Rumors are swirling around the wrestling world that AJ Styles could make a surprise move to All Elite Wrestling, possibly exiting WWE in 2026 as his contract nears expiration. This potential AJ Styles rumored AEW debut and WWE exit in 2026 could mark a groundbreaking shift for the veteran performer, while several other legends also approach transformative moments in their careers.
AEW Sets the Stage for Major Developments
Over the past half year, AEW has built significant momentum, delivering strong pay-per-view events and television programming under Tony Khan’s leadership. With an upgraded media rights deal, the company aims to expand further as it gears up for upcoming shows, including Grand Slam Mexico and the high-profile All In: Texas scheduled for the next month.
AJ Styles: From WWE Icon to Possible Free Agent Shock
AJ Styles left a lasting impact on WWE since his dramatic entrance at the 2016 Royal Rumble. Revered as one of the most decorated WWE performers, The Phenomenal One captured major singles titles and squared off against heavyweight stars such as John Cena, Randy Orton, Seth Rollins, and Drew McIntyre. His celebrated clash with The Undertaker at WrestleMania 36 remains historic, solidifying his reputation among elite in-ring talents.
Despite recent speculation about his future, sources suggest Styles is set to remain part of WWE in the near term. However, industry chatter persists that he could become a free agent in 2026. Should Tony Khan present a compelling offer, Styles might follow in the footsteps of other major stars by switching to AEW, creating ripples throughout the wrestling landscape.
Key motivations for such a move may include higher financial rewards, an improved work-life balance, creative autonomy, and revisiting historic wrestling hubs like ROH and NJPW. Should he join the AEW roster, Styles could engage with Kenny Omega, Hangman Page, Swerve Strickland, and Will Ospreay, potentially crafting new dream matches before bringing his storied career to a close.
Legendary Transitions: Adam Copeland’s Unexpected AEW Journey
Adam Copeland, long considered a cornerstone of WWE under the ring name Edge, ignited headlines when he debuted in AEW at WrestleDream 2023. Since joining, Copeland has faced a broad spectrum of opponents—emerging talents like Lee Moriarty and Daniel Garcia, established names such as Brody King, Buddy Matthews, Claudio Castagnoli, and Jon Moxley, and legendary rivals like Minoru Suzuki and Christian Cage.
Copeland’s AEW tenure has encountered turbulence, including betrayal by former allies Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler at the 2025 Dynasty pay-per-view. Sidelined by a fractured tibia from Double or Nothing, Copeland has openly discussed the toll years in the ring have taken on his body, hinting that retirement could come as soon as his current contract concludes. The company, having previously orchestrated a celebrated retirement for Sting at Revolution, could deliver a similarly monumental sendoff for Copeland—potentially highlighted by a last reunion with Christian Cage in 2026.
Bryan Danielson’s Uncertain Road Ahead
Bryan Danielson, also widely known as The American Dragon, has made a considerable mark since joining AEW after a celebrated WWE run. His most recent stint saw him relinquish the AEW World Championship to Jon Moxley at WrestleDream 2024, after which he was attacked by his former Blackpool Combat Club stablemates. Following these events, Danielson has been noticeably absent from AEW programming.
Danielson’s impressive performances during what he described as his last year as a full-time wrestler have been praised, but his exit from active wrestling has left fans unsettled. In various interviews, Danielson has spoken candidly about the significant neck issues he faces, explaining that medical clearance for a return remains elusive. Notably, he remarked earlier this year that a potential comeback rests on the odds of his health improving, stating there is a fifty-fifty chance of stepping back into the ring, provided recovery treatments or surgery are successful. Such a return in 2026 for a final match remains possible, keeping anticipation high among fans and industry insiders alike.
What the Future Holds for Wrestling’s Elite
As 2026 approaches, AEW stands at a crossroads with opportunities to reshape the wrestling scene. The potential transition of AJ Styles from WWE, the prospective retirements of icons like Adam Copeland, and Bryan Danielson’s possible comeback all point to a time of significant change for wrestling’s major players. These evolving storylines, set against the backdrop of AEW’s expanding reach in places like Texas and Mexico, ensure that fans remain intensely interested in the next chapter for stars like Styles, Copeland, and Danielson. The coming year may well become a defining era in modern professional wrestling.
