AJ Styles surprised the wrestling community by announcing plans to retire in 2026, citing physical wear and tear as the main reason for his decision. In a recent Tokyo Sports interview, Styles revealed his intention to end his in-ring career on his own terms while remaining potentially available for appearances such as WrestleMania in Las Vegas in April 2026.
AJ Styles Sets Retirement Timeline and Future Plans
Known as The Phenomenal One, AJ Styles confirmed that he will retire sometime within the next year, emphasizing his desire for fans to remember him as he is now, rather than as a struggling veteran. Styles stated,
“I’ll probably be at WrestleMania (next April in Las Vegas), but that’s not locked in. The details aren’t decided yet, but there’s no doubt I’ll retire sometime next year. I don’t want the fans to see me as anyone other than AJ Styles. That’s the biggest reason. Before my body stops working, I’ve decided to retire. I haven’t figured it out yet (what he’ll do after wrestling), but most likely I’ll be working in WWE. Maybe I’ll help develop young talent into main roster stars. But I don’t know for sure yet.” – AJ Styles
With more than twenty years in professional wrestling, including a major breakout in TNA’s X-Division and numerous WWE world championship reigns, Styles is in a position to control the timing of his exit. While his immediate post-retirement role remains undefined, he hinted at staying involved behind the scenes, potentially mentoring rising wrestlers in WWE.
Tensions Rise Behind the Scenes as Retirement Nears
Recent events suggest AJ Styles has faced frustrations over WWE’s booking decisions. On a Monday Night RAW broadcast, Styles delivered a heartfelt promo during a commercial break, which initially aired only on international feeds, before WWE released it more broadly. In this segment, he expressed feelings of limitation and being overlooked within the company’s creative process.
This emotional outburst was more than spontaneous venting, as it ties into a broader narrative building toward an important upcoming match. Fans have long anticipated this bout, which is set to be one of Styles’ final major appearances in the ring.
High-Stakes Clash Scheduled Ahead of Retirement
AJ Styles is scheduled to face John Cena at WWE Crown Jewel in Perth on October 11, marking their first one-on-one match since 2018. This contest is a centerpiece of Cena’s farewell tour and has generated significant excitement among wrestling fans.
Insider reports reveal WWE’s creative team carefully orchestrated the buildup to this match, subtly teasing the possibility to amplify fan anticipation before confirming the event officially. For AJ Styles, this showdown serves as a pivotal moment before stepping away from active competition.
The Legacy and What’s Next for AJ Styles
AJ Styles’ decision to retire carries weight for both his career and WWE’s future landscape. His contributions over two decades have shaped modern wrestling, and his potential backstage role signals a continued influence on the roster’s development. Fans and insiders alike will watch closely as Styles approaches his final matches and transitions away from the spotlight, curious to see how he will shape the next generation of WWE talent.
AJ Styles says he will retire in 2026, will likely be working in WWE afterwards:
“I’ll probably be at WrestleMania (next April in Las Vegas), but that’s not locked in. The details aren’t decided yet, but there’s no doubt I’ll retire sometime next year.
I don’t want the fans to… pic.twitter.com/YGasBhdAq4
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) September 25, 2025
