“Another legend hanging it up,” “Wish she was used better in WWE”- Fans devastated as female star announces retirement

A former WWE star recently announced her retirement from wrestling, and fans on the internet are in disbelief. The legend also performed in AEW and Ring of Honor in the past few years.

The popular female star, Mercedes Martinez recently announced her retirement. The 45-year-old veteran has been an active performer since the year 2001 and had a brief run in WWE NXT back in 2020-2021. She also performed in AEW and Ring of Honor until 2024.

Meanwhile, Mercedes Martinez recently announced on social media that 2026 will be her last year as a full-time active pro wrestler with the following statement:

"2026. Different mindset. Different fire. This is my last year as a full-time ACTIVE professional wrestler. No contracts. No agents. No creative. Just me - and everything I've earned over 25 damn years in this business."

Fans on the X social media platform took notice of Martinez's announcement and reacted by expressing regret over her disappointing run in the Stamford-based promotion. A fan also asked for her final run in AEW:

Fans on the X social media platform reacted to Mercedes Martinez announcing her retirement

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Former WWE star could become a coach in AEW

The former WWE star, Mercedes Martinez once revealed her post-retirement plans back in 2023. Speaking with Poisonrana, Martinez expressed her desire to become a coach in a company like AEW after she retires:

“I believe that going forward, my next step — and I really truly hope that this will be my next step — will be to help the new generation of wrestlers in a company like AEW or wherever I land as an agent, as a producer, and as a coach for that company... [I want] to help their women talent feel comfortable, have a producer or an agent that is female to understand and speak to them,” Mercedes said.

Well, Mercedes Martinez announced 2026 as her last year as an active performer. Only time will tell what's next for her.

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Edited by Gaurav Singh