AJ Styles’ WWE contract expiration is drawing closer, setting the stage for speculation about his future in the wrestling world. With his deal reportedly ending in February 2026, fans and insiders alike are watching closely to see if the veteran superstar will continue or consider stepping away from the ring.
A Look Back at AJ Styles’ Career Journey
AJ Styles has had a long and distinguished career in professional wrestling, beginning in 1998 on the independent circuit. His first mainstream exposure came in 2001 with WCW, and despite being offered a developmental contract by WWE the following year, he declined it due to family priorities.
Styles continued to build his reputation working in promotions such as Ring of Honor and Total Nonstop Action (TNA). His tenure at TNA, spanning 2002 to 2014, solidified his legendary status as he captured multiple titles, including the X Division Championship and the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. After a successful run in New Japan Pro Wrestling from 2014 to 2016, Styles made a major leap by debuting in WWE at the 2016 Royal Rumble.
Now aged 48, Styles has amassed an impressive list of accomplishments in WWE himself. He is a two-time World Champion, has held the United States Championship three times, and has also won the Intercontinental Championship and the Raw Tag Team Championship once each.
Current Status and Contract Expiry Details
Concerns about AJ Styles’ career longevity have hovered since he suffered a Lisfranc injury in October 2024, but he made a notable return at the 2025 Royal Rumble and has remained active on WWE Raw.
In addition to returning to the ring, it was confirmed that Styles signed a contract extension. During a conversation on Chris Van Vliet’s podcast, he mentioned not intending to wrestle past age fifty, adding to the uncertainty about his future plans.
Fightful Select shed light on the specifics of his current contract, revealing new information that quells some of the rumors surrounding his retirement.
“We’ve learned more details on AJ Styles current deal. Especially considering a new post of an hourglass that seemed to tease retirement. Earlier this year, there was heavy speculation on the contract of AJ Styles, and when it was scheduled to expire. Fightful Select found out from those close to Styles that his deal was extended for one-year. We’re told that WWE does hope to retain him after that period, but will evaluate things and his interest. What we didn’t know at that point was when the contract actually expires, or how long the deal was. Sources close to Styles had indicated that the deal is up around February of 2026, which would have him expiring after the Royal Rumble and before WrestleMania season. Styles has long discussed the possibility of retirement, but hasn’t mentioned it much lately, and his in-ring work hasn’t suffered.”
—Fightful Select
This information confirms that Styles’ contract runs through the early part of 2026, ending shortly after the Royal Rumble and prior to the WrestleMania season. While WWE reportedly hopes to keep him beyond this extension, his own interest and future plans will heavily influence what happens next.
Veterans and Peers React to the End of an Era
Amid the growing uncertainty about Styles’ career, other wrestling figures have made headlines with reflections on their own careers and interactions with him. A WWE legend recently admitted feeling disappointment over their own career’s final matches, expressing regret at how they appeared during that time.
John Cena Honoring Past Rivals in His Last SmackDown Appearance
John Cena, one of WWE’s most prominent stars, recently competed in his final match at WWE SmackDown. During the event, Cena incorporated moves that longtime fans would recognize, paying tribute to former rivals and marking the end of his SmackDown journey.
WWE’s Continued Interest in Past Stars: AJ Lee’s Return Rumors
WWE has made repeated attempts to bring back AJ Lee, indicating the company’s ongoing efforts to re-sign notable past talent. While not directly related to Styles, this shows WWE’s intent to keep veteran wrestlers involved in fresh storylines or appearances.
Upcoming Title Matches and WWE Show Developments
Tiffany Stratton is scheduled for her next WWE Women’s Title defense against a familiar contender, setting up another significant showdown on the women’s roster. Meanwhile, Brock Lesnar has recently sent a succinct message to John Cena ahead of an eagerly anticipated WrestlePalooza match, fueling fan excitement.
Cody Rhodes also stirred conversation by revealing that his WWE return had not initially been planned, adding an element of surprise to ongoing WWE narratives.
Reflections on WWE’s Creative Direction and Character Development
An ex-WWE star has shared a story involving Brock Lesnar’s early career, recalling an incident that highlights Lesnar’s unique personality. Additionally, Vince McMahon’s influence on WWE’s entertainment approach is evident in how he encouraged certain stars to embody odd or amusing personas to add comic relief to the programming.
What Lies Ahead for AJ Styles and WWE?
With AJ Styles’ WWE contract set to expire in February 2026, the wrestling community faces an anxious wait to see whether the veteran icon will choose to continue competing or retire from active wrestling. His health, personal interest, and WWE’s strategic decisions will all play crucial roles in determining his path forward.
Given Styles’ past comments about not wrestling into his fifties and his recent injury history, the coming months could mark the end of a remarkable era. However, as his in-ring performance remains strong, there is still a possibility that WWE and Styles might agree on extending his career further, offering fans more memorable moments in the ring before he eventually steps away.
