AJ Styles seemingly retired from WWE at the Royal Rumble following his defeat against Gunther, but this may only mark the conclusion of his WWE run rather than his wrestling career. Since his contract with WWE ended, fans and insiders have speculated about the “Phenomenal One” possibly joining AEW, the promotion considered WWE’s biggest competitor.
Recent updates suggest that an AJ Styles AEW possibility remains alive, although it is unclear if Styles, who is 48, plans to keep wrestling at all. After the Royal Rumble, Triple H appeared to dismiss chances of Styles continuing in either AEW or TNA, adding uncertainty to what lies ahead for the veteran star.
AEW Shows Interest as AJ Styles’ WWE Tenure Ends
Since signing with WWE in January 2016, AJ Styles has built a legacy as one of the company’s most iconic performers. Fittingly, his WWE career closed at the Royal Rumble, the same event where he made his WWE debut a decade earlier.
There has long been chatter about Styles potentially joining AEW, and his impending availability after WWE has certainly captured AEW’s attention. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select notes that Styles was a
“big topic of conversation at AEW last week.”
– Sean Ross Sapp, Wrestling Journalist
If Styles becomes available, AEW insiders anticipate that Tony Khan, AEW’s president, will pursue him. Additionally, many of Styles’ longtime wrestling associates, including Samoa Joe, The Young Bucks, and Kenny Omega—former Bullet Club members—are currently AEW wrestlers, making the transition more plausible.
Notably, Styles chose not to leave his gloves in the ring after his loss to Gunther, despite initially teasing that gesture. Observers interpreted this decision as a hint that Styles may not be finished in the wrestling world and could appear elsewhere soon.
AJ Styles’ Transfer to AEW Likely Free of Contractual Obstacles
Should Styles decide to join AEW, he would follow a recent trend of WWE talents moving to their competition. His WWE contract expired after the Royal Rumble, following a quietly signed one-year extension in February 2023.
Self Made Pro reported that Styles had already decided to pursue AEW before signing that extension, implying the move was planned well in advance. That said, the specific terms of AEW’s parent company TKO’s contracts could create complications for such transitions.
Notably, a one-year non-compete clause included in recent WWE contracts has previously delayed the returns of stars like Andrade El Idolo to AEW. Andrade was released by WWE but was unable to compete due to this clause, until obtaining a waiver.
In Styles’ case, because his deal simply expired rather than ending in a release, he would not face a similar non-compete restriction. This legal difference means Styles could sign with AEW without encountering the same hurdles Andrade experienced.
Implications for Wrestling’s Landscape Going Forward
The possibility of AJ Styles joining AEW holds significant implications for the wrestling industry. His arrival could bolster AEW’s roster by adding a highly respected veteran with deep ties to current stars. It also symbolizes the ongoing competition between wrestling giants WWE and AEW for established talents.
Fans and industry watchers will be paying close attention to Styles’ next move, as it could influence contract negotiations and talent movement across wrestling promotions. Whether Styles decides to continue in the ring or not, his WWE departure and potential AEW debut mark a notable chapter in modern wrestling’s evolving narrative.
AJ Styles was a big topic of conversation at AEW last week. Nobody seems to know his official status, but if he becomes available, everyone we spoke to in AEW believes he will be approached by them.
Lots more at @FightfulSelect pic.twitter.com/MmtrG7Aw0v
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) February 3, 2026
