AJ Styles, widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers, is approaching the end of his celebrated career. After a notable run in WWE, fans have hoped to see him join AEW before retirement, especially as his contract with WWE is expected to expire around February next year. Despite the opportunity for a final run, sources indicate that AEW’s leadership does not currently see a role for Styles within the company’s lineup.
The Jacksonville-based AEW roster is already filled with a blend of legendary wrestlers and rising stars. Established names such as Adam Copeland, Kenny Omega, and Christian share the stage with emerging talents like MJF, Daniel Garcia, and Kyle Fletcher. This abundance of high-profile performers creates a challenging environment for adding another veteran without overcrowding the roster.
Potential Difficulties in Featuring AJ Styles Prominently
AEW presently has several wrestlers who are not fully utilized on its programming. Introducing AJ Styles at this time might create complications in providing him with meaningful storylines and significant television time. Moreover, bringing in another veteran star risks overshadowing those who have been foundational to AEW’s growth since its inception.
AJ Styles’ Approaching Retirement Limits His Value for AEW
Styles has openly acknowledged that he is near retirement, citing physical soreness and a limited remaining timeframe to compete at a high level. At 48 years old, he recognizes that his capacity for extended runs in professional wrestling is diminished. As a result, if AEW were to debut Styles now, the impact might be underwhelming given the brief nature of any prospective stint.
While Styles remains a fan favorite, his ability to perform consistently at his peak has declined, positioning him more as a short-term draw than a sustainable asset. Although AEW could utilize him for a limited engagement, similar to how they have featured Sting, the promotion already boasts sufficient veteran presence.
Introducing Styles Could Interrupt AEW’s Carefully Crafted Storylines
The promotion has recently made significant progress in developing a stable of top-tier stars and laying the groundwork for the next generation. Adding a high-profile but aging legend like AJ Styles may not mesh well with the current roster dynamic. Placing him in mid-card storylines would not align with his stature, while the main event scene is already heavily populated.
AEW is focusing on building new stars who are queued for their first World Title opportunities. Tony Khan and his creative team have invested substantial effort in elevating these wrestlers. Inserting Styles into the main title scene risks disrupting these plans and complicating creative directions. Given these factors, it appears AEW does not require AJ Styles at this stage in his career.
The Future Implications for AJ Styles and AEW
With AJ Styles’ contract nearing its end and his announced plans for retirement, expectations for a significant AEW tenure are low. The company’s existing roster depth and ongoing storytelling efforts suggest that Tony Khan’s organization is prioritizing long-term growth over short-term star power from veterans nearing retirement. Although Styles’ legacy is unquestionable, AEW’s present structure and ambitions make his addition unlikely in light of the challenges and potential disruptions outlined.
