WWE star AJ Styles might be stepping away from wrestling following his upcoming match against Gunther at this weekend’s Royal Rumble. The bout was set after a heated confrontation where Styles challenged Gunther for disrespecting WWE legend John Cena after Cena’s final match, leading to a high-stakes rematch with Styles’ career on the line if he loses.
On a recent episode of RAW, Styles fought Gunther again after a prior match where Gunther forced Styles to tap out but the referee missed it, allowing Gunther to ultimately secure a clean pinfall. Following this, AJ accepted the conditions for a rematch, with the stipulation that a defeat would mean retirement from in-ring competition.
Tributes Highlight AJ Styles’ Enduring Impact
During the same RAW episode, WWE star Big E honored AJ Styles, emphasizing the consistency and skill Styles has maintained throughout his career. Big E praised Styles’ ongoing athleticism and technical proficiency despite his age, expressing hope that Styles’ tenure on RAW was not coming to an immediate end.
“If this is it, we’re not seeing a diminished version of AJ Styles. We never saw a diminished version. I don’t even think he missed a beat a little bit,” Big E said.
Big E further acknowledged Styles’ dedication to physical care and his remarkable ability to perform at a high level well into his late 40s. He described Styles as one of the most technically gifted wrestlers, whose creativity, explosiveness, and skill have shaped the industry significantly.
“And the thing is, he could go into his 50s. I really think so. With the way he takes care of his body, he still has the same athleticism he had when I first was in the ring with him a decade ago. His run is really, truly remarkable. To be at his age in his late 40s and to still be so crisp. If this was indeed his last RAW, what a run. What an incredible run. I know we’re not here eulogizing him yet. I know he still has that opportunity to beat Gunther and keep competing in his career. But man, truly the best guy from a technical standpoint I’ve ever been in the ring with. The blend of explosiveness, of creativity, of technical, he just has it all, truly has it all. And a guy that really shaped the industry in such a beautiful way.”
Recent RAW Match Featuring AJ Styles and CM Punk
This past week’s RAW also featured a significant moment with AJ Styles facing off against CM Punk in a match that took place for the first time in WWE. The rivalry was built during the opening segment, where mutual respect mixed with competitive urge, as Punk acknowledged Styles’ potential retirement at the Royal Rumble and expressed a desire to face Styles at least once before that.
The encounter quickly escalated into a title match between Styles and Punk. However, the bout concluded without a winner after Finn Balor interrupted by attacking CM Punk, leading the match to end in a no-contest.
Implications for AJ Styles and WWE’s Future Storylines
The possible retirement of AJ Styles marks a critical juncture in WWE storylines, leaving fans eager to see how the Royal Rumble match against Gunther will unfold. Styles’ legacy as a technically superior and creative wrestler has earned him praise from peers like Big E, indicating that his departure would be a significant moment in WWE history.
If Styles is forced to retire, it could signal the end of an era while opening doors for new rivalries and championships. Meanwhile, the unresolved conflict stirred by Finn Balor’s interference adds further suspense to WWE’s ongoing narratives.
Big E discusses AJ Styles’ work and legacy heading into what could be his final match at the Royal Rumble:
“If this is it, we're not seeing a diminished version of AJ Styles. We never saw a diminished version. I don't even think he missed a beat a little bit.
There was some… pic.twitter.com/ULAgObioYS
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) January 28, 2026
