Reports indicate that 2026 could mark the retirement year for several WWE Superstars, including AJ Styles and Brock Lesnar. Styles is scheduled to face Gunther at the upcoming Royal Rumble in a match where his career is on the line, following a controversial moment involving a missed tap-out on WWE SmackDown in early January.
After the January 12 episode, Styles challenged Gunther for a rematch, agreeing to risk his in-ring career. While AJ Styles’ retirement is not yet official, a loss to Gunther could bring his wrestling journey to an end. Meanwhile, WWE hints suggest that another prominent figure, Shinsuke Nakamura, could also retire soon after Styles at the Royal Rumble event.
Backstage Exchange Points to Possible Retirement for Shinsuke Nakamura
AJ Styles returned to WWE SmackDown last week following an invitation from Nick Aldis as part of the buildup to his career-defining match against Gunther. Subsequently, Styles secured a victory over Shinsuke Nakamura at Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIII.
During a backstage segment on WWE SmackDown, Tama Tonga confronted Nakamura regarding his defeat to Styles, expressing his belief that Nakamura could have won if not for his loss. Tonga then suggested that Nakamura may be ready to follow Styles into retirement.
Nakamura and Styles Share Parallel WWE Journeys Since 2016
AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura both joined WWE in 2016, beginning parallel careers within the Stamford-based organization. Styles signed a multi-year deal in January 2016 and made a surprise entrance in that year’s Royal Rumble match. Nakamura’s arrival was announced in February, with his in-ring debut occurring at NXT TakeOver: Dallas in April.
Given their similar timelines within WWE, Nakamura’s potential retirement soon after Styles would align with their parallel career paths, especially if Styles steps away from wrestling following the Royal Rumble.
Shinsuke Nakamura’s Career Could Be Nearing Its Final Chapter
Since his WWE debut, Nakamura has been regarded as a top performer, delivering strong in-ring displays despite not yet capturing a world championship. Comparable to John Cena, WWE’s creative direction might eventually reward Nakamura with a title win, filling a notable gap in his career achievements.
If such a milestone is reached, Nakamura might feel there is little left to accomplish in professional wrestling, possibly prompting retirement. However, this remains speculative at present, with no official confirmation from WWE or the wrestler himself.
Implications of Potential Retirements for WWE’s Future
The prospect of AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura retiring in 2026 would represent a pivotal moment for WWE, as both superstars have been key figures for over a decade. Styles, known as The Phenomenal One, and Nakamura, The King of Strong Style, have greatly influenced WWE’s landscape.
Should both step away from active competition, WWE may face a transition period requiring new talent to fill the void left by these veterans. Fans and the promotion alike will closely watch the Royal Rumble for confirmation of these career-defining moments.
“AJ Styles made his return to SmackDown last week after an invitation from Nick Aldis for a talk before Styles’ retirement match against Gunther at the Royal Rumble.” – Nick Aldis, WWE Personality
“I believed The King of Strong Style would’ve beaten AJ Styles last week. Maybe it’s time for Nakamura to follow Styles on his way out.” – Tama Tonga, WWE Superstar
Tama Tonga to Shinsuke Nakamura:
“What happened to you? You used to be the man. The King of Strong Style. The Shinsuke I knew would’ve beaten AJ Styles last week.
Maybe it’s time for you to follow him on his way out.”#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/ywPp1AlfUy
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) January 30, 2026
