By James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Layla El, the last remaining WWE Diva from the mid-2000s era, announced Wednesday (July 29) that she is retiring from wrestling.

Layla told WWE's website that she wants to move on to different career options, she is tired of the travel, and she wants to start a family with her soon-to-be-husband Richard.

Asked what led to her decision, Layla said, "I’ve been traveling the world for nine years now and sometimes it’s just time to start the next chapter of your life. Traveling on the road was fun, but the older you get, it takes more time for recovery. I just got tired of the travel part."

Layla competed in a Divas battle royal earlier this month on a weekend house show tour, but she has not been featured much on TV over the past few years.

"I feel like deciding to retire from the ring has been a hard decision to make because I’m passionate and I love performing. I’ve known everybody in that company now for nine years. They’re family. I spend more time with crew and Superstars and Divas on the roster than I did with anybody else. It becomes part of your life. And not only that, it’s hard walking away from the fans," Layla said.

Career-wise, the former Divas Search winner says she is going to weigh TV options in the U.S. and U.K., potentially go back to her dance background, or do professional choreography.

In her closing remarks, Layla thanked the fans for supporting her, Michelle McCool for her "Lay-Cool" partnership, Kelly Kelly for her friendship, agent/producer Fit Finlay for working with the Divas, and various staff who worked or continue to work behind-the-scenes for WWE.

[ LINK: Full Retirement Interview HERE on WWE's website ]

[Torch art credit Travis Beaven (c) PWTorch.com]

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