Veteran star closes in-ring chapter following ROH appearance
Summary
– Madison Rayne officially announced her retirement on ROH TV
– Her final match came teaming with Deonna Purrazzo on January 1
– Rayne will continue contributing as a coach in AEW and ROH
Madison Rayne has officially announced her retirement from professional wrestling, bringing an end to a career that spanned two decades. The announcement came during the January 1 episode of ROH TV.
Rayne’s final match saw her team, featuring Deonna Purrazzo, lose to Billie Starkz and Diamante. Following the bout, Rayne addressed the moment in a backstage segment, acknowledging that the time had come to step away from in-ring competition.
She reflected on personal challenges, sharing that losing her father deeply affected her and changed her perspective on wrestling and life. Rayne explained that while part of her was lost during that period, she has since found new purpose in helping others grow.
Rayne stated that transitioning into a coaching role has allowed her to rediscover herself. She noted that finishing her career alongside Purrazzo felt like the right way to close the chapter.
Debuting in 2005 under the name Lexi Lane, Rayne went on to become one of the most accomplished performers in women’s wrestling. She captured the TNA Women’s Knockout Championship five times and held the Knockout Tag Team Titles on three occasions.
Her career included runs in TNA, ROH, and AEW, along with participation in WWE’s 2018 Mae Young Classic. Rayne signed with AEW in August 2022, where she has served as both a coach and an occasional in-ring competitor.
Rayne’s announcement marks the end of an era, but her influence on the next generation will continue through her work behind the scenes.
