End of an Era: AEW & ROH Veterans Announce Retirement Plans

Two of the most respected veterans in women’s professional wrestling have begun preparing for their final bows.

Madison Rayne and Mercedes Martinez, longtime pillars of the AEW and ROH women’s divisions, have both announced plans to step away from full-time in-ring competition in 2026, marking the closing chapters of careers defined by longevity, resilience, and influence.

Madison Rayne Officially Calls Time After 20 Years

The January 1 episode of ROH TV quietly became a historic night as Madison Rayne competed in what she confirmed to be her final professional wrestling match. Rayne teamed with ROH Women’s Pure Champion Deonna Purrazzo in a loss to Billie Starkz and Diamante, capping off a remarkable 20-year career.

Following the match, Rayne delivered an emotional backstage promo alongside Purrazzo, revealing that the bout marked the end of her in-ring journey.

“I knew it was coming. This time comes in everyone’s career. But when I lost my dad earlier this year, I lost a piece of myself too. I’m re-finding that purpose backstage—coaching, helping with the next generation. And that’s you,” Rayne said, pointing to Purrazzo. “That’s not me anymore.”

A visibly emotional Rayne expressed gratitude for having Purrazzo as her final partner, calling it the perfect moment to step away.

The five-time TNA Knockouts World Champion joined AEW in the summer of 2022 as both a wrestler and coach. Her last AEW Dynamite match took place on February 21, 2024, fittingly in a bout against Purrazzo. At 39 years old, Rayne now shifts fully into her backstage role, shaping the future rather than chasing titles.

Mercedes Martinez Sets 2026 as Her Final Full-Time Year

While Rayne has already exited the ring, Mercedes Martinez is preparing for one last grind.

The former ROH Women’s World Champion announced via social media that 2026 will be her final year as a full-time wrestler, closing the book on a 25-year career that has spanned WWE, AEW, ROH, TNA, and countless independent promotions.

Reflecting on 2025, Martinez described a year spent rediscovering her roots:

“No contracts. No agents. No creative. Just me—and everything I’ve earned over 25 damn years in this business. 2025 wasn’t about being showcased. It was about going back to the indies, back to the grind, and remembering exactly who the hell I am.”

Like Rayne, Martinez cited teaching and mentoring as a deeply rewarding part of her recent journey. Still, she made it clear that she has one last run left in her.

“2026 gets one more year of my body, my heart, and my fight. One more year of scars, sweat, pain, and pride… because that’s the only way I’ve ever done this.”

Martinez admitted uncertainty about life beyond wrestling—but not about how she plans to finish it: all in.

Wrestling.news | Backstage Take

Madison Rayne and Mercedes Martinez represent a generation that helped carry women’s wrestling through its toughest transitions. Neither relied on hype—only consistency, toughness, and credibility. AEW and ROH losing them as active competitors is significant, but their continued presence as coaches could be even more impactful. This isn’t just retirement—it’s a passing of the torch done the right way.

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