AJ Styles, a prominent figure in wrestling, has confirmed his career would conclude in 2026, but recent events indicate his retirement bout could arrive sooner at WrestleMania 42. The AJ Styles WrestleMania retirement match storyline began intensifying after Gunther, now known as the “Career Killer,” targeted Styles on Monday Night RAW, culminating in a controversial singles match that could shape the end of Styles’ WWE journey.
The showdown on January 12 saw Gunther and Styles engage in an emotional and action-packed main event. The closing moments became contentious as the referee, distracted at a crucial point, failed to see Gunther submit to Styles. As Styles believed he’d clinched the victory, Gunther capitalized with an illegal move, striking Styles with a low blow before scoring the win. This outcome sparked outrage among fans and added fuel to Styles’ pursuit of justice.
Although AJ Styles had been defeated, the circumstances were far from fair. His loss, tainted by deception, led him to immediately demand a rematch from Gunther. Yet Gunther, known for playing psychological games, refused to face Styles again, mockingly taunting the veteran and dismissing his request. The tension escalated, setting the stage for higher stakes than ever before in Styles’ already storied career.
In a move reminiscent of critical turning points in WWE history, Gunther ultimately agreed to a rematch on one condition — Styles must put his entire WWE career on the line. This stipulation, which has been deployed in memorable WWE feuds, forced AJ Styles into a corner, testing not only his resilience but his legacy as well. With Styles’ pride and reputation at the forefront, he accepted Gunther’s challenge, looking to prove he still belongs at the very top level of sports entertainment. Their contest is now set for WrestleMania 42, promising drama and high emotion under the bright lights of the world’s biggest wrestling stage.
WrestleMania 42 Spotlight: A High-Stakes Rematch and a Legendary Farewell
The AJ Styles WrestleMania retirement match is drawing parallels to classic rivalries in WWE history, most notably Shawn Michaels’ final quest against The Undertaker in 2010. Styles, whose career has spanned major promotions and continents, is determined to deliver a spectacular farewell performance. For Gunther, the opportunity is equally significant: having already defeated John Cena in a high-profile match and maintained his momentum with the “Career Killer” persona, he is positioned as the perfect foil for Styles’ retirement bout.
The stakes for WrestleMania 42 could not be higher. Gunther seeks a defining moment at one of wrestling’s premiere events, while Styles, knowing the magnitude of the occasion, is preparing for a potentially last chance to captivate the WWE Universe. Many believe that, unlike retirement tours such as John Cena’s, Styles hopes to end on a climactic note at the event itself — foregoing drawn-out goodbyes for a chance to shine in a final, unforgettable match.
There are suggestions within WWE circles that honoring Styles with his ultimate contest on the “Grandest Stage of Them All,” rather than another regular event like Saturday Night’s Main Event, would best reflect his contributions to the sport. This is fueled by his desire to finish strong, rather than fade away, and by WWE’s trust in Gunther to deliver a match worthy of Styles’ legacy. This narrative, blending urgency, pride, and the relentless nature of competition, is set to play out in one of the most eagerly anticipated showdowns in recent memory.
Gunther’s Rise as WWE’s Trusted Career Ender
The credibility surrounding Gunther’s role as the “Career Killer” has been solidified through recent matches that ended the careers of iconic competitors. Gunther orchestrated the retiring bouts for both Goldberg, who had returned after a lengthy absence, and John Cena, who headlined a fitting finale to an illustrious run. WWE’s confidence in Gunther for these significant moments has enhanced his profile and provided him with momentum as the man trusted with ending another legend’s career.
This progression has not gone unnoticed by fans and WWE decision-makers alike. Gunther’s ability to provide compelling matches and elevate the stakes during pivotal career moments has branded him as a pivotal figure in today’s WWE. By challenging AJ Styles to risk his career, WWE continues a tradition of having storied veterans pass the torch to the next generation on the biggest stages, ensuring that such transitions carry real emotion and lasting impact.
Expectations are that should AJ Styles be ready to conclude his in-ring tenure by WrestleMania 42, Gunther will be the one to seal his fate. This decisive match, shaped by both men’s relentless pursuit of excellence, will likely stand as a memorable chapter in WrestleMania history. As the wrestling world turns its attention toward the annual spectacle, the legacies of AJ Styles and Gunther are destined to collide, promising drama and transformation for WWE’s evolving landscape.
