AJ Styles is preparing for what could be the final chapter of his wrestling career as he faces Gunther in a singles bout at WWE Royal Rumble 2026, scheduled for this Saturday in Saudi Arabia. This highly anticipated match has drawn attention not only for the competition but also because of the possibility it marks the end of the Phenomenal One’s in-ring journey.
Veteran Wrestler Reflects on AJ Styles’ Impact in Wrestling
Luke Gallows, a former WWE Superstar who shared the ring with AJ Styles as part of The O.C. faction, spoke in an interview with Justin Barrasso about the remarkable legacy Styles has built throughout his career. Gallows emphasized Styles’ consistency and influence across the wrestling world, both during his early years and throughout his WWE tenure.
“AJ is the definition of professional wrestling. He belongs in the same category as Hiroshi Tanahashi. It’s really only been the last decade that the WWE audience got to see AJ. There were those 18 years prior. The years in Georgia, putting TNA on his back in an era where they didn’t have a lot of recognizable faces. When the company then became flooded with wrestling superstars, AJ still stood head and shoulders above everybody else. That’s what happened everywhere he went,” he said. [H/T: Justin Barrasso]
Recent WWE Events Leading to the Retirement Match
In a recent match for the World Heavyweight Championship, Styles faced CM Punk, but the contest was disrupted by Finn Balor’s interference, leading to a disqualification. Following the match, Punk expressed reservations about Styles risking his career in the upcoming Royal Rumble encounter with Gunther, highlighting the contentious atmosphere surrounding what could be a pivotal moment for Styles.
AJ Styles Recalls Vince McMahon’s Praise After WrestleMania Victory
AJ Styles also recently recounted his WrestleMania 33 victory over Shane McMahon during an appearance on The Undertaker’s Six Feet Under podcast. Styles shared that Vince McMahon, the former WWE CEO, responded positively to their match, even personally congratulating Shane McMahon for his role in the event.
“Well, I’ll tell you the other guy, too. Shane McMahon. I was like, well, I don’t have to worry about time. That was another. All right, we’re going first. Perfect… Well, I will say this. We kind of tore the house down on that one [WM33]. So Vince didn’t say anything. In fact, he gave him a hug, so he must have done something right. So yeah, I’ve seen it with my own eyes.”
What the Future Holds for AJ Styles Post-Royal Rumble
As Styles prepares to face Gunther at WWE Royal Rumble 2026, fans and colleagues alike are watching closely to see if the Phenomenal One will secure another victory or if this match will mark his retirement from professional wrestling. Given his lasting influence from the early TNA days to WWE’s main events, this moment may hold significant weight for the wrestling community worldwide. The outcome could signal a closing chapter in the career of one of the sport’s most respected performers.
AJ Styles vs Shane McMahon
WrestleMania 33Great opener that exceeded expectations pic.twitter.com/j8DXe5xzPP
— Vick (@Vick_8122) March 15, 2024
