In the lead-up to his retirement at the 2026 Royal Rumble, AJ Styles shared the ring one last time with Shinsuke Nakamura, a longtime friend and rival. This final encounter held deep significance for Styles, as he aimed to surpass the reception of their earlier WWE match and create a lasting memory for both fans and competitors.
Redemption and Respect: The Final Showdown
Styles recalled the match with Nakamura at Saturday Night’s Main Event as a standout moment in his later career.
“Let’s talk about the most recent favorite. Shinsuke Nakamura and myself had an unbelievable match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. I’m probably proud of that match because I know a lot of people didn’t like the first one we had in WWE, so I think we made up for it,”
Styles said, highlighting the emotional weight behind the bout. Their prior clash at WrestleMania 34 ended with Styles retaining the WWE Championship, followed by Nakamura’s surprise heel turn involving a low blow and his signature Kinshasa strike. This latest match reflected mutual respect, with both wrestlers delivering their trademark moves and Styles earning the victory once again via the Styles Clash.
Other Memorable Matches at the End of AJ Styles’ WWE Journey
Beyond his rematch with Nakamura, Styles spoke fondly of his recent contests with John Cena and CM Punk, appreciating the opportunity to face such iconic opponents late in his career.
“The match with John Cena at Crown Jewel in Australia. Man, I’m so glad I got to wrestle that guy. Punk, having that match with him. There are a lot of matches that I didn’t think I’d have the opportunity to have at the end of my career and was able to pull off some unbelievable matches and unbelievable moments,”
he shared.
Looking Ahead: The Significance of AJ Styles’ Final WWE Match
AJ Styles’ final WWE match against Shinsuke Nakamura not only symbolized the closing of an era but also underscored the value of redemption and lasting friendships in professional wrestling. With this concluding chapter marked by respect and memorable moments, Styles leaves a legacy celebrated for its resilience and passion. As the WWE Universe reflects on his career, the moments captured in his final matches will continue to resonate, inspiring both fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
