AJ Styles has ignited conversation across wrestling fans by hinting at the possibility of a WWE retirement tour, while also addressing claims about a potential move to AEW on social media. This discussion arrives as the celebrated wrestler reflects on his future, prompting supporters and critics alike to weigh in on where The Phenomenal One should conclude his notable career, and what motivated his loyalty to WWE.
AJ Styles’ WWE Legacy and Retirement Hints
Making a memorable entrance at the 2016 Royal Rumble, AJ Styles quickly established himself as an essential figure within WWE and achieved Grand Slam Champion status. As Styles nears his late forties, echoes of his eventual retirement have grown, especially with John Cena already signaling his final year in wrestling for 2025. Styles’ allusions to ending his in-ring journey by 2026 are fueling speculation among fans about whether a retirement tour will be announced soon.
Fan Responses Spark AEW Debate
Discussion about AJ Styles’ career reached a peak on X (formerly Twitter) after fans debated who his ideal final opponent would be, with many mentioning his rivalry with Samoa Joe. The conversation intensified when one fan suggested that Styles prioritized WWE over AEW for financial reasons. The 48-year-old wrestler responded publicly and dismissed this opinion as misguided. Social media was soon flooded with commentary, with some fans defending Styles’ decision to remain in WWE, arguing that AEW would not have provided the same platform or prestige, while others insisted he should consider joining AEW for a different kind of sendoff. Certain voices in the debate imagined Tony Khan, AEW’s head, potentially offering Styles a retirement tour on par with the treatment given to Sting, or even paying handsomely to convince The Phenomenal One to change allegiances.
Official Commentary on Upcoming Retirement
While AJ Styles has frequently intimated that his time in the ring may be winding down by 2026, there is no formal start to a retirement tour yet. Recently, during WWE’s Monday Night RAW, commentator Wade Barrett added fuel to the speculation by addressing the retirement topic, stating:
“He’s gonna be retiring at some point in 2026.”
? Wade Barrett, WWE Commentator
Although Styles has kept his plans under wraps, this affirmation from Barrett further solidifies widespread expectations about the wrestler’s future. For comparison, John Cena took the stage personally to announce his impending retirement, demonstrating how WWE superstars can control their own narrative when stepping away from competition.
The Impact of a Potential Move and What’s Next
As AJ Styles considers his legacy and the possible announcement of a retirement tour, fans are split on what the best farewell would look like. Some hope for sensational matches in smaller venues or at events such as All In, while others cling to memories of his greatest moments as WWE Champion. The ongoing dialogue includes references to key rivals like Samoa Joe and speculation about negotiations with both WWE and AEW leadership. As the professional wrestling world awaits a definitive statement, AJ Styles’ decisions in the coming months could reshape perceptions of retirement tours in the industry and influence how future wrestlers approach the end of their storied careers.
I’ll take dumbest things to ever have been said for 100 Alex. https://t.co/yncFAHN42Z
— AJ Styles (@AJStylesOrg) January 3, 2026
