Although retirements are rare in WWE, veterans nearing the end of their in-ring careers often try to elevate a young star before bidding farewell. We have recently seen the perfect example of this in Gunther retiring John Cena at Saturday Night's Main Event XLII.On that note, let's look at four times a WWE legend was retired by a modern-day star:#4. Goldberg was retired by GuntherGoldberg concluded his 28-year career as a pro wrestler in July. The WWE Hall of Famer faced Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship in his final in-ring outing at SNME XL.The Ring General had insulted the WCW legend and his family last year at the Bad Blood premium live event, leading to Da Man lacing his wrestling boots one last time to exact revenge on the Austrian star. However, despite a valiant effort, Goldberg was defeated by Gunther, as the veteran bid farewell to fans.#3. WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle had his last match against Baron CorbinIn March 2019, Kurt Angle announced that he would retire at WrestleMania 35 and handpicked (in storyline) Baron Corbin as his final opponent. It was later revealed that Angle had wanted to face John Cena in his last match, but his request was denied by management.At The Show of Shows, Corbin defeated the WWE legend in his final in-ring outing, concluding his iconic pro wrestling career.#2. Ric Flair was retired by Shawn MichaelsIn late 2007, Vince McMahon gave Ric Flair an ultimatum that the next match he lost would be his last. The Nature Boy survived several formidable opponents to keep his career going before finally losing to Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 24.In an emotional moment, Michaels uttered the words "I'm sorry, I love you" before hitting a Sweet Chin Music to defeat and retire Flair. While The Nature Boy came back to the squared circle after this match, the moment will be remembered forever.#1. John Cena had his final in-ring outing against GuntherAfter a year-long farewell tour in WWE, John Cena wrestled his final match against Gunther, who earned this opportunity by winning the Last Time is Now Tournament.At Saturday Night's Main Event XLII, The Ring General broke millions of hearts by making Cena tap out for the first time in over two decades. The Last Real Champion certainly had a poetic ending to his career, as he smiled and seemingly accepted his fate before submitting.