3 current WWE superstars that should retire, and 3 former WWE stars that should stay retired

If WWE had a slogan for 2019 it would most likely be “A Fresh Start”. As ratings slumped to abysmal levels, something was going to snap, and it was either going to be the attention of the WWE Universe or a change of course for the future of the red and blue brands.

New superstars are being called up from NXT, new titles are being unleashed, more interesting storylines are being introduced, and now it only remains to be seen which superstars are likely to hang up their boots once and for all.

For the WWE it's a delicate mix of retaining some star power, but also trimming slow lacklustre performances by “trading in the old for the new”, so to speak.

But also on more than one occasion, we have seen superstars dust off their ring attire, and entire the ring for “one more match”. Nostalgia is a fine thing but trying to recreate fond memories will often disappoint.

Let's now look at the superstars in the roster who should retire, and those who should avoid setting their sights on an in-ring return.

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Should Retire: Kane

The Big Red Machine takes his corporate Kane character to a new level.

The Big Red Machine is not short of speculation about leaving the pyro ring posts behind, as he has recently taken up his own post as the new “Big Red” Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee. With his sights now set on a long-term future in politics, it may not mix well with the day to day chores of a WWE wrestler.

Sure, WWE has proven that you can be a part-time wrestler, or indeed even a one-night-a-year-wrestler. But it begs to question whether Kane is now a big enough draw to warrant coming back for as much as maybe once a month.

As the Saudi/WWE deal seems to be still in effect we may see more ‘Once in a lifetime’ matches. But realistically the WWE need to freshen up their image and bring more of their current roster into their legend status. Anyone from Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio or even John Cena could fill the void, all who are still very capable in-ring performers.

Should Stay Retired: Booker T

Booker has recently been considering new life for his in-ring future

The charismatic 5-time champ has had an amazing career. Throughout his illustrious career in WCW, to his prominence in the invasion storyline with the WWE, and his royal run as the King of the ring, Booker T has always delivered.

Even when the master of the Spinaroonie returned at the Royal Rumble in 2011, he managed to deliver one of the biggest pops at any Rumble. However, what proceeded after that was a part-time showing in the ring, and a new successful job as a commentator, and a mainstay on the pay-per-view pre-show panels.

Now technically Booker T has never said he retired from wrestling, in fact, he is working some storylines and putting on a match or two outside of the WWE. But the reality is that spending so long on commentary has weakened his image as a presently capable wrestler.

This isn’t to say he can’t wrestle, but the reality is that many fans accepted Booker as a commentator, and many feel he should follow in the footsteps of JBL and keep to the sidelines.

Should Retire: The Big Show

The Big Show has a new contract with the WWE extending into 2020

The story of The Big Show retiring seems to be a recurring theme. For the last few years, the WWE Universe has speculated when he may call it time on his in-ring career, and as time goes on they are proven wrong again and again.

Big Show has always been a handy ace up the sleeve for the WWE as a proven monster to face the next big thing to enter the squared circle, the classic ‘pick on your own size’ tale.

With Show’s contract now extending beyond 2020, you must wonder in what capacity that will be. As proven with The Bar in late 2018, Big Show would make a fantastic manager or ringside talent. But with the rise of Strowman, Sullivan and even individuals like McIntyre, a few more inches in height isn’t going to sell loads more tickets, and therefore should step aside for more younger talent to shine.

Should stay Retired: Hulk Hogan

Hulk gave a touching tribute to his late friend, 'Mean' Gene.

‘The Immortal’ Hulk Hogan is once again back on the screens of the WWE, but it remains to be seen in what capacity and how often. You would have to hope that when he steps through those ropes once again, it is only to cut an amazing promo.

It is very hard to write this list acknowledging that some amazing careers are best left in the past. But it is surely to the benefit that legends maintain their legacy. This is all too true in the Hulkster’s case. He is in his mid 60’s and he hasn’t had an official match in the WWE for well over 10 years.

We all know who Hulk Hogan is. It would surely be best to protect his image as one of the most idolised characters in wrestling.

Should Retire: The Undertaker

The Deadman is very much alive in 2019

You knew this was coming.

What can be said that you didn’t already know?

The Undertaker is probably the greatest wrestler ever in modern history. He has a lasting legacy that stretches up even to his most recent matches.

There is no doubt that The Undertaker is the biggest attraction for the WWE, and therefore commands a fee worthy of seeing the Deadman rise to the occasion from time to time.

Now that’s OK so far, but many fans see that the Phenom is struggling to put up the performances that he used to. Other fans also never want to see him retire, he is their childhood, and admittance to time by The Undertaker is understandably a reminder to any fan of their own mortality.

The best way to address this all is to finally let the Deadman sit back and rest, leaving in awe an ethereal suspicion that The Undertaker lives on.

Should Stay Retired: Goldberg

Goldberg retired in 2017, could we yet seem him in WWE ring once again?

Goldberg has no doubt been a force in the wrestling business, always eating up his competition throughout WCW, and then later in the WWE. Better yet his latest run in the WWE proved that he was still capable of putting on electrifying matches.

After losing the title at Wrestlemania 33, Goldberg announced he was parting ways once again, but many believe it was for the good of the business.

Goldberg should keep to his plan of retirement for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, and a recurring theme on this list, he is a superstar who is getting on in age, and may soon not be able to make matches as convincing as they once were.

The other reason is not his own doing.

For years now, the WWE has had a poor run for letting breakout stars rising to the top because of megastars holding the glass ceiling tight in place. The Rock, John Cena, Batista, Brock Lesnar, Triple H and poor old Goldberg, who all have their full-time in-ring careers behind them, have hogged the limelight on the Grandest stage of them all.

For that reason, you have to say enough is enough, look to the future.

Forget about starting on a fresh page, let us look forward to the next chapter!