A recent update has surfaced regarding the WWE future of AJ Styles following his retirement match at last week’s Royal Rumble event. Although Styles formally lost to GUNTHER, triggering his retirement from in-ring competition, questions remain about whether this marks the end of his WWE tenure or just his wrestling career within the company.
The Outcome of the Royal Rumble and Its Implications
On the previous Saturday, AJ Styles faced GUNTHER in a match that forced him to retire according to the storyline rules. Despite this, skepticism lingers in the wrestling community, as retirements in this industry often serve as transitions rather than definitive endings. Fans are unsure if Styles’ retirement signifies a complete end to his wrestling days or merely the conclusion of his WWE chapter, leaving open the possibility of appearances in other promotions.
Adding to the speculation, Styles recently shared his perspective during an interview on Stephanie McMahon’s WWE podcast, noting that wrestlers traditionally have the option to come out of retirement once. While he acknowledged this possibility for himself, he clarified that no immediate plans are in place for a return to the ring.
What AJ Styles’ Podcast Appearance Indicates About His WWE Relationship
The fact that WWE granted Styles a platform on Stephanie McMahon’s official show is significant. Given WWE’s generally cautious approach toward talent potentially departing for rival companies such as AEW, this move suggests that Styles remains in good standing with WWE and is unlikely to announce a switch soon. His respectful and measured comments on the podcast support the idea that he views his retirement more as a pause than a full stop.
Commemorating AJ Styles’ Top WWE Career Highlights
Continuing this tone, WWE released a list celebrating AJ Styles’ top 25 moments over his decade-long career with the company. While not an official statement on his status, this tribute highlights WWE’s appreciation for Styles’ contributions and hints at a healthy ongoing relationship. The highlights include major victories, championship wins, and memorable encounters that define his legacy within the promotion.
The list features the following key moments:
- Winning the WWE World Championship from Dean Ambrose
- Defeating John Cena at SummerSlam 2016
- Making his WWE debut at Royal Rumble 2016
- Claiming the WWE Championship from Jinder Mahal
- Performing a Super 450 Splash on Dean Ambrose through a table
- Beating John Cena at Money in the Bank 2016 with assistance from The Good Brothers
- Landing the Phenomenal Forearm on Roman Reigns through the announce table
- Winning against Shane McMahon at WrestleMania 33
- Retaining the WWE Championship in a multi-competitor match at Fastlane 2018
- Securing a last man standing victory over Shinsuke Nakamura at Money in the Bank 2018
- Participating in the WrestleMania 36 boneyard match against The Undertaker in a casket
- Winning the United States Championship from Kevin Owens at Madison Square Garden
- Receiving a special introduction from John Cena at Crown Jewel 2025
- Notching his first WWE victory over Chris Jericho
- Delivering an emotional farewell at Royal Rumble 2026
- Executing a second-rope Styles Clash on Samir Singh onto Sunil Singh
- Winning against Shinsuke Nakamura at WrestleMania 34
- Building tension with The Undertaker ahead of their WrestleMania 36 boneyard match
- Capturing the Intercontinental Championship from Daniel Bryan
- Becoming a Grand Slam Champion by winning the Raw Tag Team Championship with Omos
- Making GUNTHER submit
- Winning the SmackDown battle royal in 2017
- Claiming the World Tag Team Championship with Dragon Lee
- Retaining the WWE Championship in a handicap match at Royal Rumble 2018
- Throwing Shane McMahon through a car window
What This Means for AJ Styles’ Future and WWE
While there is no absolute confirmation about AJ Styles’ next steps, elements like his podcast participation and WWE’s prominent tribute to his career indicate that he is still valued by the company. There are currently no public signs of an impending move to AEW or any other wrestling organization. Styles appears to be on amiable terms with WWE executives and talent alike, leaving the door open for potential future involvement, whether on-screen or off.
As with many retirements in the professional wrestling world, fans and industry watchers should expect developments that could change as AJ Styles reassesses his career and opportunities. WWE fans will likely follow any new announcements closely, making his status one of the more intriguing narratives in the wrestling landscape right now.
