AJ Styles appears to be nearing the end of his in-ring career, sparking discussions about his future within WWE. Earlier this month, he posted an image of an hourglass nearly empty on social media, hinting at his retirement or a forthcoming change involving his WWE contract. In an interview with Tokyo Sports, Styles confirmed plans to retire within the next year, suggesting that WWE’s upcoming tour in Japan could mark his final matches there.
Details on Retirement Timeline and Future Roles
Styles has not specified an exact retirement date for 2026 but acknowledged that his exit from active competition is likely. He mentioned the possibility of staying with WWE in a non-wrestling capacity, such as training upcoming talent. Addressing his career’s closing chapter, Styles said,
“I’ll probably be at WrestleMania [42 next April], but it’s not confirmed yet. Details are undecided, but retiring within the next year is certain,”
AJ Styles stated. He explained further,
“I don’t want to expose the ‘not-AJ-Styles version of myself’ to the fans. That’s the main reason. I decided to retire before my body stops working.”
Upcoming Matches and Significance of Japanese Appearances
On October 11, Styles is set to face John Cena at Crown Jewel: Perth, a high-profile match that could be one of his last. Shortly after, WWE will hold house shows at Sumo Hall in Tokyo on October 17-18, appearances that Styles believes might be his final opportunity to wrestle in Japan. He expressed his feelings about the tour, saying,
“I’m really excited. I think this will probably be my last match in Japan, so I’m really looking forward to it,”
and added,
“I plan to retire soon, and I might not come back to Japan [again] before that.”
Legacy of a Champion Across Global Wrestling Promotions
AJ Styles, 48, boasts a storied career, having held World Championship titles across WWE, TNA, and NJPW. His decision to retire signals the end of an era for a wrestler who has been a prominent figure in international wrestling circles. His transition from active competition to potential mentoring roles could influence the future generation of WWE athletes.
