AJ Styles appeared to wrestle his final WWE match at the 2026 Royal Rumble, yet the veteran superstar hinted that his career might not be completely over. During an interview with Stephanie McMahon on the February 5, 2026 episode of What’s Your Story?, Styles addressed the meaning behind his subtle gesture of nearly removing his gloves after losing to GUNTHER, leaving fans wondering if a return could be on the horizon.
Open-Ended Response on Future in Wrestling
When asked about the significance of his near-removal of gloves, Styles offered an intentionally ambiguous reply, stating,
“I don’t know.”
McMahon reminded Styles that in professional wrestling, retirement often isn’t permanent, noting,
“Because you know, this is wrestling—the door is always open.”
Responding to this, Styles expressed the idea that wrestlers should have the option to return for at least one match, although he stopped short of committing to any immediate comeback.
“I know. Never say never, that’s the saying. I think everyone should be allowed, at least once, to come out of retirement for a match. I’m not saying I’ll do it anytime soon.”
Dream of Tagging with His Son Inspires Hope for a Future Match
Styles further revealed that the only circumstance that might truly lure him back would involve a personal milestone—teaming up for a match with his son, should his child pursue wrestling. This prospect appeared to be a meaningful factor in whether he might lace up his boots again.
“I mean, what if my son wrestles someday? The opportunity to tag with him just once? You never know. So there will be a time when the gloves never go back on—and that time might be now. But we’ll see.”
Confirming Contract Conclusion and Retirement Status
Reports from Fightful Select have verified that AJ Styles’ WWE contract is set to expire in February 2026, marking the end of his in-ring career on his own terms. Insiders from WWE confirmed that the company would welcome his return at any time, but Styles had been contemplating retirement for years. After the Royal Rumble, Triple H announced publicly that Styles had personally informed him he was finished competing inside the ring.
“he’s done with the in-ring part.”
Legacy and Possible Future Moments in WWE
AJ Styles leaves behind a distinguished career recognized among wrestling’s elite performers. Though his matches with WWE may have concluded, the lingering possibility of one final appearance, especially a special tag match alongside his son, keeps fans hopeful that Styles might yet return to WWE’s squared circle. Whether this happens remains uncertain, but that small sign of putting on gloves again suggests the Phenomenal One has not fully closed the chapter on his wrestling journey.
