The WWE women’s division remains full of impressive talent, with established stars and returning legends like Nikki Bella and AJ Lee captivating fans. Yet amid the excitement, several notable WWE women potential retirement stories have surfaced, suggesting some familiar faces may be stepping away from the ring for good in 2024.
This article explores five prominent WWE women who are widely believed to have ended or be close to ending their in-ring careers, signaling a shift in the sports entertainment landscape.
Former NXT Champion Mandy Rose’s WWE Departure
Mandy Rose, once crowned the NXT Women’s Champion, surprised many when she left WWE in 2022 while still at a career high point. At 35 years old, Rose has since focused on pursuits outside wrestling that have proven lucrative, allowing her to avoid the physical demands of professional wrestling and spend more time away from home. This lifestyle change makes her unlikely to return to the WWE ring in the foreseeable future.
Trish Stratus’s Emotional Final Match
Widely regarded as one of the greatest female wrestlers in history, Trish Stratus wrestled at the Evolution Premium Live Event earlier this year, challenging Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s Championship. Despite her best efforts, Stratus lost to the rising star known as Buff Barbie, then vanished from WWE programming once more. Following the match, her emotional reaction and the overwhelming fan response hinted strongly that she may have competed in her last wrestling bout, having already reached the pinnacle of success in her storied career.
Carmella’s Focus on Family After WWE Run
The former SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella concluded her 12-year tenure with WWE earlier in 2024. Now 37, she is concentrating on her family life as she prepares to welcome her second child. Carmella appears to be stepping away from active competition to prioritize motherhood and might also follow a path similar to Brie and Nikki Bella by continuing work related to wrestling, such as hosting a podcast, rather than returning to the ring.
Sonya Deville Confirms Full Retirement
Sonya Deville’s contract was not renewed by WWE in February 2024, ending her decade-long career with the company. Deville has publicly confirmed her retirement from professional wrestling, choosing to pursue other future opportunities. Given her official announcement and current focus, it is unlikely she will return to WWE action.
WWE Icon Lita’s Absence Since WrestleMania 39
The legendary Lita, a former WWE Women’s Champion and Rated-R Diva, has not appeared in WWE since her six-woman tag team match at WrestleMania 39 in 2023. Teaming with Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus against the Damage CTRL faction, Lita’s high-profile comeback felt significant but has since faded without signs of continuation. As a result, many expect that Lita may remain away from wrestling indefinitely.
These potential retirements carry weight in the WWE universe since these women have each contributed significantly to the promotion‘s growth and visibility. Their possible absences mark the end of an era and raise questions about upcoming talent ready to fill their shoes.
With the WWE women’s roster continuing to evolve, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see whether any of these stars decide to return or if new challengers rise to prominence. This moment underscores both the changing dynamics within WWE and the enduring legacy of its iconic female performers.
