Major Bloodline member, decorated champions - 6 WWE legends who could return for a retirement match in 2025

WWE's product is incredibly hot at the moment, and several legends have returned to be a part of it. John Cena announced that he would be retiring from in-ring competition in 2025 during a surprise appearance at WWE Money in the Bank earlier this year.

It was also recently announced that Goldberg would be having his retirement match next year as well. The WCW legend confronted World Heavyweight Champion Gunther last month at Bad Blood, and the two stars had to be separated by security.

Listed below are six legends who could return to WWE for a retirement match next year.

#6. The Dudley Boyz could have one final match in WWE

Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley established themselves as one of the greatest tag teams of all time during their multiple stints in WWE. They had legendary battles with Edge & Christian and The Hardy Boyz throughout their illustrious career.

Bubba Ray Dudley (Bully Ray) will be in action during tonight's episode of NXT. The legend will be teaming up with NXT Champion Trick Williams to battle Ethan Page and Ridge Holland in a tag team match. If D-Von is up for one final match, the popular duo could be given a proper sendoff next year in a retirement match.

#5. The Bella Twins could return for one final match in WWE

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Nikki and Brie Bella were an important part of the women's revolution in the company. Nikki Bella headlined the company's all-female event, WWE Evolution, against Ronda Rousey in 2018. The two stars also helped the product become more popular with their successful Total Divas series on the E! Network.

The Bella Twins last competed in the 2022 Women's Royal Rumble, which was won by Ronda Rousey. The popular duo may be brought back to the company next year for a retirement match, potentially in a bout for the Women's Tag Team Championship.

#4. The Hardy Boyz could return next year

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The Hardy Boyz remain one of the most popular tag teams in the wrestling business, and their return at WrestleMania 33 is still regarded as one of the best of all time. Matt and Jeff Hardy currently perform in TNA after their forgettable time in All Elite Wrestling came to an end.

Wrestling fans love nostalgia, and The Hardy Boyz returning to WWE for one final run next year would likely be well received. The popular duo recently shared that they had never won the NXT Tag Team Championship in their career, and that is something that they would be interested in.

#3. Stone Cold Steve Austin may decide to get back in the ring at WrestleMania 41

Stone Cold Steve Austin competed in an impromptu match against Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 38 in Texas. The Rattlesnake picked up the pinfall victory over The Prizefighter and received a tremendous reaction from the WWE Universe.

The legend recently noted that he would be open to appearing at WrestleMania 41 next year in Las Vegas. Austin could be planning on having one final match before calling it a career.

#2. AJ Lee could finally return to the ring for a retirement match

AJ Lee remains incredibly popular among wrestling fans despite not competing in a match in close to a decade. The former Divas Champion has not wrestled a match since the March 30, 2015, edition of WWE RAW.

Lee is married to CM Punk in real life and was referenced numerous times during The Second City Saint's rivalry with Drew McIntyre. Roxanne Perez shared that she would not retire until she has a match against Lee, and the 37-year-old could face the NXT Women's Champion in 2025.

#1. The Rock could retire next year

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The Rock teamed up with Roman Reigns to defeat Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes in the main event of Night 1 of WWE WrestleMania XL earlier this year. The Final Boss returned during the final moments of Bad Blood last month and had a staredown with The American Nightmare and The Original Tribal Chief to close the show.

The Final Boss was supposed to battle Reigns at WrestleMania XL, but those plans were changed due to the "#WeWantCody!" movement. Reigns and The Brahma Bull could revisit their rivalry this year, with The Rock potentially retiring from in-ring competition following the match.