Cody Rhodes confirms WWE retirement for Abyss, closing the door on speculation about a return to the ring for the wrestling veteran. Recent discussions on Rhodes’ podcast and statements from Abyss himself have now firmly established that the longtime performer will remain retired, with no future matches expected in WWE.
Cody Rhodes Opens Up About Attempts to Bring Abyss Back to the Ring
Abyss, a key figure in the wrestling world, achieved significant recognition in TNA, securing a range of championships such as the NWA World Heavyweight Championship and the TNA World Tag Team Championship from 2002 to 2019. At age 51, he was inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame and joined WWE roughly six years ago. Although many fans hoped he might compete again after joining the Stamford-based company, Abyss has remained active solely as a backstage producer, not as a wrestler.
During a recent episode of his podcast, What Do You Wanna Talk About?, Cody Rhodes discussed his efforts to encourage Abyss to come out of retirement, particularly aiming for a Royal Rumble appearance. Despite years of attempts, Rhodes admitted that time has now passed for such a possibility.
One that I’ve been trying for years and just not gonna happen. I keep trying to get Abyss into the Royal Rumble… Yeah. Some things are too late. [H/T: Sportskeeda]
—Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
The direct acknowledgment from Rhodes, known to many as The American Nightmare, has solidified the reality that Abyss’s days in the ring are over, at least in the context of WWE events like the Royal Rumble.
Abyss Himself Rejects In-Ring Comeback Speculation
After ending his in-ring career in 2019, Abyss’s move to WWE prompted speculation about whether he could compete on the company’s grand stage. These hopes were put to rest when, in a recent interview with Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, Abyss spoke candidly about his position on wrestling again. He made it clear that he considers himself retired, expressing deep satisfaction with his backstage role.
To answer quite frankly, I’m done. I don’t have plans to ever wrestle again,Never say never, but I don’t see it in the cards, and I don’t want it in the cards. I’m so happy what I’m doing as a producer.
—Abyss, WWE Producer and TNA Hall of Famer
Abyss emphasized there are no plans for him to return to active competition and that he finds fulfillment in his current responsibilities behind the scenes, helping shape the future of WWE talent rather than performing himself.
A Legacy Secured and Future Confirmed
Abyss’s storied career includes championship runs, a Hall of Fame induction in TNA, and influence across multiple wrestling promotions. Now working in Stamford as a producer, Abyss’s official stance and the statements from Cody Rhodes confirm that a comeback is off the table. This creates clarity for fans and ends rumors driven by nostalgia, with both Rhodes and Abyss directly addressing the matter.
As WWE continues to evolve, this moment marks a definitive close to one chapter of Abyss’s legendary tenure. The wrestling community, including names like Sean Ross Sapp, Fightful, and others, can now focus on his enduring impact behind the scenes, acknowledging his legacy while moving forward into a new era for WWE’s roster and storytelling.
This confirmation not only reaffirms Abyss’s new role in the company but also highlights Cody Rhodes’s ongoing influence within WWE, demonstrating the shifting roles of legendary figures who choose to contribute to professional wrestling from outside the squared circle.
