AJ Styles appears to have halted his wrestling career following a high-stakes match at the WWE Royal Rumble Premium Live Event on January 31, where he faced Gunther in what was billed as a Career Threatening Match, culminating in a dramatic conclusion to his 27-year tenure. Despite this, discussions continue about whether Styles might still return to the ring and which wrestling promotion could host his comeback.
Booker T’s Insight on Styles’ Possible Return
WWE Hall of Famer Booker T shared his perspective on Styles’ retirement during his Hall of Fame podcast, admitting he was surprised by the surprising finish of the Styles versus Gunther match. Booker emphasized that the way Styles left the ring suggested his departure might not be permanent.
The one thing that kind of leaves the door open is AJ didn’t leave his gloves in the ring,
Booker said.
If you’re retired, if you know it’s over, you’re going to leave those gloves in the ring. So therefore, I think the door was left open slightly anyway for AJ to still be able to do something, even if it’s not in the WWE. I could be wrong.
Booker also highlighted Styles’ significant time with TNA Wrestling, suggesting that Styles might consider a final stint there, while reflecting that he personally might have wanted to end his career in WCW if given the opportunity.
Backstage Role Possibilities and Mentorship
Following the Royal Rumble, WWE executive Paul Levesque, known as Triple H, expressed interest in offering Styles a behind-the-scenes position within WWE. Booker T voiced support for this idea, envisioning Styles as a valuable mentor for emerging talent rather than a traditional producer role.
I can see AJ being in this business a long time, just because he’s one of those carpenters that we really, really, really truly need right now to help these young guys kind of like navigate their way through this, you know, this landmine. I’m serious, and hopefully we can get somebody like an AJ Styles as far as…I wouldn’t want to see him as a producer or anything like that, but I would love to see AJ Styles as one of the trainers and one of the coaches.
Booker stated.
Ongoing Speculation About Future Matches
Booker concluded with confidence that Styles will return to wrestling at some point, though he admits uncertainty about the timing or the promotion where it might happen. Fans and insiders alike remain eager to see whether “The Phenomenal One” will step back into the spotlight or transition into a new chapter within the wrestling industry.
