WWE Superstar AJ Styles has announced his intention to retire in 2026, sparking widespread discussion about his future beyond the ring. With nearly ten years of experience in WWE and a high-profile match against John Cena set for Crown Jewel later this year, AJ Styles retirement plans have become a hot topic among wrestling fans.
AJ Styles’ Career and Upcoming WWE Milestones
AJ Styles, widely recognized as The Phenomenal One, has been a dominant figure in WWE, capturing multiple championships and participating in some of the company’s biggest storylines. Earlier this year, he signed a one-year contract extension that will last until approximately February 2026. Fans eagerly anticipate his match with John Cena at Crown Jewel, which adds to the excitement surrounding his final years in WWE.
Following this contract, Styles has shown openness to wrestling with other organizations, fueling speculation about his potential move to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) once his WWE tenure concludes. Enthusiasts of sports entertainment have already started imagining dream matches for him in AEW, further intensifying curiosity about his next steps.
Retirement Announcement and Thoughts on WrestleMania 42
Recently, AJ Styles surprised the wrestling community by confirming his plan to retire in 2026. In discussing his decision, he expressed uncertainty about participating in WrestleMania 42. His motivation stems from a desire for fans to remember him at his best, rather than seeing an unfit or diminished version of his abilities as his career winds down.
AJ Styles’ Plans After Leaving In-Ring Competition
AJ Styles has been one of WWE’s most consistent and skilled performers, showing dedication to the craft over many years. When asked about his future post-retirement during an interview with Tokyo Sports, he hinted at remaining within the sports entertainment industry in a developmental role.
“I’ve decided to retire before my body can no longer move. I haven’t decided yet, but I think I’ll probably work for WWE. It might be good to train young wrestlers to be worthy of being on the main roster, but I don’t know yet,” he said. ?AJ Styles, WWE Superstar
This suggests AJ Styles could contribute by mentoring emerging wrestlers, helping prepare them for the rigors of main roster competition. Whether he pursues this path exclusively within WWE or explores opportunities elsewhere remains uncertain.
Speculation Surrounding a Potential AEW Move
AJ Styles retirement plans have naturally led to rumors that he might join AEW after leaving WWE. AEW’s growing prominence and style have attracted several former WWE performers, and fans have eagerly discussed potential matchups that could feature Styles in the new promotion. Despite that, AJ has not confirmed any decisions about joining AEW, leaving room for ongoing speculation.
The wrestling community remains on alert for announcements, eagerly awaiting further clarity on whether AJ Styles will continue working backstage or if he will take his talents to Jacksonville-based AEW, which has become a vibrant alternative to WWE.
Why AJ Styles’ Retirement Matters to the Wrestling World
The announcement of AJ Styles’ retirement marks the end of an era for a highly respected athlete whose career has spanned multiple decades and promotions. His choice to retire while still in peak condition reinforces the value he places on quality performances. His potential move into training young wrestlers could have lasting impacts on WWE’s future talent pool.
With his contract ending in early 2026 and his final matches approaching, AJ Styles’ decisions in the next year will significantly shape his legacy. Whether fans will see him in WWE rings once more or witness his transition behind the scenes or elsewhere remains a critical story within the landscape of professional wrestling.
AJ Styles reveals he plans to retire in 2026:
“I will probably appear at WrestleMania 42, but it's not confirmed yet. The details are still undecided, but I will definitely retire within the next year. I don't want to show my fans a side of me that isn't AJ Styles. That's the… pic.twitter.com/3EbUJW5VDz
— Drainmaker (@DrainBamager) September 25, 2025
