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Ex-AEW Star Announces Retirement At 42

By Monika Thapa • Published Feb 24, 2026 08:00 EST

42-year-old former AEW star O’Shay Edwards has announced that he plans to retire from in-ring competition in 2026.

Edwards is best known for his time in Ring of Honor as a member of Shane Taylor Promotions. Over the years, he has also competed in Major League Wrestling, Game Changer Wrestling, and All Elite Wrestling.

He is currently the AXW World Heavyweight Champion and is scheduled to defend his title against Lance Anoa’i on February 28 in Hamburg, Pennsylvania.

Ex-AEW Star O’Shay Edwards Wants To Make His Last Run “As Fun As” Possible For His Fans

Ahead of the bout, Edwards took to social media to share a heartfelt message, revealing his decision to wrap up his wrestling career at the end of the year. Reflecting on his 11-year journey, Edwards noted that he has accomplished more than he ever imagined.

The ex-AEW star wrote:

“So for the past three years, I’ve been struggling with how to say this.

In that time, I’ve realized that it’s easier just to come out and say it.

2026 will be my last year in the world of professional wrestling. I

In the span of 11 years, I’ve done more than I ever expected when I took my first bump. I’ve wrestled all over the country, got a chance to wrestle around the word. I’ve gotten the chance to be on television and PPV, sharing the ring with World Champions and Hall Famers.

The people I grew up idolizing have become my peers.

I’ve become the representation that I always wanted to see when I was a young kid watching wrestling and more importantly I’ve gotten the chance to guide the new generation of professional wrestling in their journey.

I hope that I’ve made professional wrestling better even if the smallest of degrees.

I love the life that professional wrestling has given me but I’m not defined by it.

I wrestle because it makes me happy and it gives me a creative freedom that I never experienced before.

I’ve had a lot of fun and I’m going to make the next ten months as fun as possible.

This is my Extinction Level Event.”

Edwards’ announcement comes shortly after another notable retirement. 35-year-old wrestling star Kevin Blackwood officially hung up his boots after losing the Prestige Title to Judas Icarus at Prestige Roseland XII: The End in Portland, Oregon, last week.

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