WWE retirement rumors 2016: Wade Barrett retiring from active duty

Wade Barrett[Photo: Commons Wikimedia/Miguel Discart]

Two World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) stars are taking opposite routes as far as their WWE careers are concerned. Wade Barrett is reportedly on the brink of retirement, while the Big Show (Paul Wight) has shot down retirement rumors tied up with him.

Wade Barrett will not be re-signing with the WWE after his contract runs out this June or July, although he will still be under a Legends contract.

Barrett has been hampered by various injuries as of late, resulting in his on-and-off appearances inside the ring. To date, he is still part of the League of Nations faction together with Sheamus, Rusev, and Alberto Del Rio but has been more of an aide than someone who mixes it up with other WWE stars.

Barrett's impending retirement follows the recent announcement of Daniel Bryan who was forced to retire due to medical issues. Bryan's wife has also hinted of possible retirement plans, although there is no definite date yet on when that could happen.

Despite being on middle cards, Barrett has done his share when called upon to spice up matches. He had his share of runs, being a former Intercontinental champion and the 20th star to win the WWE King of the Ring tournament.

While Barrett's retirement looms, a fellow star has rebuffed rumors about him calling it a career.

The Big Show has quashed all rumors tying him to possibly retiring, something he made via Stone Cold Steve Austin's podcast.

Big Show bares he has no plans of retiring for now and that he loves what he is doing right now.

Like Barrett, the Big Show has been booked scarcely these days and the giant figure could be an asset if paired with a rising giant like Braun Strowman.

Big Show is one of few wrestlers who have mastered the art of playing face and heel (or vice versa) as of late and right now, the WWE Universe can look forward to that until he holds the appetite to compete.