AJ Styles, a renowned figure in professional wrestling and two-time WWE Champion, officially retired shortly after John Cena’s retirement match. His final bout took place at the Royal Rumble event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Styles faced Gunther, who also served as the opponent in Cena and Goldberg’s concluding matches. Styles was defeated by knockout when Gunther applied a sleeper hold, marking the end of his in-ring career.
Final Appearances and Contract Details Signal End of Wrestling Run
The high stakes created by WWE storylines led to a match that appears to define Styles’ exit from active competition. His WWE contract, reportedly set to expire in February, aligns with his earlier declaration that his current contract would be his last. In 2019, Styles, who holds two IWGP Heavyweight Championship titles, affirmed his commitment to WWE until the end of his contract tenure.
I can tell you that the contract that I signed, here in the WWE, is my last,
Styles revealed on the Chasing Glory podcast, as reported by WhatCulture.
This is it for me. This is where I’m going to end my career no matter what happens. I got to, you know? I want to be there for my kids.
In a WWE interview toward the end of 2025, Styles reiterated his intentions to retire soon, citing the challenges aging brings for professional athletes. He expressed a desire to prioritize family time over the rigors of wrestling.
I’m getting old, folks. Listen, if I could find the fountain of youth and take a couple sips, I’d wrestle for the rest of my life, but I am getting older. The fear of embarrassing myself is getting closer … You know what? There comes a time in a man’s life when he has to take care of business, but when business is done, it’s time to take care of his family. I need to spend time with my family.
Fans Debate Whether Styles Will Wrestle Again After Retirement
Despite his clear statements, speculation remains among fans about a potential return to the ring, as wrestling legends like Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, and Terry Funk have returned after their retirement storylines. At the Royal Rumble, Styles fueled such uncertainty when he momentarily appeared ready to retire by placing his gloves on the mat — a symbolic gesture in wrestling — but then decided to leave the ring still wearing them.
Prospects of AJ Styles Wrestling in AEW Seem Unlikely
Many fans have hoped that Styles might compete for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) following his WWE departure, imagining dream matches against talents, including Will Ospreay. Styles built his reputation not only in WWE but also as a star in TNA Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling prior to his WWE career.
However, WWE’s creative executive Paul Levesque, known as Triple H during his in-ring career, indicated that Styles is finished with wrestling altogether.
I don’t wanna speak for him, but the conversations that he had with me, he made it very clear that he was just done with the in-ring,
Levesque shared on the Royal Rumble post-show, according to Athlon Sports.
There’s a point when you just reach in your career where you say, I don’t want to do this anymore, and when your heart goes, no matter how good you are — he hasn’t lost a step, at anything — but when you just say, I’m just at a place when I don’t wanna do this anymore, it’s time. Before you get hurt, before you get told you’re not allowed to do this anymore. I think he was there.
Levesque expressed hope that Styles might remain involved with WWE in a backstage or creative role following his retirement from active competition.
The End of an Era and What Lies Ahead for AJ Styles
AJ Styles’ retirement closes a significant chapter in professional wrestling history, especially coming so soon after John Cena’s farewell. Known for extraordinary skill and adaptability across wrestling organizations, Styles leaves behind a lasting legacy. While uncertainty about future appearances lingers, statements from WWE leadership strongly suggest he will not continue wrestling in other promotions, marking a definitive career conclusion.
With his decades-long career rooted in multiple major wrestling promotions and his focus shifting toward family life, Styles’ retirement highlights the physical and emotional toll wrestling demands. WWE and fans alike may soon see him contributing behind the scenes, ensuring his influence remains part of the industry even as he steps away from the spotlight.
