Multiple WWE Stars Vacate Titles Due to Injuries and Other Reasons

Goldberg, known for his record 173-win streak in WCW during the Monday Night Wars, acknowledged that WWE's Asuka broke his streak purposefully by going undefeated for 914 days, reflecting on the shifting dominance in wrestling promotions (h/t Fightful). Several WWE champions have recently been forced to vacate their titles due to injuries or personal reasons, including Liv Morgan's shoulder injury leading to her stepping away, and Rhea Ripley's shoulder injury ending her 380-day Women's World Championship reign, highlighting the physical toll on wrestlers. Seth Rollins, despite his legendary status, has matches he wishes fans would forget, such as his poorly received Universal Championship defense against Baron Corbin and a handicap match loss after Dean Ambrose's betrayal, which marred parts of his career. Shinsuke Nakamura, a former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and WWE Royal Rumble winner, is reportedly discussed as a potential opponent for Hiroshi Tanahashi's retirement match in NJPW, though contractual and promotional hurdles exist due to his WWE ties. Meanwhile, John Cena plans to retire as an active WWE wrestler on December 13, 2025, possibly putting over younger talent in his farewell matches, joining other legends like Ric Flair and Goldberg who lost their retirement matches, which often become iconic moments in wrestling history.