On January 31, at the Royal Rumble event held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, WWE superstar AJ Styles faced off against GUNTHER in a bout with a retirement stipulation. Following the match, which resulted in Styles’ loss, the veteran wrestler officially announced his in-ring retirement, marking the end of an illustrious career. This moment sparked heartfelt responses across the wrestling community, including from AEW star Christopher Daniels.
Christopher Daniels Reflects on AJ Styles’ Impact
Christopher Daniels, a seasoned wrestling figure with a shared history alongside AJ Styles, expressed profound admiration for Styles on social media. Daniels, who is also retired, took to Twitter to convey the depth of his respect and the significance of Styles’ contributions over a 25-year career. Daniels wrote,
“Nothing I type can fully express my love, respect, and appreciation for him. Regardless of what happens, AJ was and is always elite! ❤️”
– Christopher Daniels, AEW star
Their paths have intersected numerous times across wrestling promotions such as NWA, ROH, and TNA, where they also held the NWA World Tag Team Championship together, reinforcing a strong professional bond between the two athletes.
Future Possibilities for AJ Styles Beyond Retirement
Despite the retirement announcement, AJ Styles has recently hinted at a possible return to wrestling at some point in the future. This leaves fans hopeful about new chapters in his career, though no concrete plans have been revealed yet. The wrestling world continues to follow these developments closely, reflecting the enduring influence of Styles within the industry.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Coverage
The passing of AJ Styles from active competition has resonated broadly with fans and peers alike, underscoring his prominence in WWE and global wrestling. Voices from fellow wrestlers, including notable figures such as CM Punk and Triple H, continue to draw attention to Styles’ legacy. As the wrestling world adjusts to this milestone, updates and reactions remain a key focus for outlets like WrestleTalk and other platforms.
I’ve been quiet following @AJStylesOrg last match because I don’t think I can condense 25 years of emotions & experiences into 1 or 2 tweets. Nothing I type can fully express my love, respect, and appreciation for him. Regardless of what happens, AJ was and is always elite! ❤️
— Christopher Daniels (@facdaniels) February 6, 2026
