WWE has said goodbye to two all-time greats in just a matter of weeks — and Cody Rhodes isn’t ready to see another one walk out the door.
John Cena ended his in-ring career after losing to GUNTHER in December 2025. Then in January 2026, AJ Styles fell to GUNTHER at the Royal Rumble, effectively closing the book on his own run. Styles was later honored on the February 23 episode of RAW and officially announced as part of the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame class.
Now, Cody Rhodes has weighed in — and he’s clearly had enough of the farewell speeches. Speaking to ESPN on February 25, 2026, Rhodes was asked about the recent wave of retirements and what they mean for WWE. His answer was immediate and emotional.
“I don’t want any more retirements. We’re saying goodbye way too much to too many people.”
Rhodes made it clear that watching legends step away has been tough, especially in the case of AJ Styles — someone whose career spans multiple generations of the Rhodes family.
“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.”
He also praised how WWE handled Styles’ final night on RAW, particularly the surprise appearance by The Undertaker, who revealed Styles’ Hall of Fame induction.
“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.”
Rhodes didn’t ignore the elephant in the room either — GUNTHER’s reputation as a career-killer. After forcing Cena to tap out and defeating Styles in back-to-back career-ending moments, the former World Champion is starting to look like something more than dominant.
“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.”
Still, Rhodes ended on a hopeful note. Rather than more farewell tributes, he wants new faces and more stars making their debuts.
“But I don’t want any retirements for a while. Let’s do debuts. I like that. New beginnings. New blood. New beginnings.”
With two icons already gone and GUNTHER’s legend growing by the month, the question now is whether WWE shifts toward honoring the past — or building the future.
Do you agree with Cody Rhodes — is it time to stop the retirements and focus on new beginnings? Let us know your thoughts.
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.