AJ Styles announced during his Farewell Tour vlog on WWE’s YouTube channel that his original plan was to retire at WrestleMania 41. This plan shifted after his recovery from a severe Lisfranc foot injury, which usually ends many careers. Having returned to full health, Styles felt it was not right to come back only to retire shortly after. Instead, he wanted to finish his career on a high note, ideally standing on his own feet and raising his signature P1 gesture at the pay-per-view where he had debuted.
At WrestleMania 41 – Night 2, Styles faced Logan Paul and suffered a defeat, but this was not his final match. He ultimately retired following Royal Rumble 2026 after losing a career-defining match against Gunther, marking the official end of his in-ring tenure.
WWF Veteran Jazz Returns as WWE Coach
In other WWE news, former WWF/E Women’s Champion Jazz has returned to WWE, transitioning to a coaching role at the WWE Performance Center. She announced her new position proudly, emphasizing her three decades of dedication to professional wrestling and expressing her passion for mentoring the next generation of talent.
She stated,
“Giving God all the Glory! I can officially say as of 2026 I’m now a part of the coaching staff at the @wwenxt Performance Center! Professional wrestling has been my life for 30 yrs. Now I get to work with the next generation of Superstars! I’m a true testament of never giving up. No matter how long the process may seem! #womenwrestling #wwenxt #wweuniverse #mypassionmylife❤️”
Notably, Bianca Belair expressed excitement about Jazz’s return as a coach, commenting,
OMG NXT talent are so lucky! I’m coming back to train! Congratulations!
Bianca Belair
Implications for WWE’s Future Talent Development
AJ Styles’ decision to extend his career past his initial retirement plan showcased his determination to conclude on his own terms, inspiring both fans and fellow wrestlers. Meanwhile, Jazz’s return to the WWE Performance Center signals a commitment by WWE to strengthen its developmental programs by involving experienced veterans in coaching roles. With rising stars like Bianca Belair planning to train under such mentorship, WWE’s next generation appears poised for growth and success.
