AJ Styles is set to compete against Gunther at WWE’s Royal Rumble event on Saturday, January 31st, with his career stakes reportedly on the line. Although Styles has publicly acknowledged plans to retire this year, he has not confirmed an exact retirement date. His WWE contract is scheduled to end shortly after the Royal Rumble, leading many to expect that this weekend’s match will mark his departure from the company. However, a recent promo on Monday Night RAW has sparked debate about whether Styles might continue wrestling beyond WWE.
Unexpected Implications from Styles’ Raw Promo
During the opening segment of RAW, Styles spoke about his impending bout with Gunther until CM Punk interrupted, leading to an agreement for a World Heavyweight Championship match later in the show. Still, one comment by Styles before this confrontation caught fans’ attention. The 48-year-old said,
Gunther claims he’s gonna end my WWE career at the Royal Rumble.
This remark has led to speculation that Styles might view the Royal Rumble as only the end of a chapter rather than the conclusion of his entire wrestling journey.
Before his match with Gunther was announced, insider reports suggested industry insiders expected Styles to wrestle once more, potentially returning to Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA). Sports Illustrated writer Jon Alba shared his long-standing belief that Styles will continue his wrestling career outside WWE after his departure. Alba stated,
I’ve been saying on Patreon for more than a year that I believed AJ will work outside of WWE after he leaves, even if briefly.
Possible Post-WWE Path Points Toward AEW
The general consensus among analysts and fans is that if Styles continues wrestling beyond the Royal Rumble and leaves WWE, a run in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is the most likely destination. Styles has connections with AEW stars like The Young Bucks and had previously been in talks with AEW’s owner, Tony Khan, before opting to renew his WWE contract. This history fuels rumors about a potential AEW future.
Minimal Likelihood of a Surprise Move to AEW
Following his retirement announcement last year, some fans encouraged Styles to join AEW, hoping for a high-profile transition to the rival promotion. Styles dismissed the notion that he stayed with WWE solely for financial reasons, responding skeptically to that suggestion. October reports from Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp indicated there is a “very slim chance” of Styles jumping to AEW soon. The reports described Styles as comfortable with his current WWE schedule and satisfied with his role, not seeking a final dramatic switch.
Since his WWE debut in 2016 at the Royal Rumble, AJ Styles has become one of the company’s prominent wrestlers. He is a two-time WWE World Champion and a Triple Crown Winner, solidifying his legacy in the sports entertainment world.
Future Uncertainty Adds Tension Around AJ Styles’ Career
The ambiguity surrounding AJ Styles’ retirement plans and the implications of his recent RAW promo have created unease among fans and industry insiders. While his contract is set to expire soon, the possibility of Styles continuing to perform, potentially outside WWE, remains open. This ongoing uncertainty adds a layer of tension as the wrestling world waits to see if the Royal Rumble will be the final chapter of Styles’ WWE career or if he will pursue new opportunities afterward.
I’ve been saying on Patreon for more than a year that I believed AJ will work outside of WWE after he leaves, even if briefly. https://t.co/jq51GTIF9D
— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) January 27, 2026
