They're just going to use Steve as a talking head for his career, WCW in general, and eventually the Hall of Fame. I'm fine with that
As for the question posted, I think this it. For the last 2-3 years I had a creeping suspicion we were getting closer to the end. Regardless of match quality, he couldn't have picked a better night to do it. Last night really felt like a changing of the guard, and for the streak and effectively his career to end felt appropriate to both the character and the man's character and loyalty. This also poises Brock as Bryan's next major obstacle and possibly a huge money-maker for WWE if they set it up right.