Following his retirement from WWE at last week’s Royal Rumble event, where AJ Styles was defeated by Gunther in a high-profile match, fans have been eager to see what lies ahead for the former WWE Champion. Rumors have surfaced suggesting that Styles might soon join All Elite Wrestling (AEW), sparking considerable excitement among wrestling enthusiasts. The interest intensified when former AEW International Champion Will Ospreay made a significant reference to Styles on his social media, hinting at the possibility of The Phenomenal One’s AEW arrival.
Will Ospreay, often vocal about his wish to wrestle AJ Styles, reignited speculation by resharing a 2021 post in which Styles congratulated Ospreay on winning the IWGP Title and described him as his mirror image. This gesture has led many to believe that Ospreay is signaling an imminent Styles debut in AEW, potentially setting the stage for a highly anticipated dream match.
Fans are now eager to see if this will become reality, as a one-on-one encounter between Styles and Ospreay promises to be a major attraction capable of drawing massive crowds.
AJ Styles Explains Why He Kept His Gloves On During Royal Rumble Farewell
During his emotional farewell at the Royal Rumble, AJ Styles delivered a heartfelt thank you to WWE fans but notably never removed his gloves inside the ring. In a conversation on the podcast What’s Your Story? With Stephanie McMahon, Styles shared insight into this decision. He expressed that he does not consider this retirement as the definitive end of his wrestling career.
Styles emphasized that in professional wrestling, it is common for performers to come out of retirement, suggesting he could return to the ring in the future. He also mentioned a personal motivation behind his choice to keep the gloves on: the possibility of teaming up as a tag partner with his son, should his son pursue wrestling professionally.
“I don’t know. Never say never, right, that’s the saying. And you know…I know there’s…I think everybody’s allowed once to come out of retirement. I’m not saying that I’ll do it anytime soon, I’m just saying…well, I mean, what if my son wrestles? The opportunity to tag with him once?” Styles said. [H/T: Wrestling Inc.]
This insight reveals that Styles envisions a few more matches in his future, maintaining a connection with the sport beyond his recent WWE exit.
Potential Impact and Future Prospects of Styles’ Career
AJ Styles’ possible arrival in AEW would have significant implications for the pro-wrestling landscape, adding a major star to AEW’s roster and creating fresh, high-profile matchups. The teased Styles versus Ospreay matchup stands out as particularly compelling, likely attracting widespread attention and driving major ticket sales for AEW events.
Moreover, Styles’ open-ended retirement means fans could see several more memorable moments from the veteran wrestler, whether in AEW or through special appearances. His desire to share the ring with his son also provides a personal storyline that could add emotional depth to future performances.
For now, wrestling audiences are left watching and waiting to see if AJ Styles will indeed make the leap into AEW, potentially ushering in an exciting new chapter in his celebrated career.
It’s was like I was looking into the mirror. Congratulations to the New IWGP Champion. https://t.co/aMdFjfEaxw
— AJ Styles (@AJStylesOrg) April 4, 2021
