AJ Styles has officially retired from professional wrestling following his loss to Gunther at the Royal Rumble event held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Despite his hesitation to leave his wrestling gear in the ring, it has been confirmed that Styles is stepping away from in-ring competition for good.
Originally, Styles had announced in 2025 that he planned to retire in 2026, leading fans to believe he would take the entire year as a farewell tour similar to John Cena’s final run. Instead, Styles ended his wrestling career abruptly in January 2026 after the decisive match against Gunther.
Speculation Surrounding AJ Styles’ Future Outside WWE
Following the retirement announcement, rumors circulated about Styles potentially signing with another wrestling promotion such as AEW or TNA to continue competing. Industry chatter suggested Tony Khan might offer Styles a lucrative contract, possibly the largest of his career.
However, Fightful journalist Sean Ross Sapp publicly denied these reports, stating,
“There are no credible rumors stating this at this point https://t.co/M8lPIKsl3F”
?Sean Ross Sapp, Fightful.com
This clarification puts the speculation about a move to AEW or elsewhere to rest for now.
Gunther Challenges AJ Styles’ Legacy During WWE Raw Appearance
Gunther, who ended Styles’ wrestling career, made a provocative appearance on WWE Raw following the Royal Rumble. He entered the arena playing Styles’ entrance music to mock him, showing clear disrespect to the retired star.
In response, Styles’ former tag team partner Dragon Lee confronted Gunther, only to be attacked with a ring bell and subdued by Gunther’s signature chokehold. This confrontation intensified the tension between Gunther and Styles’ allies.
Ongoing Turbulence Among WWE Stars After Royal Rumble
The post-Royal Rumble period has been marked by significant unrest within WWE, highlighted by betrayals and confrontations. Liv Morgan shocked fans by betraying her Judgment Day partner to claim the Royal Rumble victory.
Additionally, former champions and top performers are facing uncertain futures: one ex-Universal Champion reportedly struggles to fit into WWE’s current plans, while Becky Lynch has missed critical programming due to what was described as an “emergency meeting.”
Meanwhile, Jey Uso engaged in heated exchanges with WWE fans, adopting a villainous stance that further fuels ongoing friction in the roster.
Impending Transitions Among WWE Leadership and Veteran Wrestlers
Behind the scenes, WWE is preparing for major shifts in leadership and talent. Triple H, who has held the role of Chief Content Officer since September 2022, is expected to depart the company in 2026. This change signals a forthcoming era of transformation in WWE’s creative direction.
In the ring, rumors circulate about canceled dream feuds after injuries sidelined top stars from potential clashes with John Cena, underscoring the fragile nature of wrestling storylines. Moreover, a ten-time WWE Champion has confirmed retirement, joining Styles in stepping away permanently from wrestling competition.
The Broader Impact of AJ Styles’ Retirement on Wrestling Fans and Industry
AJ Styles’ sudden retirement has left fans and professionals alike grappling with the abrupt end of a beloved career. While speculation about his next moves persists, the official denial of AEW contract offers highlights the complex dynamics of wrestler retirements and contract negotiations.
The actions of Gunther and other WWE stars following the Royal Rumble suggest ongoing storylines crafted to intensify rivalries, keeping audiences engaged despite the absence of icons like Styles. As WWE prepares for leadership transitions and talent returns, the wrestling world braces for a new chapter marked by both uncertainty and fresh opportunities.
There are no credible rumors stating this at this point https://t.co/M8lPIKsl3F
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) February 2, 2026
