AJ Styles stunned wrestling enthusiasts ahead of WWE SummerSlam by revealing that this year could mark his final appearance at the event. This announcement sparked widespread speculation about his potential retirement from professional wrestling within the next year, prompting fans and insiders to consider who might serve as AJ Styles final WWE opponent options for his ultimate match.
As the focus remains on John Cena’s approaching retirement, WWE appears poised to bid farewell to another extraordinary competitor. Known as one of the best in-ring performers in history, AJ Styles deserves an unforgettable send-off. Consequently, WWE must thoughtfully select the right opponent to provide Styles with a fitting conclusion to his illustrious career.
CM Punk: A Storyline Rich in Potential
CM Punk’s career spans from 2005 to 2014, with a recent return in 2023. His list of accomplishments includes two WWE Championship reigns, three World Heavyweight Championships, and several other titles such as Intercontinental, ECW, and World Tag Team Championships. While Punk and Styles share limited history, primarily from their Ring of Honor and independent circuit days, WWE now has the chance to craft a major storyline between the two.
Creating a retirement feud between AJ Styles and CM Punk would evoke strong emotions from fans, as Punk is renowned for building compelling and immersive narratives. This matchup could serve as a memorable main event for Styles, ensuring he closes his chapter on a high note.
Despite both wrestlers not being at their absolute peak physical pace, their combined in-ring skill would still deliver a spectacular encounter. Fans have long desired to see these two stars clash on WWE’s grandest stages, making such a match a meaningful and highly anticipated final chapter in Styles’ career.
John Cena: A Fitting Rival for a Farewell Match
John Cena, an active competitor since 2000, holds an impressive record including 14 WWE Championship reigns, three World Heavyweight Championships, five United States Championships, and multiple tag team titles. If AJ Styles plans to retire before year’s end, John Cena stands out as an ideal opponent for the retirement match.
Both men have a longstanding rivalry, making their potential final bout a compelling narrative of respect and competition. Reigniting this feud with a storyline built around parallel retirements would offer wrestling fans an emotional and intense experience, spotlighting both legends simultaneously.
Although replicating the energy from their previous encounters poses challenges, the anticipation and significance would undoubtedly captivate audiences. Staging this match soon would allow Styles to enjoy a grand finale, placing the spotlight squarely on his legacy.
Trick Williams: A New Generation Meets a Legend
Since 2021, Trick Williams has emerged as a promising WWE Superstar, boasting credentials including two NXT Championship reigns, the North American Championship, and a reign as TNA World Champion. An innovative retirement match concept would see AJ Styles return to the Impact Zone, where he first rose to prominence, and face Williams for his final bout.
Given WWE’s evolving relationship with TNA, this scenario is more feasible than ever. Featuring a current WWE talent like Trick Williams as Styles’ opponent ties together Styles’ career origins with his final moments, creating a meaningful and symbolic event.
Even if the match takes place on WWE television rather than in the Impact Zone, a championship contest involving Williams would represent a full-circle celebration of Styles’ career. Such a farewell would honor his impact across both promotions and highlight the next generation poised to build on his legacy.
Finn Balor: Renewing a Bullet Club Rivalry
AJ Styles and Finn Balor share a deep connection through their leadership roles within the iconic Bullet Club faction. Balor, active in WWE since 2014, has earned titles such as Universal Champion, two NXT Championships, two Intercontinental Championships, and multiple tag team championships across various WWE brands.
With Styles currently involved in a storyline against The Judgment Day, pitting him against Balor would be a natural and captivating progression. This feud, already brewing on WWE programming, could culminate in a poignant farewell match.
Even if WWE opts to postpone Balor’s eventual retirement, he remains a compelling choice for Styles’ send-off thanks to their proven in-ring chemistry. A showdown between these two would offer the hard-hitting, technical wrestling that Styles deserves for his concluding contest.
Bron Breakker: Passing the Torch to WWE’s Future
Bron Breakker, a rising star active since 2021, holds multiple championships including two NXT titles, an NXT Tag Team Championship, and two Intercontinental Championships. WWE frequently uses retirement storylines to elevate emerging talent, and Breakker fits this role perfectly.
Having recently worked with Styles, the two share strong chemistry in the ring, promising a thrilling match that could close out Styles’ career with high intensity. This scenario would not only celebrate Styles’ achievements but also propel Breakker further up the WWE hierarchy.
While it may not be a title bout, defeating a legend like Styles would be a significant milestone for Breakker, marking a major career highlight and providing a powerful storyline boost.
AJ Styles’ plans for retirement place WWE at a crossroads, with several compelling options for his final opponent. Whether it is rekindling a rivalry with CM Punk or John Cena, returning to his roots against Trick Williams, revisiting Bullet Club ties with Finn Balor, or helping usher in a new era with Bron Breakker, Styles’ send-off promises to be memorable and impactful. The chosen opponent will shape how one of wrestling’s greatest performers exits the stage, wrapping his story with the respect and drama his career demands.
