AJ Styles Confirms Retirement Plans Amid Upcoming Match with John Cena

AJ Styles, a prominent figure in professional wrestling, has confirmed his intention to retire within the next year. In an interview with Tokyo Sports, the 48-year-old Styles expressed his desire to conclude his in-ring career before his physical condition deteriorates. "I don’t want to show my fans a side of me that isn’t AJ Styles. That’s the main reason. I’ve decided to retire before my body can no longer move," he stated. Styles has indicated that he may participate in WrestleMania 42 in April 2026, although this is not yet confirmed.

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Styles has had a storied career spanning nearly three decades, with significant achievements in promotions such as TNA, Ring of Honor, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling before joining WWE in 2016. He is a two-time WWE Champion and has held multiple titles across various promotions, including the NWA and TNA. Following his retirement, Styles has expressed interest in remaining with WWE, potentially taking on a role as a trainer to help develop younger talent.

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One of Styles' final matches is set to take place against John Cena at WWE Crown Jewel on October 11, 2025, in Perth, Australia. This matchup marks a significant moment in both wrestlers' careers, as Cena is also in the midst of his retirement tour. The match was officially announced after a social media exchange between Cena and Styles, where Cena advocated for the bout, emphasizing fan demand. "I want to thank @TripleH for being flexible here and rewarding the true driving force behind #CenavsStyles... the FANS!" Cena tweeted.

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The rivalry between Cena and Styles has been one of the most celebrated in WWE history, featuring several memorable encounters from 2016 to 2018. Their previous matches, including a classic at the 2017 Royal Rumble, are often cited among the best in recent wrestling history. The anticipation for their upcoming clash has been heightened by a strategic build-up that included Cena's tribute to Styles during a recent match and Styles' emotional promo expressing frustration over his booking.

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Despite the excitement surrounding the match, not all reactions have been positive. The Miz, a former rival of Cena, has publicly expressed his disappointment at not being included in Cena's farewell tour. He stated, "I was happy for AJ Styles, but very angry that it’s AJ Styles versus John Cena and not John Cena versus The Miz." The Miz highlighted his own history with Cena, including a victory at WrestleMania, and lamented the missed opportunity for a final showdown.

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As AJ Styles prepares for his impending retirement, the match against John Cena at Crown Jewel represents not only a significant moment in his career but also a culmination of a storied rivalry. With both wrestlers nearing the end of their in-ring journeys, fans are eager to witness this historic encounter, which promises to be a fitting chapter in the legacy of both superstars.

John Cena vs AJ Styles should have been a no-brainer