: Lita
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Lita said that she revolutionized divas in the WWE, and I believe her. Not many women could do what she did in the ring, and for that, it made me realize that the women in the business were not just eye candy.
She changed wrestling in that fashion, and she played a major role in the "Attitude Era." Her and the Rated-R Superstar Edge wanted to have "sex in the middle of the ring" on Monday Night Raw.
I couldn't help but cringe while watching this with my father one Monday night; it was just awkward.
She had a great career in wrestling and now is pursuing music.
No. 7: Stone Cold Steve Austin
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Austin's retirement came in 2003 due to injuries.
He didn't have a speech or anything sentimental like that but it was still sad to see an icon go. He changed wrestling forever, playing a major role in the "Attitude Era."
Although Austin doesn't wrestle, it is still nice to see him on TV once in awhile on Tough Enough.
No. 6: Darren Drozdov
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This one could be No. 1 most people's list. Darren Drozdov was forced to retire because of a severe in-ring neck injury.
The match was against D'Lo Brown in 1999. Brown lifted him up for his running powerbomb, but he didn't have a great grip and he slipped, causing Drozdov to be dropped on his neck.
Drozdov was initially a quadriplegic but has since regained movement in his upper body and arms.
He still works for the company to this day writing for their magazine and website.
No. 5: Bret Hart
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The "Montreal Screwjob" happened in 1997 after Vince McMahon screwed Hart over in his home country of Canada in a match against Shawn Michaels.
McMahon and Hart's feud forced Hart to retire from the WWE and join WCW.
It was sad to see such a legend get hosed like that in his home country. Now we have learned the real story behind it, and it still makes me shake my head.
No. 4: Chris Jericho
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Chris Jericho is one of the most underrated superstars in WWE history. He was always there for the company whenever they needed him.
He has stated that he will never wrestle for another company and the WWE is his home. He has meant a ton to the company, and hopefully people realize that.
Jericho wanted to take some time away to pursue some of his other interests.
He has been on Dancing With The Stars, as well as doing tours with his band Fozzy.
Jericho is and will always be a fan favorite.
No. 3: Shawn Michaels
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Shawn Michaels had a large impact on a lot of WWE fans. He may be one of the greatest entertainers the business has ever seen. He consistently put on a quality performance every time he was in the ring.
He lost to The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26, and was forced to retire because of the loss.
Meaning so much to fans, Michaels' retirement speech was a sad one to listen to. Most retirement speeches give me chills but this one was special to me because he was one of my favorite wrestlers.
No. 2: Edge
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Edge was forced to retire because of stenosis of the spine.
He did have a long career in professional wrestling but the way it ended was rough.
It wasn't something that was expected by a lot of people. At least he caught this before it was too late.
He retired on Raw April 11, 2011.
No 1: Ric Flair
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Shawn Michaels and Ric Flair put on a show at WrestleMania 24.
Their match was a retirement match, loser retires.
Michaels' famous words before delivering sweet chin music: "I'm sorry, I love you."
Watching Flair come down to the ring one final time the next night on Raw was tough to watch. He gave so much to the industry, and it was tough to see him walk away regardless of his age.
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