5 WWE legends who should not return in 2025

WWE's product is incredibly hot at the moment and the company has the chance to become even more popular next year. John Cena made a surprise appearance during Money in the Bank earlier this year to announce that he would be retiring from in-ring competition at the end of 2025.

The Cenation Leader will be making a bunch of appearances during his final year as an active WWE Superstar. Cena is one of the biggest names the company has ever seen, and his return next year could overshadow everything else.

Listed below are five legends who should not return to the company in 2025:

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#5. Goldberg should push off his WWE retirement match until 2026

WWE 20th anniversary celebration marking premiere Of WWE Friday Night SmackDown on FOX - Source: Getty

WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg has not wrestled since he lost to Roman Reigns at Elimination Chamber 2022. The legend recently claimed that former WWE CEO Vince McMahon was supposed to give him a retirement match, but it never happened.

Goldberg announced earlier this year that he would indeed be having his retirement match next year. However, the veteran should consider holding off on having his big moment until 2026, as the company already has a ton planned for next year.

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#4. Jeff Hardy shouldn't return to WWE next year

The Hardy Boyz had a forgettable run in All Elite Wrestling before joining Total Nonstop Action Wrestling earlier this year. The iconic duo are the reigning TNA World Tag Team Champions and have accomplished a lot in the industry.

Jeff Hardy recently disclosed that he was hoping to return to WWE to be inducted into the Hall of Fame someday. The 47-year-old also suggested that he could retire CM Punk from the ring as well. Wrestling fans would love to see Matt and Jeff Hardy back in the company for one more run, but they would be better off waiting another year when the roster is less stacked.

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#3. Trish Stratus should not return to the ring next year

Trish Stratus was involved in a memorable feud with Becky Lynch last year that culminated in a Steel Cage Match at Payback 2023. The Man picked up the victory in the bout, and Zoey Stark betrayed Stratus following the loss.

Stark debuted on the main roster as Trish Stratus' protégé at Night of Champions 2023. The 30-year-old is currently a member of the Pure Fusion Collective on WWE RAW and has reached the semifinal of the Women's Intercontinental Championship Tournament.

Stratus could wait until Zoey Stark has established herself as a star on the main roster before returning to reignite their rivalry down the line.

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#2. Stone Cold Steve Austin does not need to appear at WrestleMania 41

Austin at ComicCon 019 - Source: Getty

Stone Cold Steve Austin competed in the main event of WrestleMania 38 against Kevin Owens and defeated The Prizefighter in an impromptu match. The Rattlesnake recently teased that he wanted to make an appearance at WrestleMania 41 next year in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Austin has accomplished everything in the wrestling business and got to compete in the main event of WrestleMania while in his 50s. The legend is now 60 and the company should no longer be relying on him to perform in the ring.

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#1. The Rock does not need to wrestle in 2025

The Rock made a surprise appearance in the final moments of Bad Blood earlier this year. Roman Reigns teamed up with Cody Rhodes to defeat The Bloodline's Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu at the premium live event. The Brahma Bull showed up following their victory and had a staredown with both stars but did not get physical.

It has been rumored that The Final Boss will not be in action on The Grandest Stage of Them All next year. While many fans were hoping to see a dream match between The Rock and Roman Reigns at The Show of Shows, the company could wait until WrestleMania 42 if The Great One's schedule does not allow him to compete this year.