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AJ Styles Retires: A Decade of Wrestling Greatness Ends

2/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

AJ Styles announced his retirement from wrestling at the Royal Rumble, ending a decade-long career after facing Gunther in his final match.
The retirement echoes Styles' earlier encounter with John Cena.
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul 'Triple H' Levesque confirmed the decision, saying Styles is finished with in-ring competition.
Styles may stay involved in wrestling, potentially in a role like Shawn Michaels in NXT, with Levesque expressing hope he contributes.

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Story summary

AJ Styles announced his retirement from wrestling at the Royal Rumble, ending a decade-long career after facing Gunther in his final match.
The retirement echoes Styles' earlier encounter with John Cena.
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul 'Triple H' Levesque confirmed the decision, saying Styles is finished with in-ring competition.
Styles may stay involved in wrestling, potentially in a role like Shawn Michaels in NXT, with Levesque expressing hope he contributes.