Lesbian Wrestling Icon Mercedes Martinez Announces 2026 as Her Final Year as Full-Time Competitor

Mercedes Martinez, a trailblazing lesbian wrestler known for her resilience and contributions to professional wrestling, shared a poignant announcement on social media declaring 2026 as her final year as a full-time in-ring competitor. The 45-year-old athlete, who proudly identifies with the LGBTQ+ community as reflected in her social media presence featuring the rainbow flag, posted the statement on X on New Year's Day.

In her post, Martinez wrote, "2026. Different mindset. Different fire. This is my last year as a full-time ACTIVE professional wrestler. No contracts. No agents. No creative. Just me – and everything I’ve earned over 25 damn years in this business." She emphasized her commitment to giving back, stating, "Giving back. Teaching. Helping the next generation. Passing on what was given to me the hard way. That part means everything." Reflecting on her journey, Martinez added, "Wrestling gave me everything. It broke me. Built me. Tested me. And somehow still made me fall in love with it again." She concluded with resolve: "So 2026 gets one more year of my body, my heart, and my fight. One more year of scars, sweat, pain, and pride. One more year of showing up and giving everything I’ve got – because that’s the only way I’ve ever done this."

Martinez's career spans a quarter-century, including stints on the independent circuit, WWE, All Elite Wrestling , and Ring of Honor . She joined AEW after her WWE release in January 2022, where Tony Khan signed her as a seasoned performer. In ROH, she captured the ROH Women’s World Championship in May 2022, holding it for 220 days until losing it to Athena on December 10, 2022. Her most recent televised ROH match was a six-woman tag on April 27, 2024.

As an openly lesbian athlete in a male-dominated industry, Martinez has served as a role model for LGBTQ+ fans and wrestlers, embodying perseverance amid physical and professional challenges. Her announcement resonates within the wrestling community, where visibility for transgender people and other LGBTQ+ identities continues to grow, though openly gay women like Martinez remain pivotal figures. The decision to retire on her own terms—free from contracts or creative constraints—underscores her agency after decades of navigating promotions'demands.

While specific community responses are emerging, Martinez's post has garnered attention for its raw honesty, potentially inspiring younger LGBTQ+ wrestlers to pursue mentorship opportunities. Her Puerto Rican heritage, highlighted alongside her queer identity in her X handle @RealMMartinez with 🇵🇷 and 🏳️‍🌈 emojis, adds layers to her legacy as a multifaceted icon. Wrestling outlets note the emotional weight of her farewell, positioning 2026 as a "last run"filled with independence and pride.

This announcement comes amid a busy period for women's wrestling, with other retirements like Saki Kashima's planned exit in April 2026 at STARDOM's All Star Grand Queendom, but Martinez's story stands out for its personal depth and cross-promotional impact. As she prepares for her final matches, Martinez's shift toward teaching aligns with industry trends where veterans empower emerging talent, particularly women and LGBTQ+ performers seeking guidance.

Martinez's retirement marks the end of an era for a wrestler whose career exemplifies dedication. Fans and peers await details on her 2026 schedule, expecting high-stakes bouts that honor her storied path. Her voice continues to affirm the place of lesbian athletes in professional wrestling, contributing to broader conversations on inclusion.