AJ Styles has revealed plans to retire in 2026, aiming to step away while still in control of his legacy and physical health. As Styles prepares for his WWE farewell, fans eagerly anticipate several dream matchups featuring this iconic wrestler before his career concludes.
Throughout his remaining years in the WWE, Styles has opportunities to face both fresh opponents and familiar rivals, creating memorable moments that could define the final chapter of his career. The roster includes numerous stars who could deliver unforgettable in-ring performances alongside Styles before he retires.
Potential Showdown with Gunther
AJ Styles and Gunther have yet to face each other in any televised WWE match, despite clashing a few times at house shows. Known for his dominant “Goliath” persona, Gunther provides a contrasting challenge to Styles’ more technical style. This matchup promises a physical and technical contest that would excite fans, particularly given Gunther’s impactful chops and Styles’ ability to sell big strikes convincingly.
Unrealized Singles Contest Against CM Punk
Although Styles and CM Punk briefly crossed paths in a triple threat match on RAW, fans have never witnessed a one-on-one confrontation between these two veterans in WWE. They previously wrestled in Ring of Honor more than 20 years ago, but a modern singles match could be an extraordinary showcase. Both men revolutionized wrestling in the 2000s and shattered stereotypes about star size, making a head-to-head bout an eagerly anticipated event.
Opportunities to Elevate Carmelo Hayes
Carmelo Hayes remains a promising talent who could greatly benefit from engaging with AJ Styles in significant feuds before Styles retires. Their one WWE singles match late in 2024 lacked impact, but a serious rivalry could offer Hayes a valuable spotlight. A win over Styles would provide Hayes with momentum and pave the way for his rise within the company.
Reuniting with Roman Reigns for a Singles Bout
Styles and Roman Reigns share undeniable chemistry, last meeting in singles competition during 2016 when they delivered two memorable main event matches for the WWE Championship. Since then, their clashes have been limited to multi-person matches. Given Reigns’ evolution as a performer and his current role as a fan-favorite, a renewed one-on-one encounter could recapture the excitement of their earlier battles and satisfy audiences eager to see them compete again on a big stage.
More Matches to See with Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins and AJ Styles, considered two of WWE’s finest in-ring talents, surprisingly have not faced each other often in singles matches despite being main event staples for nearly a decade. Their 2019 Money in the Bank and 2023 Night of Champions bouts demonstrated their incredible compatibility. With Styles’ retirement approaching, more frequent encounters with Rollins could deliver high-quality matches that fans crave.
Introducing Jacob Fatu as a Fresh Opponent
Jacob Fatu represents a newer presence in WWE who has yet to test himself against Styles in a serious match. Outside a brief encounter during the 2025 Royal Rumble, these two have not squared off. The contrast between their wrestling styles could produce a compelling and fresh dynamic, potentially creating one of Styles’ most intriguing latter-career storylines while shining a light on Fatu before Styles’ departure.
Dream Match Potential with Rey Fenix
AJ Styles and Rey Fenix are considered two of the top performers in the wrestling world, but surprisingly, they have never met inside a WWE ring. With Fenix joining WWE in early 2025, this long-anticipated clash is now possible. While neither may be at the peak of their careers, their combined skill and flair could lead to an electric and memorable contest that fans have wanted for years.
As AJ Styles moves closer to retirement in 2026, these selected matchups represent key opportunities to solidify his legacy and highlight the depth of talent in today’s WWE. Facing established stars like Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins again, while offering a platform to rising names such as Carmelo Hayes and Jacob Fatu, ensures Styles ends his career surrounded by compelling narratives and thrilling in-ring action. Fans will be watching closely to see how WWE orchestrates these dream encounters, which could leave a lasting impact on the wrestling world.
