Full Breakdown
AJ Styles' WWE Career Concludes at Royal Rumble 2026
2/4/2026, 9:25:05 PM
AJ Styles' Retirement Match
AJ Styles officially concluded his in-ring career with WWE at the 2026 Royal Rumble held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In a high-stakes match against Gunther, Styles lost via technical submission after passing out in a sleeper hold, marking the end of his tenure with the company. This match was particularly significant as it carried the stipulation that Styles would retire if he lost. Following the match, speculation arose about whether Styles might continue wrestling elsewhere, but sources indicate that he has been preparing for retirement for years, emphasizing that the decision was entirely his own.
Background and Context
Styles, a two-time WWE Champion, has been a pivotal figure in professional wrestling, known for his exceptional in-ring abilities and contributions to the sport. His rivalry with Gunther intensified after Gunther retired John Cena just months prior, setting the stage for their encounter at the Royal Rumble. The match was a culmination of their feud, which began when Styles sought to avenge Cena's retirement.
Official Statements & Responses
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque confirmed that Styles had communicated his intention to retire, stating, “AJ Styles has very much had it his way as it relates to his WWE retirement.” WWE sources indicated that while the company would have welcomed Styles back, he had made it clear he was ready to step away from active competition.
What's Next for AJ Styles?
Despite his retirement from WWE, the future of AJ Styles remains uncertain. Reports suggest that he may still engage with WWE in a non-wrestling capacity, potentially as a mentor or behind-the-scenes contributor. Additionally, there is speculation about his potential involvement with other wrestling promotions. AEW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) are both expected to express interest in Styles if he becomes available. Styles has a rich history with NJPW, where he previously revitalized his career, and he has also expressed a desire to have one final match in TNA, the promotion where he first gained prominence.
Criticism & Opposition
Some wrestling commentators have raised concerns about the decision to have Gunther retire Styles, arguing that it may have overshadowed Gunther's own achievements. WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray criticized the choice to have Gunther compete in both the match against Styles and the Royal Rumble, suggesting it detracted from the significance of Styles' retirement. He noted that Gunther's elimination from the Rumble could overshadow his victory over Styles, stating, “Now, they're gonna show Gunther defeating AJ many times... But you can't remind us of Roman winning without reminding us of who he threw out last.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While WWE sources have confirmed Styles' retirement, there remains ambiguity regarding his future in wrestling. Some reports suggest that Styles may not be done wrestling altogether, as he teased leaving his gloves in the ring but ultimately chose to keep them on. This has led to speculation about whether he might return to the ring in another promotion or even for special appearances.
Verbatim Quotes
- “One WWE source familiar with the situation says that regardless of what happens with his future, AJ Styles has very much had it his way as it relates to his WWE retirement.” — WWE Source
- “But you can't remind us of Roman winning without reminding us of who he threw out last.” — Bully Ray, WWE Hall of Famer
As AJ Styles transitions from his in-ring career, the wrestling community watches closely to see what the future holds for one of the industry's most influential figures.
