"There is a time-honored tradition in our business," seems to be a statement that accompanies any reason for a given Superstar to lose on their way out of the industry. It is a way to give back to the sports entertainment world that had been so good to so many, providing them with livelihoods they could not have achieved elsewhere. Or at least that is how Vince McMahon and company try to sell whenever it benefits them. The fact of the matter is that numerous Hall of Fame talents have won their last match, going over for the last time, for a variety of reasons. Some literally could not help it, sadly and tragically passing away before they could return the favor that had been done for them on so many occasions before. Others retired and had the opportunity to go over, providing fans with the feel-good moment of seeing their favorite Superstars or Divas emerging victoriously, their hands raised in victory and in some cases, gold around their waists. Then there are the head-scratching incidents of guys going over for reasons that still have not been made clear, well over a decade later in some cases. With Sting recently echoing the "time-honor tradition" line in relation to his loss to Triple H at WrestleMania XXXI, relive these 10 instances when Superstars and Divas actually left the company with their heads held high, their win-loss record bolstered with one more memorable victory.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
