AJ Styles concluded his in-ring career at the 2026 Royal Rumble event held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he was defeated by GUNTHER. This unexpected outcome surprised many fans who believed Styles would retire at WrestleMania 42, WWE’s flagship show later that year.
During an appearance on the RAW Recap podcast, Styles addressed his decision to retire at the Royal Rumble, explaining his feelings towards WrestleMania’s current state. He expressed concern that the event, which once stood as WWE’s most prestigious pay-per-view, has
“kind of lost its luster a little bit.”
“As far as the Royal Rumble, that’s special to me because that’s where I made my debut. To be able to end where I started is poetic.”
— AJ Styles, WWE wrestler
Reflecting on a Decades-Long Wrestling Journey
Styles began his professional wrestling career in 1998, gaining early recognition in independent promotions before joining World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 2001. His WWE debut came in the 2016 Royal Rumble match, the same year he won the WWE Championship, marking the start of a prominent stint with the company.
His retirement marks the end of an era shaped by memorable matches and notable rivalries, including his final bout against GUNTHER, who has expressed ambitions to retire Brock Lesnar in WWE. The transition underscores changing dynamics among WWE’s top stars.
AJ Styles’ WWE Hall of Fame Induction Confirmed
Following his retirement, WWE announced that AJ Styles will enter the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2026. This recognition celebrates his significant contributions to professional wrestling and his impact on WWE’s global audience.
The announcement has drawn attention backstage amid discussions about the evolving landscape of WWE events and how marquee shows like WrestleMania are perceived by industry veterans and fans alike.
Changing Perceptions of WrestleMania and WWE’s Future
Styles’ comments point to a growing unease about the prestige of WrestleMania, traditionally WWE’s most important event. His candid critique highlights a shift in how even top performers view the company’s flagship shows, potentially signaling challenges for WWE’s event presentation and fan engagement moving forward.
As WWE approaches WrestleMania 42, the changing sentiment expressed by high-profile wrestlers like Styles may influence how the company plans future storylines and wrestler retirements, balancing tradition with evolving audience expectations.
