The Verdict: One More Match. Is It Possible?

Question

This installment of my little board game delves into the idea of retirement in professional wrestling. Is it possible? It seems that every time someone makes a conscious and publicized decision to retire, they're back within the span of five years. Perpetrators of this crime range from Mister Wrestlemania Shawn Michaels to the Indy King of Old School Steve Corino. Stars big and small seem to fall prey to the itch to get back in the ring and give one more match...but is it possible to do so without making a career out of retiring? Many people have lost count over how many times the like of Terry Funk and Shawn Michaels have re-re-re-re-retired, and even more have lost tally on how many matches Hulk Hogan has had since officially hanging up his boots, and as we speak, Warrior Warrior (known to some by his Earth name, Jim Hellwig) has re-emerging from parts unknown over in Spain to have a rebirth in the independents. With temptations like being the biggest star on the card, and possibly holding Joe Nobody's (insert state name here) Federation title in a desperate attempt to feel like a big shot again, while being treated like a star attraction...is it possible to retire? You may ask what spurs this topic...well..

"During an appearance on Fight Network Radio today, Bill Goldberg said he has started training for a return to pro-wrestling. He hinted that he would not go to WWE or TNA and that the return would be for one final match." (Credit: WrestlingObserver.com)

If not the WWE or TNA, then where? ROH will clearly boo him out of the building, as they did Jeff Hardy, and most other mainstream American independents will do the same. Why? Because he's a talentless name, if he's even that anymore. Which brings me to my biggest point; is it possible to hold onto that star power after leaving the spotlight? Will names like Hogan, Flair, or Goldberg really draw as much revenue as many may perceive? Sooner or later they may end up settling for backstage jobs in the WWE, possibly running a one match a year deal like Sargent Slaughter and Jim Duggan, but how long would it take before their legacy is a joke?

Guys like Flair have tried to move into different fields of expertise, but soon find theirselves back on the road.

So the argument is; is there really ever a life without wrestling after retirement?

Answer 1

Not really. Cause most likely you will still talk to you're friends you made in the wrestling business, go to shows, watch the shows, and go and say hi when wwe comes near their home town. Plus some will probably become road agents.

Nice question

Answer 2

I don't think there is either to be honest. Most of the wrestlers find themselves addicted to the rush of being movie star like figures, and once that's gone and they realize they're just another citizen and that there past fame wont keep them out of jail or anything, it can be rough. Look at Shane Douglas now. I heard he's working at WalMart as a manager or something and is probably miserable doing it. That's why alot of the old timers usually come back to the business.

Answer 3

Question: Is there really ever a life without wrestling after retirement?

Answer: Yes there is.

The thing is people need to make their life and prepare themselves ahead of time, because "Professional Wrestler", like any other sport profession out there, can't be done forever. People like Goldberg need to be preparing for the day that they stop wrestling and have a game plan for their exit. Otherwise, it will indeed be all they have, just like any other athlete out there.

The only people that draw a large amount of revenue are the ones that did during their Professional Wrestling days, and it's usually guys shoved down the throat of fans (Hulk Hogan, The Rock). Most legacies become a joke when wrestlers "retire" instead of retire, appearing every month and wrestling against guys in better shape than they are.

**starred**

Answer 4

Wrestling like boxing icons gotta go out with a bang so there's your answer there. Some might not do as good as first started out but it takes skills to pay your bills so they travel overseas or wind up in INDY wrestling promotions.

Answer 5

1. Simply no there isn't unless ur like the Rock and find away into another career to still make ur money. I mean seriously what is there for u?

You either retire cause ur old or cause u suck. like u said Goldberg isn't really that talented of a wrestler so i don't really see whats out there for him and especially when he said he wasn't coming back at the WWE or TNA!

PS response; No problem, it was worth it, and totally make sense. And were did u read this. I want alink because it wwould make no sense for Goldberg to be wrestling again. Maybe i guess he just really loved that job, but unfortunately on my perspective it isn't really gonna work out as he hopes it does!

Answer 6

i honestly dont think there is, in the wrestling business you either do or die and there is not what ifs about it, cause if you make into wrestling your gonna need a back up plan just in case but if you dont then your screwed, especially if you dont have a college degree