AJ Styles officially ended his WWE wrestling career following his defeat by GUNTHER at the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event held in Atlanta. The event featured heartfelt tributes from his family, longtime friend Frankie Kazarian, and the unexpected appearances of Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, highlighting the impact of Styles’ career on WWE and his close associates.
Emotions and Reflections as Karl Anderson Returns to WWE for Tribute
During the latest episode of Talk’n Shop, Karl Anderson reflected on the feelings tied to coming back to WWE for this tribute night. Anderson openly admitted that he had doubted Styles would retire from WWE, expecting instead that Styles might continue wrestling for promotions like AEW or TNA.
AJ Styles has officially retired from the WWE. WWE did a full-blown tribute show for AJ Styles. I got questions for the last couple of weeks. I’ve gotten questions since the Royal Rumble. People have asked constantly, ‘What is AJ gonna do? Where is AJ gonna go?’ And I have some opinions. I had some opinions. I had some takes. I have some takes. If you remember, I said this is exactly what I said I thought was gonna happen. I said, ‘AJ Styles is gonna leave the WWE, and go to AEW, or TNA, or go work.’ I did not think that he was going to finish up in the WWE. I did not think so… Clearly, I was wrong,
Anderson admitted.
Reluctance and Loyalty Mark the Good Brothers’ Return
The Good Brothers, having been released from WWE for the second time in February 2025, approached their return to the Atlanta event with hesitation. Anderson described a week filled with indecision, as they requested additional time multiple times before finally agreeing to appear just 48 hours before the show. Despite their uncertainty, their commitment to Styles ultimately led them to step back into the WWE arena.
Did we walk back in that arena for AJ Styles? Yes,
Anderson confirmed.
The Physical Toll Leading to AJ Styles’ Decision to Retire
After The Undertaker’s announcement that AJ Styles would be inducted into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame, Anderson spoke backstage with Styles and learned about the extent of his physical struggles. Styles revealed that ongoing neck pain and injuries played a decisive role in his retirement, as he acknowledged the necessity to prioritize his health and support the next generation of wrestlers.
We get to the back, I said, ‘AJ! I did not know you were really gonna retire.’ He goes, ‘Really!?’ I said, ‘Yeah. What do you mean ‘really,’ AJ? We haven’t spoke. How am I supposed to know if you’re really gonna retire or not?’ And he said, ‘Dude, I have to. My neck is hurting too bad. I’m beat up. It’s time. I want to help the next generation,’ and I go, ‘Well, I didn’t really believe it… and now, I gotta eat a lot of crow, pal,’
Anderson recounted.
Significance of the Retirement and What Lies Ahead
AJ Styles’ retirement due to neck pain marks the end of a distinguished chapter in WWE history, signifying the physical demands placed on professional wrestlers. His decision, supported by close friends such as Karl Anderson and honored by WWE through a tribute event, underscores the importance of health considerations in sports entertainment. With his upcoming induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, Styles’ legacy will be celebrated while he transitions into a role focused on mentoring future talent, leaving a lasting imprint on the wrestling world.
