Bob Orton had his last professional wrestling match on August 5, 1980, though he officially retired from the sport much later in 2000.
Bob Orton's Wrestling Career: A Dual Retirement Timeline
The question of when a wrestler "stops" can refer to different points in their career: their final active performance or their formal, official retirement. For the renowned wrestler Bob Orton, these two significant events were separated by nearly two decades.
Last Active Competition
Bob Orton's last recorded professional wrestling match occurred on August 5, 1980. In this bout, he competed against Barry Windham and was defeated. Following this match, Orton largely departed from the active wrestling business within that same year. This marked the conclusion of his regular appearances and in-ring competition.
Official Retirement
Despite concluding his active wrestling career in 1980, Bob Orton did not officially retire until the year 2000. This often happens in professional sports, where athletes might step away from regular competition but formally announce or be recognized for their retirement years later. This formal retirement can coincide with various events, such as a Hall of Fame induction or a special tribute.
Key Dates in Bob Orton's Career Transition
| Event | Date/Year |
|---|---|
| Last Professional Match | August 5, 1980 |
| Departure from Active Business | 1980 |
| Official Retirement | 2000 |
This distinction clarifies that while his regular in-ring career concluded in the early 1980s, his formal exit from the wrestling world was acknowledged at the turn of the millennium.
