Browsing: retires

A former WWE star quietly ended their wrestling career on October 19 in a final match that brought their friends and fans together.

Former WWE star, Wild Boar, retired from professional wrestling on Sunday, October 19. After the match, he shared an emotional post on Instagram with his child, writing, The bout took place at Riot Cabaret Pro Wrestling, marking the end of nearly 20 years in the ring.

I will get back to everyone as soon as I can. Overwhelmed is an understatement… it’s hard for me to put tonight into words.”

His fellow wrestlers and old friends posted their own tributes. The WWE star Pete Dunne wrote on Twitter:

Many wrestlers are said to be overlooked or under appreciated, truth is some of the best really do go under the radar

Wild Boar would be top of that list. Epitome of a top class pro-wrestler

Glad we crossed paths one last time at RIOT before tonightâ€s retirement ðŸ

Many wrestlers are said to be overlooked or under appreciated, truth is some of the best really do go under the radar

Wild Boar would be top of that list. Epitome of a top class pro-wrestler

Glad we crossed paths one last time at RIOT before tonightâ€s retirement ðŸ pic.twitter.com/ScPSyvfP3G

— ‘The Bruiserweight†Pete Dunne (@PeteDunneYxB) October 19, 2025

The British Indie wrestler and former WWE star Mark Andrews shared a longer, heartfelt message via Instagram. Along with the emotional message, he also shared many of their images, perfectly capturing the strong bond between the two wrestlers. He wrote,

Today one of my oldest friends retires from professional wrestling.

I met Hitch in 2006 in Newport Leisure centre and recognised him from some crazy backyard wrestling videos I watched online (Go check those out if you havenâ€t already 👀).

Since then heâ€s become one of my best friends, the person Iâ€ve been in the ring with most and a huge mentor to the Welsh wrestling scene.

Iâ€m a better wrestler and a better person for knowing Hitch. Heâ€s one of the best wrestling coaches in the world, and one of the best to ever come out of the UK.

His work in and outside the ring has left the Welsh wrestling scene in a much better place than where it was in 2006.

Hereâ€s to an incredible in ring career ðŸ»

And hereâ€s to many more years making the Welsh scene as good as it can be behind the scenes ðŸ—

Another close friend of Wild Boar, the indie wrestler and former WWE star Flash Morgan Webster, posted multiple images of these stars from their time together in the ring. With this collage, he wrote,

We are destined to do this forever! No words will do justice the impact youâ€ve had on my life. Enjoy today! Love you mate! TRAPPER KEEPER EVERYONE! #wildboar

These emotional tributes from multiple stars highlight the strong bonds in professional wrestling that stay outside the ring, even after leaving particular promotions. It is an emotional moment in the entire English wrestling scene as a major star has just hung up their boots, deciding to put an end to an impressive career.

MORE: Real Truth About WWE Using AI Revealed; Talent Displeased

Wild Boar’s Wrestling and WWE Career

Wild Boar (aka Mike Hitchman) started wrestling in 2006 with NWA Wales under the ring name Mike Kannon, before he changed to the Wild Boar name in 2009. He won several titles during his time on the independent circuit. In 2017, he won the ICW Tag Team Championship with Mike Bird, which they held for 287 days as a faction, The Marauders. He also won the ATTACK! Championship twice and the ATTACK! 24:7 Championship five times in his nearly 20-year-long career.

WWE acknowledged Wild Boar’s talent and signed him in 2018 for NXT UK, where he wrestled under both names, Mike Hitchman and Wild Boar. He teamed with Primate as The Hunt, facing teams like Pretty Deadly, Moustache Mountain, and Grizzled Young Veterans. In April 2022, he beat Eddie Dennis in a Dog Collar Match, one of only three such matches in WWE history. His last WWE match was on June 6, 2022, against Josh Morrell, before WWE let him go on August 18, 2022.

Wild Boar co-owns Pro Wrestling Chaos with Morgan Webster and now focuses on raising his daughter and training young wrestlers in Wales.

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New York Knicks guard Malcolm Brogdon has decided to retire from basketball after nine NBA seasons, he told ESPN on Wednesday.

Brogdon, who averaged 12.7 points, 4.1 assists and 3.1 rebounds in a career-low 24 games for the Washington Wizards last season, was on track to make the Knicks’ final roster, but he had been contemplating retirement and informed team officials Wednesday of his decision.

“Today, I officially begin my transition out of my basketball career,” Brogdon, 32, told ESPN in a statement. “I have proudly given my mind, body and spirit to the game over the last few decades. With the many sacrifices it took to get here, I have received many rewards.

“I am deeply grateful to have arrived to this point on my own terms and now to be able to reap the benefits of my career with my family and friends. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all who have had a place in my journey.”

Congrats on your retirement, Malcolm!

Best of luck in your next chapter 👠pic.twitter.com/zwtxHBkWpb

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 15, 2025

Brogdon was slated to be a reserve point guard for the Knicks this season under new coach Mike Brown, so his decision to retire impacts the roster construction.

The No. 36 pick in the 2016 draft, Brogdon was the NBA Rookie of the Year with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2017 and the NBA Sixth Man of the Year with the Boston Celtics in 2023.

He is one of two players to have won both awards, along with Mike Miller.

Brogdon shot a combined 43% from 3-point range during the 2022-24 seasons, which ranked fourth in the league, but he fell to a career-low 29% last season.

In his nine NBA seasons, Brogdon averaged 15.3 points, 4.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds in 29.1 minutes per game with the Wizards, Trail Blazers, Celtics, Pacers and Bucks.

ESPN Research contributed to this report.

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Oct 13, 2025, 12:30 PM ET

Mike Shildt is retiring as San Diego Padres manager with two years remaining on his contract, saying “the grind of the baseball season has taken a severe toll on me mentally, physically and emotionally.”

The 57-year-old Shildt on Saturday informed the team he would retire, nine days after the Padres were eliminated by the Chicago Cubs in a tense three-game wild-card series. He said he made the decision on his own accord.

Shildt led the Padres to the postseason in each of the two seasons he managed the franchise. The club confirmed Shildt’s decision Monday.

“While it has always been about serving others, it’s time I take care of myself and exit on my terms,” Shildt said in a statement given to the San Diego Union-Tribune. “I gave every fiber of my being to help achieve Peter Seidler’s vision of bringing a World Series Championship to San Diego.

“We fell short of the ultimate goal, but I am proud of what the players, staff and organization were able to accomplish the last two seasons.”

Shildt went 183-141 as manager in San Diego. The Padres won 90 games this season and finished second in the NL West before being eliminated by the Cubs.

“I am most grateful for our players,” Shildt said in his statement. “San Diego is rightfully proud of the Padres players. It is a group that conducts themselves with class, is dedicated to each other and the common goal of winning a World Series. I love our players and will miss them dearly!!

“After 34 years of dedicating myself to the rigors of coaching and managing, I can with great enjoyment look back on achieving my two primary goals: To help players get the most out of their God given ability and become better men. Also, to win games.”

Before joining the Padres organization in early 2022 as a player development coach, Shildt was the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals from 2018 to 2021, posting a winning record in each of his three full seasons. He was the NL Manager of the Year in 2019 after leading the Cards to 91 wins and the NL Central title.

“We would like to congratulate Mike on a successful career and thank him for his significant contributions to the Padres and the San Diego community over the last four years,” Padres general manager A.J. Preller wrote as part of a statement.

Preller added that the search for a new Padres manager “will begin immediately with the goal of winning a World Series championship in 2026.”

The next Padres manager will be the sixth to work under Preller since he was hired to lead the baseball operations department in 2014, following Bud Black, Andy Green, Jayce Tingler, Bob Melvin and Shildt, whose retirement makes the Padres one of eight teams searching for a new manager this offseason.

Information from ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez and The Associated Press was used in this report.

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England defender Millie Bright has announced her retirement from international football.

The 32-year-old, who was part of England’s European Championship-winning team in 2022, made her senior debut in September 2016 and went on to win 88 caps.

“I’ve been weighing this up for a long time,” Chelsea captain Bright said on Monday’s ‘Rest is Football: Daly Brightness’ podcast.

“It’s one of those decisions no-one can make for you. It’s a feeling and I’m at peace with it.”

Bright missed out as England defended their Euros title in Switzerland in July after ruling herself out of the tournament because she would be unable to “give 100% mentally or physically”.

Over the summer she had successful knee surgery and started counselling sessions, while she said the decision to withdraw from Sarina Wiegman’s squad was “by far the best decision I have ever made”.

“Having the summer to reflect, fix my knee and get my head straight really put things into perspective. As you get older your priorities change. I’ve been craving family time, time with friends and time for myself,” Bright said.

Bright started every game as England won their first major women’s trophy at Euro 2022, and captained Wiegman’s side to the World Cup final a year later, which they lost to Spain.

“I’m incredibly proud and honoured to have played for England for so long. Every single cap has been special and the memories I’ve made – especially with this one sat opposite me – have been some of the best of my life,” Bright said on the podcast, which she co-hosts with her friend and former England team-mate Rachel Daly.

“But yeah, it’s time. It’s the right time for me to call it a day with England.”

Bright’s final game for the Lionesses was a 3-2 defeat by Belgium in April.

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Defending champion Jannik Sinner retired with cramp in the third round of the Shanghai Masters this week, while 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic vomited during his win over Yannick Hanfmann.

A deep run in Wuhan would have boosted Raducanu’s chances of being seeded for January’s Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the season.

The 2021 US Open champion broke in the first game before Li won six successive games – dropping only one point on serve – to wrap up the opening set in 28 minutes.

Raducanu looked fatigued as she recovered from three double faults to hold serve at the start of the second set.

But she failed to convert two break points in the next game and a series of sluggish unforced errors then helped Li break for a 2-1 lead.

A double fault handed Li another break, and Raducanu called for a medical timeout before retiring.

“I hope she feels better. I don’t know what happened, but you could tell towards the end she was maybe not moving as much. But, for me, it was good match,” Li said.

The world number 46 will face Russian ninth seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, who beat Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko 6-3 6-2 on Monday, in the second round.

Earlier on Tuesday, Japanese four-time major winner Naomi Osaka beat Canada’s Leylah Fernandez 4-6 7-5 6-3 to reach round two.

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Jannik Sinner was forced to retire from his third-round match at the Shanghai Masters against Tallon Griekspoor, the 27th seed, after suffering from cramps in humid conditions while trailing the Dutchman 6-7 (3), 7-5, 3-2 on.

In the final weeks of a long, arduous season for all, the conditions in Shanghai have been severe this past week, particularly on Sunday as players tried to compete in 90% humidity. Many struggled badly.

Being scheduled in the night session offered little solace for Sinner, the world No 2, who was dragged into a third set by a tenacious Griekspoor. By the third set, Sinner had physically deteriorated, visibly cramping and limping badly before he had no choice but to retire.

“This is definitely not the way you want to win,†said Griekspoor. “Brutal conditions here in Shanghai all week already. I thought we were still a little bit lucky to play in the evening without sun, but two hours, 36 minutes on the clock, middle of the third set. Sorry for him, I wish him a speedy recovery.â€

Carlos Alcaraz, the world No 1, withdrew from Shanghai before the tournament because of the ankle injury he suffered at the beginning of his title run in Tokyo earlier this week, meaning Sinnerâ€s retirement presents a great opportunity for the rest of the field, including Novak Djokovic, who edged into the round of 16 with a 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 win over Yannick Hanfmann of Germany.

Elsewhere, Amanda Anisimova continued to put together an incredible breakthrough season as she followed up her success at the grand slam tournaments by clinching the biggest title of her career with a 6-0, 2-6, 6-2 win over Linda Noskova in Beijing.

Anisimova has now won two WTA 1000 titles at the China Open and Qatar Open alongside reaching two grand slam finals at Wimbledon and the US Open this year. Having been ranked as low as No 41 in February, she sits at No 4 in the WTA rankings and No 3 in the WTA race. She has now qualified for the WTA Finals in Riyadh for the first time in her career.

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Her progress over the past nine days has been particularly satisfying considering she underwent wisdom tooth surgery on the day she flew out to Beijing: “Itâ€s been quite a few weeks for me here, for sure,†she said. “I feel like Iâ€ve learned a lot about myself. I think I can take a lot of positives and look at it as a lot of progress for me just figuring out ways to face certain challenges and push myself in moments when it feels like I canâ€t go any further. I feel like in that sense I learned that Iâ€m stronger than I think. Thatâ€s a huge win for me.â€

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SHANGHAI — Big-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard upset fourth-ranked Taylor Fritz 6-4, 7-5 and advanced to the fourth round of the Shanghai Masters on Sunday, while defending champion Jannik Sinner retired due to severe leg cramps.

After taking the opening set, Sinner, who won the China Open in Beijing, trailed 7-6 (3), 5-7, 2/3 against Tallon Griekspoor when he abandoned the match in humid conditions.

Sinner massaged his right thigh during the decider.

“This is definitely not the way you want to win,” Griekspoor said. “Brutal conditions here in Shanghai all week already. I thought we were a little bit lucky to play in the evening without sun, but two hours and 36 minutes on the clock, middle of the third set … I’m sorry for him, I wish him a speedy recovery.”

Jannik Sinner was forced to retire from his match Sunday at the Shanghai Masters due to severe leg cramps. Photo by Hu Chengwei/Getty Images

Mpetshi Perricard sent down 12 aces, to Fritz’s nine, and took a break in each set as he clinched his first tour victory against the American to set up a last-16 meeting with 10th-seeded Holger Rune.

Also Sunday, Novak Djokovic was made to work hard before he rallied past German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.

Djokovic struggled to cope with Hanfmann’s big serve and excellent play at the net. He’ll be up against Jaume Munar in the next round. Djokovic was sick during the second set and threw up during a changeover.

“It’s the same for every player out on the court, but it’s brutal,” Djokovic said of the conditions. “It’s brutal when you have over 80 percent of humidity day after day, particularly for the guys when they’re playing during the day with heat, with sun, it’s even more brutal.”

Djokovic is bidding for a record-extending fifth title at the Shanghai Masters.

Rune beat 21st-seeded Ugo Humbert 6-4, 6-4, Zizou Bergs upset 19th-seeded Francisco Cerundolo 7-6 (1), 6-3 and the 31st-seeded Gabriel Diallo advanced by walkover after David Goffin retired early in the first set.

Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz, who won the Japan Open last week, is not in Shanghai due to minor ailments.

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DENVER — Defenseman Erik Johnson announced his retirement Wednesday after a 17-year career that was highlighted by a 2022 Stanley Cup title with the Colorado Avalanche.

Picked No. 1 in the 2006 NHL draft by the St. Louis Blues, Johnson was traded to the Avalanche as part of a blockbuster deal in 2011. He played in 1,023 regular-season games with the Blues, Avalanche, Buffalo Sabres and Philadelphia Flyers. He finished with 95 goals, 253 assists, 1,717 blocks and 1,695 hits.

The 37-year-old Johnson has long been a fan favorite in Denver, where he spent 14 of his 17 seasons. His most iconic moment, though, may have taken place away from the ice. He led the crowd in the singing of “All the Small Things,” by Blink-182 after the parade to celebrate Colorado hoisting the Stanley Cup. It was the theme song that season.

In a statement, Johnson said: “I am retiring with a heart full of gratitude.”

He thanked organizations, teammates, coaches, staff members, family, friends and, of course, the fans.

“Your passion made every moment unforgettable,” Johnson said.

Johnson’s 14 seasons in Colorado — 2011 to 2022-23, along with a return late last season — trails only Adam Foote (17) for most seasons among Avalanche/Nordiques blueliners. His 731 regular-season games in an Avalanche sweater are also second only to Foote (967) among the franchise’s defensemen.

The player known as “EJ” is first in franchise history in blocked shots (1,373) and third in hits (1,288) among defensemen. The Bloomington, Minnesota, product leaves the NHL rink 25th on the most games played list among American-born defenseman in league history.

His first NHL game was with St. Louis on Oct. 4, 2007, against the then-Phoenix Coyotes. He had an assist on a goal by Keith Tkachuk.

His last regular-season game was with Colorado on April 13 at the Anaheim Ducks. He scored an empty-net goal. Johnson also played in two games in the first-round series against the Dallas Stars, where the Avalanche lost in seven.

“Hockey has been my life, and I’m grateful for every second,” Johnson said. “I’m excited for what’s next and will always cherish this journey.”

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When Chris Woakes emerged to bat with his arm in a sling in the final Test against India, there was the suspicion it would be his final act in an England shirt.

Whether or not he made it to the Ashes, and regardless of the result, it seemed likely England would want to go in a new direction at the beginning of next summer. Still, it feels incredibly cruel that such a great career would end that way.

In other eras, Woakes’ achievements would have earned greater recognition. His misfortune was to coincide with James Anderson and Stuart Broad as new-ball competitors, and Ben Stokes as an all-rounder.

Maligned as not being quick enough when he made his Test debut in the fifth Ashes Test in 2013, Woakes went on to become one of the most lethal bowlers to perform in English conditions. While his struggles overseas were well known, a home average of 23.87 outstrips Anderson and Broad.

At Lord’s, the most famous ground of all, he had few peers. Only five other men have matched Woakes’ record of registering a Test hundred, five-wicket haul and 10-wicket haul at the home of cricket.

In an era of English cricketing ups and downs, Woakes has seen it all. In that golden era of white-ball cricket, when England were simultaneously world champions in both formats, Woakes was one of only four men to play in both the 50-over World Cup final of 2019 and T20 final in 2022. Overall, he is one of only six England players to have won both World Cups and the Ashes.

His exit is a further departure from the group that formed the core of the England team throughout much of the previous decade and the beginning of this one. Moeen Ali has retired, Jonny Bairstow is out of favour, Jos Buttler now only in the white-ball set-up. Anderson and Broad are gone, Stokes and Mark Wood are nearer the end than the start. Joe Root, at least, looks like he has plenty of time left.

It is a shame that Woakes will not be afforded a proper send-off, but perhaps that unforgettable moment at The Oval was a fitting farewell for the ultimate team man.

Plenty will say that Woakes is the nicest man in cricket, and they would be right. On that Monday morning in August, he also showed that he is the bravest.

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Chris Woakes has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing down the curtain on a career that spanned 15 years and two World Cup triumphs. The 36-year-old last appeared in England colours in the Oval Test against India, where he batted one-handed with a dislocated shoulder. He was subsequently overlooked for the Ashes and, in effect, written out of the future.

Chris Woakes Retires, Eyes Franchise Competitions

Woakes confirmed he will continue with Warwickshire and seek opportunities in franchise competitions. “The moment has come, and Iâ€ve decided that the time is right for me to retire from international cricket,†he said. “Playing for England was something I aspired to do since I was a kid… Lifting two World Cups and being part of some amazing Ashes series is something I never thought was possible.â€

A dependable seam-bowling allrounder, Chris Woakes debuted in limited-overs cricket in 2011 and in Tests two years later. Across 62 Tests he took 192 wickets, his best match haul 11 for 102 against Pakistan at Lordâ€s, and scored a century against India in 2018. In ODIs he collected 173 wickets from 122 matches, including 6 for 45 on debut in Brisbane, and was integral to Englandâ€s white-ball transformation that culminated in the 2019 World Cup win at Lordâ€s. He also featured in 33 T20 internationals and lifted the T20 World Cup in 2022.

England managing director Rob Key acknowledged earlier this year that Woakes was no longer part of long-term plans. International cricket, then, has lost one of its quieter servants, rarely headline-grabbing, but invariably reliable.

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