At the WWE Royal Rumble 2026, AJ Styles appeared to conclude his wrestling career after losing to GUNTHER in what was presented as his retirement match. Yet, after briefly removing his gloves in the ring, Styles chose to put them back on, signaling that “The Phenomenal One” might step inside the squared circle again in the future. This moment suggests there could be more to AJ Styles WWE return plans, whether as an active competitor or in another role.
Possible Roles for AJ Styles After His In-Ring Career
AJ Styles has previously expressed interest in remaining connected to WWE beyond wrestling. One option could see him transition to a backstage role, leveraging his extensive experience to help shape matches and storylines behind the scenes. While he demonstrated that his wrestling skills remain sharp, working as a producer might appeal to Styles as a way to continue contributing without the physical demands of performing live.
If Styles takes on such a position, he could join other former wrestlers from his TNA Wrestling days, like Bobby Roode and Chris Park (also known as Abyss), who have successfully moved into production roles. This would allow him to have a significant influence on WWE’s in-ring product by guiding talent and refining match quality.
What the Future May Hold for AJ Styles and WWE
The possibility of AJ Styles returning in some capacity keeps fans guessing about what lies ahead. Whether he steps back into the ring or focuses on mentoring and producing, his presence would bring valuable insight to WWE’s creative process. His connection with contemporaries and champions like Roman Reigns and CM Punk adds to the potential impact he could have backstage or in a ring return.
The decision to keep his gloves on in the retirement moment hinted at an open door. This moment preserves excitement around Styles’s career trajectory and leaves room for new chapters within WWE, potentially influencing future storylines and events like WrestleMania. For now, fans and WWE observers will be watching closely for any official updates about AJ Styles WWE return plans.
