At the 2026 WWR Royal Rumble, Gunther defeated AJ Styles in what appeared to be The Phenomenal One’s final match, sparking intense discussion about his retirement status. Although Styles had announced plans to retire sometime in 2026, few anticipated it would occur as early as January.
Following the match, AJ removed his gloves and placed them in the center of the ring, a traditional gesture symbolizing retirement. However, he put the gloves back on before exiting the ring, leaving fans uncertain whether he was retiring from WWE alone or stepping away from professional wrestling entirely. This ambiguous moment fueled widespread speculation about his future.
Expert Assessment on Whether AJ Styles Retired From Wrestling or WWE Only
On the Notsam Wrestling podcast, Sam Roberts analyzed the situation, stating that fans’ hopes for AJ’s return stem from their reluctance to see him retire completely. Roberts believes AJ Styles has concluded his wrestling career for good, not just his tenure with WWE.
Roberts also ruled out the possibility of Styles joining AEW or TNA. He emphasized that since TNA is currently affiliated with WWE, a move there would offer no benefit to WWE, and renewing AJ’s WWE contract would be preferable if wrestling continuation were intended.
“I think people are speculating wildly on whether or not this is the end of AJ Styles, whether or not he’s going to be able to come back. I think that part of that speculation is based around the fact that people don’t want him to be done, that people want him to still be wrestling. But the fact is, in my opinion, I think AJ’s done. I don’t think AJ’s going to wrestle again. I don’t think AJ’s going to wrestle in TNA. I don’t think AJ’s going to wrestle in AEW. I think AJ Styles has retired from wrestling. The AJ Styles versus Gunther match was presented very differently than, say Edge’s last match. Edge’s last match in the WWE just kind of snuck up on us. We didn’t even know it was going to be his last match and there it goes. I don’t think AJ Styles is going to wrestle in TNA because TNA is a partner of WWE and why would that benefit WWE? Why would WWE take somebody like make him into a serious draw to the point that people desperately want to see him wrestle between now and all the way up to and including Wrestlemania and then put that on a different show.”
Roberts highlighted how AJ Styles’ farewell was distinctly handled compared to other retirements like Edge’s, which came unexpectedly. This deliberate presentation further suggests that Styles’ in-ring career has reached its conclusion.
Context on AJ Styles’ Career and the Wrestling Landscape
AJ Styles has long been one of professional wrestling’s most acclaimed performers, with a career spanning multiple major promotions including WWE. His impactful style and memorable matches have earned him a devoted fanbase, making his retirement a significant moment in the industry.
Given current affiliations between WWE and TNA, as well as WWE’s focus on keeping top talent exclusive, speculation about Styles joining rival promotions such as AEW has been firmly dismissed by experts. This points to a clear end to his wrestling journey rather than a shift to another company.
Recent WWE Storylines and Developments at Royal Rumble 2026
The 2026 Royal Rumble event not only marked AJ Styles’ closing chapter but also set the stage for upcoming high-profile conflicts within WWE. The company teased two potential blockbuster rivalries during the event, capturing the audience’s interest for Wrestlemania and beyond.
Notable WWE figures such as CM Punk reacted visibly to new talent’s debut, while stars like Nikki Bella generated off-screen media buzz with personal revelations. Additionally, veterans including Brock Lesnar and Jimmy Uso made impactful appearances that contributed to the event’s dramatic atmosphere.
Younger wrestlers like Royce Keys used their Royal Rumble moments to position themselves for future storylines, indicating the ongoing evolution of WWE’s roster. Meanwhile, Liv Morgan celebrated her first Royal Rumble win, representing a major milestone for rising stars.
What AJ Styles’ Retirement Means for Wrestling’s Future
AJ Styles stepping away from the ring leaves a substantial void in professional wrestling, considering his skill and widespread popularity. His departure may shift the dynamics within WWE and the broader wrestling community, as fans and fellow wrestlers recognize the impact of his career’s end.
WWE is expected to continue building fresh narratives around newer talents while honoring Styles’ contributions. The company’s strategic moves following this retirement could influence how they maintain fan interest and competitive momentum moving forward.
For longtime fans and peers alike, AJ Styles’ retirement closes a remarkable era but also underscores the evolving landscape of wrestling entertainment in 2026. While his in-ring journey concludes, his legacy is likely to inspire wrestlers and supporters for years to come.
