Professional wrestling has seen many eras come and go, but for fans around the world, “The Golden Era” of WWE has always stood out as a time of extraordinary talent, unforgettable matches, and larger-than-life personalities. As we look ahead to the coming years, the reality is that some of WWE’s biggest stars are nearing the end of their illustrious careers. Names like John Cena, Adam Copeland (Edge), AJ Styles, and Seth Rollins are no longer just the face of WWE; they are the legends who have helped shape the company into what it is today. But as we approach 2025, 2026, and beyond, it’s becoming increasingly clear that “The Golden Era” is entering its final phase. In this article, we’ll explore the upcoming retirements of these iconic Superstars and what it means for the future of professional wrestling.
### **The End of an Era: John Cena’s Retirement in 2025**
John Cena’s name is synonymous with WWE. For more than two decades, Cena has been the embodiment of the company—one of its most beloved and marketable Superstars. From his rise in the early 2000s to becoming the face of WWE’s “Never Give Up” movement, Cena became a global icon. Whether it was his epic matches against The Rock, Randy Orton, or AJ Styles, Cena’s presence in WWE helped carry the company to new heights.
Cena’s success wasn’t just limited to the wrestling ring. He transitioned into acting, television, and even philanthropy, cementing his status as one of the most influential celebrities of his generation. But now, as Cena’s career approaches its twilight years, the rumors are mounting that 2025 will be the year he finally steps away from the squared circle for good.
In recent interviews, Cena himself has hinted at the possibility of retirement. He has expressed his desire to transition into a new chapter of his life and focus on his acting career and other endeavors. His physical toll in the ring is evident, and while he continues to make sporadic appearances in WWE, it’s clear that his days as a full-time wrestler are numbered.
For many fans, Cena’s retirement will be a bittersweet moment. His legacy as one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time is undeniable, and the thought of a WWE without John Cena feels almost impossible. However, as the company evolves, Cena has made it clear that it’s time for the next generation of Superstars to rise to the occasion.
### **Adam Copeland (Edge) Set to Retire in 2026/27: A Final Chapter for a Legend**
Adam Copeland, better known by his WWE ring name Edge, is another superstar whose career has spanned multiple decades. From his rise as part of the legendary tag team “Edge and Christian” to his shocking return to WWE in 2020 after a career-ending injury, Edge’s story is one of resilience, passion, and perseverance.
Edge has built an incredible career, winning numerous championships, including the WWE Championship, World Heavyweight Championship, and the Royal Rumble. His feuds with some of the most iconic WWE Superstars—such as The Undertaker, Randy Orton, and John Cena—have cemented his place in WWE history. However, with a career that has seen its fair share of injury and hardship, Edge’s time in the ring is also nearing its end.
It’s been rumored for some time now that Adam Copeland plans to retire in 2026 or 2027. At 50 years old, Edge has defied the odds to continue wrestling at a high level, but he has made it clear that his body is beginning to feel the wear and tear. While he’s still one of the most compelling wrestlers on the roster, the inevitable reality of retirement looms large.
Edge himself has been vocal about the emotional toll of his career and his desire to go out on his own terms. His return to WWE was nothing short of miraculous, and his fans have cherished every moment since. However, as his career enters its final years, the wrestling world will soon have to say goodbye to one of its most celebrated and respected icons.
### **AJ Styles: A Future Hall of Famer Whose Retirement Looms in 2027 or Sooner**
AJ Styles, one of the most decorated and respected wrestlers in the world, has been a staple of WWE’s roster since his debut in 2016. Before joining WWE, Styles was a major star in TNA and NJPW, where he honed his skills and earned the reputation of being one of the best professional wrestlers in the world. Since joining WWE, Styles has maintained his status as one of the most consistent and high-performing Superstars, delivering incredible matches with the likes of Shinsuke Nakamura, Samoa Joe, Daniel Bryan, and Roman Reigns.
Styles’ technical prowess, agility, and work ethic have made him one of the most respected figures in wrestling today. However, as he nears 50 years old, the reality of retirement is becoming more and more imminent. While Styles has not officially announced his retirement plans, many speculate that his final years in WWE could be closer than we think. Some experts believe he may retire as early as 2027, or even sooner if the physical toll of his demanding schedule becomes too much to bear.
AJ Styles has made it clear in past interviews that he values his legacy and wants to go out on top. Fans around the world are hoping for one more title run or a major rivalry to cement his place as one of the all-time greats. But whatever the future holds for AJ Styles, his retirement will be a monumental moment in the world of professional wrestling.
### **Seth Rollins: The Architect’s Future Beyond 2031**
Seth Rollins, one of WWE’s most versatile and beloved Superstars, has already solidified himself as a future Hall of Famer. Known as “The Architect,” Rollins has been a major player in WWE since his debut, whether he was leading The Shield, holding multiple championships, or engaging in epic rivalries with the likes of Triple H, Brock Lesnar, and Roman Reigns. His in-ring style is often described as a combination of athleticism, technical expertise, and high-flying maneuvers, making him one of the most complete wrestlers in WWE today.
Unlike Cena, Edge, and AJ Styles, Rollins is still relatively young, and his peak years could stretch well into the 2030s. Many experts predict that Rollins could continue to wrestle at the highest level until 2031 or even beyond, barring any unforeseen circumstances. While the physical demands of WWE take their toll on every wrestler, Seth Rollins has shown an impressive ability to reinvent himself and adapt to new challenges, which bodes well for his longevity in the industry.
Rollins’ dedication to his craft and his commitment to WWE make him one of the most valuable assets the company has. As he continues to captivate audiences with his performances, fans are eager to see how long “The Architect” can go before stepping away from the ring. However, when the time does come, Seth Rollins’ retirement will mark the end of an era for WWE’s current roster of top-tier talents.
### **The Golden Era of WWE: A Chapter Coming to a Close**
The retirements of John Cena, Adam Copeland, AJ Styles, and Seth Rollins signal the end of what many fans consider to be “The Golden Era” of professional wrestling. This era, defined by the rise of larger-than-life characters, epic matches, and unforgettable storylines, has given fans some of the most iconic moments in WWE history. But as these Superstars approach the end of their careers, WWE will need to look to the next generation of stars to carry the company forward.
While WWE has no shortage of rising talent, including stars like Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre, and Bianca Belair, there’s no denying that the departure of Cena, Edge, Styles, and Rollins will mark the end of an era that has shaped the very foundation of WWE. These legends not only elevated WWE to global prominence but also helped redefine what it means to be a Superstar in the modern era of professional wrestling.
As fans, we are lucky to witness the final chapters of these incredible careers. The retirements of Cena, Edge, Styles, and Rollins are inevitable, but they should also be celebrated as the closing of a remarkable era in WWE history.
### **Conclusion: A New Era Awaits**
While the end of “The Golden Era” of WWE will undoubtedly be emotional for fans, it’s important to recognize that change is a natural part of professional wrestling. As John Cena, Adam Copeland, AJ Styles, and Seth Rollins retire, new stars will rise to take their place and carry the torch into the future. WWE’s future remains bright, but the upcoming retirements of these legends will certainly leave a void that will be hard to fill.
For now, we can look forward to seeing these Superstars give their all in the ring one last time, creating new memories for their fans and leaving behind legacies that will last forever. The Golden Era may be nearing its end, but its impact on WWE and professional wrestling as a whole will never be forgotten.