WWE has recently seen two of its legendary stars step away from active competition, prompting concern among fans and insiders alike. John Cena concluded his in-ring career after a December 2025 loss to GUNTHER, followed shortly by AJ Styles’ defeat to the same opponent at the January 2026 Royal Rumble. Styles’ final match was commemorated on RAW in February when he was officially announced as a member of the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame class. Amid these retirements, Cody Rhodes has expressed a strong desire to see the trend come to an end, emphasizing the emotional toll the farewells have taken on the wrestling community.
Cody Rhodes Voices Frustration Over Ongoing Retirements
Speaking with ESPN on February 25, 2026, Rhodes conveyed his impatience with the recent departures of wrestling icons.
“I don’t want any more retirements. We’re saying goodbye way too much to too many people,”
he said, making clear the strain of witnessing multiple legends leaving the ring.
Honoring AJ Styles and the Impact on the Rhodes Family
Rhodes highlighted AJ Styles not only for his talents but also for his unique place within the Rhodes family legacy.
“AJ is incredible. He’s one of the few people who wrestled not just me, but my brother and my dad. He’s a true game-changing performer,”
Rhodes noted, underscoring the significance of Styles’ career spanning across different generations.
Rhodes also praised WWE’s respectful handling of Styles’ farewell event. The surprise appearance of The Undertaker, who revealed Styles’ impending Hall of Fame induction, stood out as a memorable moment.
“I loved how WWE handled it — especially the inclusion of The Undertaker. That was a complete surprise to everyone, and then to say, ‘You’re going into the Hall of Fame’ was a really beautiful way to go out,”
Rhodes remarked.
GUNTHER’s Emerging Role as a ‘Career Killer’
The discussion turned to GUNTHER, whose recent victories have ended the careers of top-tier wrestlers and elevated his reputation beyond that of a typical dominant champion. After defeating John Cena and AJ Styles in consecutive high-stakes matches, GUNTHER has earned the nickname “career killer.” Rhodes reflected on this ominous reputation, saying,
“It’s never easy. To see John tap out, to see AJ go down like that — Gunther really is turning into the career killer. It’s more than just the moniker. Hopefully someone can put an end to that.”
Hope for Fresh Talent and New Beginnings in WWE
Despite the recent losses, Rhodes expressed optimism for WWE’s future, urging a shift from farewells to debuts and the growth of new stars.
“But I don’t want any retirements for a while. Let’s do debuts. I like that. New beginnings. New blood. New beginnings,”
he stated, emphasizing the need for fresh talent to maintain the organization’s vitality.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Legacy and Emerging Stars
With two of WWE’s most celebrated figures having retired and GUNTHER’s legend steadily expanding, the company faces a critical juncture. Wrestling fans and insiders alike are left to wonder whether WWE will focus on honoring its storied past or pivot toward cultivating tomorrow’s headliners. Cody Rhodes’ plea highlights the emotional and strategic urgency behind this choice, signaling a desire for the organization to embrace new chapters rather than continuing a cycle of goodbyes.
