During tonight’s AEW Dynamite, a major tribute was paid to WWE icon AJ Styles, who officially retired earlier this year following a Career Threatening match loss to Gunther at the Royal Rumble. The tribute acknowledged Styles’ immense influence on wrestling and celebrated his legendary career as fans and wrestlers alike reflected on his legacy.
While rumors about Styles possibly wrestling in AEW have circulated, he has firmly indicated that he intends to remain retired. His decision marks the end of an era for many fans who admired his skills over the past decade, although his inspiration continues to resonate through younger talent.
Exciting Opening Match Highlights AEW Championship Battle
The show’s opening contest featured MJF defending the AEW World Championship against Kevin Knight. Both athletes showcased incredible agility and precision throughout the match. Knight, who is part of the AEW World Trios Champions, came close to victory, but MJF cleverly disrupted the referee during a critical moment, preventing the pin and securing the win.
At one point, Kevin Knight executed an over-the-top-rope clothesline on MJF near the commentary desk—a move famously used by AJ Styles earlier in his career. This action served as a subtle but memorable homage to Styles, reinforcing his enduring influence on current performers in AEW.
AJ Styles Confirms He Will Not Return to Wrestling
Recently inducted into this year’s Hall of Fame, AJ Styles spoke openly during a Talk’N Shop segment about his retirement. He emphasized that his decision is firm and personal, countering speculation that WWE’s Hall of Fame induction was intended to prevent him from joining AEW rings.
“So everybody wants to say, ‘Oh! WWE put him in the Hall of Fame so he couldn’t go to AEW.’ Guys, I’m retired from wrestling in the ring. Like, that’s all this is. I make my own choices. I was ready. There’s a time where, you know, I’ve said this before, and I think Nattie put it in her book, where she talks about, you know, staying at the table too long, like you got to beat the house,” he said.
Styles’ statement suggests he feels his in-ring career reached its natural conclusion, though fans remain hopeful that he might reconsider in the distant future. For now, his retirement tribute and ongoing respect from wrestlers and fans underscore his lasting footprint on professional wrestling.
WHAT A LEAP TO THE OUTSIDE BY @JET2FLYY!
Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/NWinY3oWJN
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 5, 2026
