Four days after AJ Styles, known as “The Phenomenal One,” officially retired from professional wrestling, he revealed some of the matches he wishes he had taken before retiring. Throughout a remarkable 27-year career, Styles became a two-time WWE Champion and entertained fans with relentless action. Despite expectations that he might join AEW and face some of its top stars, Styles confirmed his retirement following his recent match with GUNTHER at the Royal Rumble.
Unfulfilled Matches with AEW’s Prominent Bout Performers
AJ Styles shared on the Talk’n Shop podcast with friends including Frankie Kazarian and The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson) that he missed chances to wrestle some notable AEW figures. He particularly singled out Penta, stating,
“Penta’s up there. Just because I never had the opportunity to do it, you know, and he’s such a great guy. He’s so good. I would love to been able to do that.”
Styles also mentioned Rey Fenix as another wrestler he hoped to compete against, adding,
“Rey’s definitely another one I wish I would have been able to get in the ring with. Those guys are freaking…they’re so good.”
Recognition Awaits Beyond the Ring
While AJ Styles looks back with some regret on these missed in-ring encounters, his retirement opens a new chapter. Recently, it was announced that he will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026 alongside Stephanie McMahon. This honor acknowledges his remarkable contributions to wrestling and cements his legacy within the industry.
The End of an Era and Future Prospects
AJ Styles’s decision to retire after nearly three decades of wrestling closes a significant chapter in sports entertainment. Although fans and peers may feel the loss of matches that could have been, his reflections highlight a career filled with high achievements and memorable moments. As he prepares for his Hall of Fame induction, Styles’s influence on wrestling remains evident, and his reflections on missed AEW clashes underscore how crossing paths between top stars can shape legacies.
