Veteran wrestler Rocky Romero recently reflected on his career and potential retirement during an appearance on AEW Unrestricted. With over 20 years in the wrestling business, Romero revealed that he sees his in-ring career lasting only another three to five years, depending on how he feels physically and mentally.
Romero on Wrestling’s Toll and Career Milestones
Romero acknowledged his remarkable career longevity but admitted that the end of his in-ring journey feels closer than ever:
“I don’t see it more than five [years]. I think I’m getting closer and closer to it. The busier that I get, even though it’s the thing I love the most — to be able to perform in the ring and have the crowd go nuts, there’s nothing like it.”
Despite the physical demands of wrestling, Romero emphasized his gratitude for the career he’s had, stating that he never imagined reaching the heights he has achieved:
“It’s the one thing I was enthralled with and fascinated by—professional wrestling. It’s gonna be weird. I never really thought I’d make it to these heights, I never expected to make it as far as I have.”
Contemplating Retirement
Romero shared that his thoughts on retirement vary depending on the day:
“Some days I’m like, maybe three more years. Some days it’s like, oh, maybe five, I’m feeling really good.”
He added that seeing his peers step away from wrestling has prompted him to reflect on his own timeline:
“When you start to see your contemporaries and the guys that you came up with start to kind of make the decision to go away, you start to think, oh wow, it’s maybe coming a little faster than expected.”
As for how he envisions his eventual departure from the ring, Romero admitted he hasn’t decided whether he’ll have a grand farewell or quietly transition out:
“I don’t know if I’ll have a send-off or I’ll just go quietly into the sunset, I don’t know. We’re getting closer though, I can feel it.”