After his final match against GUNTHER at the 2026 Royal Rumble, AJ Styles was honored with a meaningful farewell on WWE Raw, which included the announcement of his upcoming induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. Although Styles once imagined ending his wrestling career with TNA, his mindset shifted after leaving the company in 2014.
The Decision to Leave TNA Amid Contract Challenges
Styles revealed that he might have stayed with TNA if the financial terms had matched his expectations.
“Was there ever a thought of retiring anywhere besides WWE? Here’s the crazy thing. Had TNA offered me the deal that I had, I would’ve stayed there. So there was that,”
he said during an interview with Raw Recap: WWE Now.
“I was proud of the fact that I helped make a company. I wanted to be there, but as things would have it, here I am in WWE, and I’m grateful for it.”
His near 12-year tenure with TNA ended due to the company’s financial difficulties, which led to the offer of a contract requiring about a 60% pay cut. Rejecting that deal, Styles opted to work with other organizations like Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
AJ Styles’ WWE Career and Final Match Highlight
AJ Styles made an unexpected debut in WWE at the 2016 Royal Rumble and went on to hold multiple titles, including the United States, Intercontinental, Tag Team, and WWE Championship belts. His journey culminated recently when he faced GUNTHER at the 2026 Royal Rumble, where he risked his career. Known as The Career Killer, GUNTHER won by forcing Styles to pass out from a sleeper hold.
What AJ Styles’ Journey Means for Wrestling Fans
Styles’ story highlights the uncertainty and tough decisions professional wrestlers face behind the scenes. Despite the ups and downs with companies like TNA, Ring of Honor, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and WWE, his perseverance and success have earned him a lasting legacy. His hall of fame induction will mark an important milestone, celebrating a remarkable and intense career whose impact resonates with audiences worldwide.
