AEW
Another AEW name has announced their wrestling retirement, stating that a recent match marked the end of their in-ring career.
Following Mercedes Martinez announcing that 2026 will be her final year as an active full-time wrestler, another AEW name has revealed that they will also be stepping away from the ring.
Madison Rayne and ROH Pure Women’s Champion Deonna Purrazzo teamed up in a match which aired on the January 1 edition of ROH TV, losing to Billie Starkz and Diamante.
In a backstage segment with Purrazzo following the match, Madison Rayne emotionally announced that this was the perfect way to end her in-ring career.
Noting that she has been re-finding herself in her coach role with the company, Rayne said:
“This business is all I’ve known for 20 years. It has brought me all over the world, it has given me best friends that will last a lifetime, but tonight was exceptionally emotional because this is the end of an era for Madison Rayne.
“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 and that self back here, coaching, helping with the next generation, and that’s you (Deonna Purrazzo). That’s not me anymore.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better partner, a better moment, a better night, and to ride this wave and end this era with you as my partner and my best friend, it was perfect. This was the perfect way to end a 20 year ride, and I love you so much.
If you use this transcription or any portion of it, please credit WrestleTalk.com and link back to this page.
Rayne indicated that she will continue with AEW and ROH in her coach role.
We send our best wishes to Madison Rayne for the future.
If you use this transcription or any portion of it, please credit WrestleTalk.com and link back to this page.
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2 months ago by Sanchez Taylor
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