WWE star Cody Rhodes has expressed his preference for the theatrical 'retirements' common in 1990s professional wrestling, where wrestlers would announce their departure only to return months or years later. In a recent interview, Rhodes praised this era of ambiguity, citing legends like Ric Flair, Terry Funk, and Randy Savage, who all retired multiple times. His comments follow a wave of high-profile exits in 2026, including Goldberg, John Cena, and AJ Styles, as well as Brock Lesnar’s symbolic retirement at WrestleMania 42—after which he returned just a month later.

Rhodes contrasted today’s definitive farewells with the playful, storyline-driven retirements of the past, suggesting modern wrestlers simply say they’re 'taking a break' instead. He sees value in keeping the door open, both for narrative flexibility and fan nostalgia. The trend reflects wrestling’s unique blend of performance and real-life career arcs.

As Rhodes prepares to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Gunther at WWE Clash in Italy, the conversation highlights how the industry continues to balance spectacle with legacy. Whether retirements are final or not, the drama remains central to the sport’s appeal.