AJ Styles has announced his intention to retire from in-ring competition with WWE by the end of 2025, a move that has sparked intense discussion among fans and industry insiders. The veteran wrestler, who has played a pivotal role in WWE for nearly a decade, addressed speculation about a possible transition to AEW as he approaches his final year.
AJ Styles Prepares for Final Year After Tag Team Setback
AJ Styles, known to many as “The Phenomenal One,” did not end 2025 the way he had hoped. Alongside Dragon Lee, he surrendered the World Tag Team Championships to The Usos during the last episode of RAW. With no guarantee of a rematch due to the lack of an automatic clause, Styles is expected to focus on singles competition as he completes his final year as an in-ring performer. This period is particularly significant, as 2026 will commemorate the wrestler’s 10-year milestone since making his highly anticipated WWE debut at the age of 48.
The announcement of his retirement has stirred mixed emotions among wrestling fans. While some celebrate his accomplishments, others have expressed disappointment about his decision to wrap up his storied career with WWE. Earlier today, a social media user suggested that Styles should end his career in AEW. Styles responded bluntly, stating,
“I’ll take dumbest things to ever have been said for 100 Alex,”
Styles replied.
Possibility of a Final Run with the Good Brothers
Karl Anderson recently spoke on Talk’n Shop about a potential WWE reunion with AJ Styles. Anderson indicated a strong openness to reuniting the Good Brothers for Styles’ farewell year, emphasizing the powerful legacy such a reunion would hold for longtime wrestling fans. Anderson stated,
“We never say never about anything, and not even using the ‘never say never’ but we’re open for any talk, ever… I would be blown away — I would hope they clip this — I’d be blown away if AJ Styles goes to his final match — one, two, three — or his final appearance, and he leaves and he takes his boots off. He leaves them in the middle of the ring. He tells the fans worldwide on a platform to the world that he’s leaving professional wrestling, and that’s it and he walks out, goodbye, and there’s zero Good Brother involvement. I’m just saying, I feel like that would be very impossible… If that happens inside that WWE ring, I would say that AJ Styles is not finished.”
– Karl Anderson, Wrestler
Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows recently rejoined the independent wrestling scene after their release from WWE last year. The question now lingers whether Triple H might orchestrate a compelling WWE reunion for Styles, Anderson, and Gallows as part of Styles’ retirement storyline. The involvement of the Good Brothers could potentially provide an emotional send-off for the stalwart, celebrating the connections he has built throughout his career.
Reflecting on AJ Styles’ WWE Legacy and the Road Ahead
AJ Styles’ exit from the ring not only marks the end of an era for WWE but also brings to a close a chapter filled with notable rivalries and highlights. Mention of his potential move to AEW was quickly dismissed, reaffirming his loyalty to the Stamford-based promotion. As the company prepares for his farewell, fans and industry figures alike are left to wonder how WWE will honor a decade of performances by one of its most celebrated stars. The coming year will be critical in shaping the final act of AJ Styles’ remarkable in-ring journey.
I’ll take dumbest things to ever have been said for 100 Alex. https://t.co/yncFAHN42Z
— AJ Styles (@AJStylesOrg) January 3, 2026
