Akinfenwa confirms retirement plans and hints at WWE career

Wycombe striker Adebayo Akinfenwa has confirmed that he will retire from football at the end of next season – and hinted at a possible career in wrestling.

The 39-year-old signed a one-year contract extension with the Chairboys yesterday.

He has played for the club for five seasons, representing them in all three divisions of the EFL.

He told Sky Sports after signing the deal: “I’m at 40 at the end of the season. This will be my last dance.

“There is the wrestling, there’s a documentary which we’re sitting down and talking.

“Then there’s sitting down with a couple of producers in LA, and the punditry. There’s a few things on the table.

“But at the moment, I’m a footballer. Less of the running, but I’ll still try and score as many goals as I can.”

Footballers in wrestling

If Akinfenwa did go down the wrestling route, he certainly wouldn’t be the first footballer to explore what the sport has to offer.

Former Germany international goalkeeper Tim Wiese pursued a deal with WWE after retiring in 2014.

He signed a contract with the company in the same year, and teamed up with Sheamus and Cesaro at a live event.

And former Norwich striker Grant Holt also became a wrestler upon his football retirement.

Holt became the owner of the Crusher Mason Memorial Trophy, achieved by winning a 40-man Royal Rumble in WAW back in 2018.

Then there was Wayne Rooney. Whilst not an actual wrestler, he did appear at a live event back in 2015, slapping Preston-born Wade Barrett a few months after United had beaten North End in an FA Cup tie – and Barrett had accused the striker of diving to win a penalty.

What followed was this hilarious video:

It would certainly be interesting to see what Akinfenwa would have to offer if he did move into wrestling.

Featured Image Credit: Getty