AJ Styles has hinted that his upcoming match at SummerSlam might be the final one of his career at WWE’s annual summer event. Speaking during the SummerSlam Kickoff show on Friday, Styles underscored the significance of his bout against Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio, signaling a potential farewell to SummerSlam appearances.
“If I’m being honest with you guys, this may be my last SummerSlam,”
Styles revealed.
“So, I plan on tearing the house down one last time at SummerSlam for you guys.”
The Legacy AJ Styles Leaves Behind at SummerSlam
Should this indeed be AJ Styles final SummerSlam match, it promises to be an emotional and memorable send-off. Styles first made a major impact at SummerSlam in 2016, where he defeated John Cena in what WWE later recognized as the second greatest match in SummerSlam history. This victory helped define Styles’ career within WWE and marked his arrival as a top-tier superstar.
“The match with John Cena set the tone for AJ Styles’ career in the WWE, so SummerSlam is very special to me,”
Styles stated, reflecting on the importance of the event to his journey.
Dominik Mysterio’s Rising Star Amidst Styles’ Potential Farewell
While Styles’ possible departure from SummerSlam might be disappointing for fans, it opens opportunities for Dominik Mysterio, whose status within WWE has been steadily rising over the past year. As Mysterio prepares to defend his Intercontinental Championship against Styles, a victory over AJ could become the defining moment of his career so far.
Adding further momentum, Mysterio is scheduled to compete in Mexico at Lucha Libre AAA’s premier event, Triplemanía, where he will challenge for the Mega Championship. This title win is widely expected to be supported by both WWE and AAA, with plans for Mysterio to bring the championship to WWE’s Raw on Netflix.
The Tradition of Respect in Wrestling Farewells
In wrestling, there is a longstanding tradition that departing superstars respectfully acknowledge those who helped elevate their careers. Vince McMahon addressed this custom following Survivor Series in 1997, saying,
“There’s a time-honored tradition in the wrestling business that when someone is leaving, they show the right amount of respect to the WWF superstars, in this case, who helped make you that superstar. You show the proper respect to the organization that helped you become who you are today.”
—Vince McMahon
Given AJ Styles’ reputation as a respected veteran and the reportedly one-year duration of his WWE contract, it is expected that he will honor this tradition by giving Mysterio a strong showing at SummerSlam and potentially passing the torch.
What This Means for SummerSlam and Beyond
If AJ Styles’ prediction holds true and this SummerSlam marks his final appearance, fans can anticipate an unforgettable match filled with intensity and passion. Delivering a performance comparable to his legendary bout against John Cena could not only cap Styles’ SummerSlam legacy but also elevate Dominik Mysterio’s career to new heights.
Furthermore, should Mysterio secure key victories both at SummerSlam and Triplemanía, it may signal a significant crossover moment between WWE and AAA, benefiting both promotions and adding to Mysterio’s growing acclaim. For now, wrestling fans eagerly await what may be the closing chapter of AJ Styles’ impactful SummerSlam history.
