AJ Styles, the renowned professional wrestler known as The Phenomenal One, has officially retired from WWE after a storied career lasting over two decades. His final match took place at this year’s Royal Rumble, where he lost to Gunther and fulfilled the match stipulation that forced his retirement. Following this, Styles received a heartfelt tribute on WWE Raw on February 23 in Atlanta, Georgia, where he expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his journey. During the segment, The Undertaker made a surprise appearance to announce that AJ Styles will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year.
Despite stepping away from in-ring competition, AJ Styles has moved swiftly into a new venture, launching a podcast entitled The Phenomenally Retro Podcast on his YouTube channel. The show’s debut episode was released recently and is co-hosted by Styles alongside Tony Giles, marking a fresh path for the retired superstar.
Karl Anderson Reflects on AJ Styles’ Retirement From the Ring
Karl Anderson, AJ Styles’ longtime stablemate, has weighed in on the wrestler’s retirement, suggesting it is a definitive end to his in-ring career. Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Anderson shared details from a recent conversation with Styles following the tribute segment on Raw, emphasizing that the decision to retire is final.
“When I looked at him in his eyes after RAW and said I didn’t know if he was going to retire or not, he told me, ‘Dude, I’m too beat up. My neck hurts. My back hurts. And I truly want to help train the next generation.’ And it was like, man, he truly means it. I know he’s going to be able to walk away with his health. He’s hurt and beat up like we all are, but the fact that he can still walk, still be a dad, and still move around, I think he’s happy he’s able to get out while he can, on his own terms,” Anderson said.
While some fans had hoped for a possible return to wrestling at some point, Anderson’s remarks reinforce that Styles is focused on preserving his health and contributing to the wrestling world by mentoring upcoming talent.
AJ Styles’ Wrestling Legacy and New Endeavors
AJ Styles’ wrestling career began in the early 2000s with WCW and saw steady growth through his time in NWA and TNA, where he became a fan favorite. He also gained international acclaim wrestling for New Japan Pro Wrestling before joining WWE in 2016. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation for phenomenal in-ring skills and consistency.
Now retired, Styles is channeling his energy into producing content for fans through his podcast. By delving into wrestling history and connecting with audiences alongside Tony Giles, Styles is carving out a new platform that allows him to stay involved in the industry while avoiding the physical demands of performing.
The Future Implications of AJ Styles’ Retirement
AJ Styles stepping away from active competition marks the end of an era for professional wrestling, especially given his influence across multiple major promotions. His focus on health and mentorship suggests a shift toward nurturing the next generation of wrestlers, which could shape the industry’s future talent pool. Additionally, his podcast venture may broaden his presence beyond the ring, allowing fans to engage with his insights and stories.
As Styles prepares for the Hall of Fame induction later this year, his ongoing projects signal that, although his wrestling days have concluded, his impact on the wrestling community will continue in new and meaningful ways.
