Cody Rhodes Makes Heartbreaking WWE Plea

Cody Rhodes has seemingly suffered one too many heartbreaks recently.

His relationships, though, are not romantic but rather those that involve brotherhood, friendship, and mentorship.

Since 2025, WWE has experienced three major retirements, all of which have left some form of void for the current talent to fill.

In July 2025, Goldberg wrestled in his final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event, followed by John Cena, who retired at the namesake event in December.

At the 2026 Royal Rumble, AJ Styles lost to Gunther, thus retiring as part of the pre-determined stipulation.

On February 23, WWE planned a tribute show for Styles and even announced his induction into the Hall of Fame class of 2026.

Despite being a representative of the SmackDown brand, Cody Rhodes attended the show and was cutting a promo when he was interrupted by The Vision.

Cody Rhodes Does Not Want More Retirements

Cody Rhodes is set to compete at the Elimination Chamber PLE in the namesake match in Chicago on February 28.

Five other wrestlers joining him include Randy Orton, LA Knight, Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans, and Jey Uso. The winner of the match will face the Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 42.

To promote the premium live event, The American Nightmare appeared on ESPN’s First Take, where he revealed that he had enough of farewell speeches and did not want to experience more of those.

I don’t want any more retirements. We’re saying goodbye way too much to too many people.

He especially weighed upon AJ Styles’ retirement, even complimenting the Stamford promotion of the manner in which it announced the 48-year-old’s induction into the Hall of Fame.

AJ is incredible. He’s one of the few people who wrestled not just me, but my brother and my dad. He’s a true game-changing performer.

I loved how WWE handled it — especially the inclusion of The Undertaker. That was a complete surprise to everyone, and then to say, ‘You’re going into the Hall of Fame’ was a really beautiful way to go out.

Cody Rhodes also acknowledged Gunther’s transition into the ‘career killer’ persona, having retired all three aforementioned legends.

It’s never easy. To see John tap out, to see AJ go down like that — Gunther really is turning into the career killer. It’s more than just the moniker. Hopefully someone can put an end to that.

But I don’t want any retirements for a while. Let’s do debuts. I like that. New beginnings. New blood. New beginnings. [H/T: Ringside News]