10 Wrestlers Who Retired Way Too Early
Many greats of the ring called time on their careers far earlier than fans would have liked.
Time waits for no one. The physical nature of professional wrestling makes retirement a question of 'when' and not 'if'. There comes a point in every wrestler's career when they have to look at themselves in the mirror and face the inevitable - the time to hang up the boots has arrived. Many ignore that call, however...
This doesn't always happen to the old. Whether because of injury, other career options, or sheer anger, many of the greats of pro wrestling called it a day way too early. Just recently, reports are suggesting that 2017 New Japan Cup winner Katsuyori Shibata may have to retire at the age of 37 - he wouldn't be the first to take leave of the squared circle before his time.
Wrestling fans (and human beings, really) are inherently selfish, and whilst early retirement may be the best for the stars of the squared circle, we will always lament the missed matches, stories, promos, and moments. But it's not up to us. These men knew when to call it a day - despite the almost irresistible urge to continue.
10. Corey Graves
Corey Graves has done better than most in the aftermath of his forced retirement. After Graves received the heartbreaking confirmation that his in-ring days were done, he subsequently threw himself into everything else, making the most of the WWE Performance Center and eventually finding his place as a WWE announcer. It is difficult to find someone who doesn't believe Graves to be the future voice of WWE.
Post-wrestling success is great and all, but the fact that Corey Graves was forced into retirement at the age of 30 is cruel to say the least. Graves made his in-ring debut when he was just 16 years old, meaning that by the time he made it to WWE he was already an 11-year veteran.
Graves had a successful run in NXT, winning the NXT Tag Team Championship alongside current WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville. Concussions ended his wrestling days early, with doctors and WWE unwilling to allow him to return to action on their watch.
The 'Saviour of Misbehaviour' was just 30 years old when he retired.