AJ Styles recently responded sharply to criticism about his decision to finish his wrestling career with WWE instead of joining AEW, stirring discussion among wrestling fans. The AJ Styles WWE AEW decision has been debated since rumors first surfaced of a possible switch before his final contract extension.
Last summer, Styles, age 48, agreed to a one-year contract extension, announcing his intention to retire in 2026 but keeping the exact date under wraps. Despite significant speculation and hopes from fans about an AEW debut, Styles has remained loyal to WWE since he joined the company in 2016, declining to perform for AEW even though several of his friends, including the Young Bucks, are active in Tony Khan‘s company.
The debate heated up when a fan publicly suggested that Styles made the wrong call by staying in WWE, implying that he prioritized financial gain over an exciting late-career run in AEW:
“Should have finished with the AEW run. He chose the WWE money.”
– Fan, Social Media
In a direct rebuke, Styles mocked this suggestion with a pointed remark:
“I’ll take dumbest things to ever have been said for 100 Alex.”
– AJ Styles, WWE Superstar
As Styles approaches retirement, WWE may honor him with a farewell tour similar to John Cena’s, who concluded his own legendary run after facing Gunther last December. Gunther, known as the Ring General, is emerging as a likely final opponent for Styles, based on recent on-screen exchanges between the two.
With a legacy that includes two WWE world championships and a storied career stretching from TNA to New Japan Pro Wrestling as Bullet Club leader, AJ Styles is widely regarded by peers and fans as one of wrestling’s all-time greats. Even John Cena has called him the best in-ring performer ever, fueling further interest in seeing Styles face AEW stars before his final match.
Discussions of a Possible AEW Arrival
AEW Dynamite’s premiere on TNT in October 2019 was a significant moment for the wrestling industry, marking Tony Khan’s push to sign major talents away from rivals. During this pivotal time, Young Bucks members Nick and Matt Jackson attempted to recruit Styles, envisioning him debuting alongside his Bullet Club allies, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.
Recalling these efforts during a 2020 Talk’n Shop podcast with Gallows and Anderson, Matt Jackson revealed:
“When were pitching ideas to have you guys [Anderson and Gallows] come in, it was not going to be just the two of you [debuting on AEW]. There was going to be another person who I would not name. Let us just say he’s another Bullet Club member you may not want to talk about.”
– Matt Jackson, Executive Vice President, AEW
However, WWE became aware of AEW’s interest and responded with a competitive five-year contract offer to Styles, effectively securing his loyalty. Matt Jackson added that Styles showed his appreciation for AEW’s interest:
“The first guy in this conversation [AJ Styles] buzzed us and said, ‘I just got too good of an offer [from WWE] and I would have never got that money without you guys’ offer. So, I want to thank you.”
– Matt Jackson, Executive Vice President, AEW
AJ Styles’ longstanding relationships with the Young Bucks and other Bullet Club members, such as Kenny Omega, trace back to their shared history in New Japan Pro Wrestling, making the possibility of an AEW stint especially appealing for fans. Despite this, Styles chose WWE, citing security and opportunity provided by the offer, solidifying his role as a major figure in the company.
What the Future Holds for AJ Styles
As AJ Styles prepares for the final chapter of his storied career, his decisions have prompted passionate reactions from both fans and colleagues, reflecting the complex landscape of professional wrestling today. The AJ Styles WWE AEW decision demonstrates how competitive offers and personal loyalty continue to shape the modern industry, impacting legacies and the future of wrestling’s biggest stars.
With his retirement approaching and rumors still swirling, how WWE chooses to commemorate Styles—potentially in a milestone match with Gunther—will be closely watched by the world wrestling community, as his storied journey nears its end.
