AJ Styles concluded his in-ring career earlier than expected on January 31, suffering a loss to Gunther at the Royal Rumble event. Although Styles had announced plans to retire in 2026, the timing of this match surprised many fans. Reports from PWInsider reveal that WWE and Styles were negotiating a new contract, but with no agreement reached before the Royal Rumble, the company decided to schedule the Styles vs. Gunther bout as his final match.
Styles Chose Royal Rumble for Its Historical Significance
The decision to end his wrestling career at the Royal Rumble was inspired by Styles himself. He wanted to finish where he first made his WWE debut back in 2016, marking the event as a significant milestone in his career. This symbolic ending reflected a full circle moment for the veteran wrestler.
Potential Future with WWE Behind the Scenes
Paul “Triple H” Levesque has expressed optimism about Styles remaining involved with WWE in a non-wrestling capacity. While discussions between Styles and WWE about his future continue, there is no confirmation that a new contract has been signed. As a free agent, Styles could explore opportunities beyond WWE, though no indications suggest he plans to return to the ring soon.
AJ Styles Leaves Door Open for Possible Return
During an appearance on Stephanie McMahon’s podcast “What’s Your Story?” following the Royal Rumble, Styles shared that he hasn’t completely closed the door on wrestling again. He mentioned that he could potentially wrestle once more if the circumstances were right, particularly if it meant teaming up with one of his children in the ring.
“Never say never, right? That’s the saying. I know there’s — I think everybody’s allowed at least once coming out of retirement,” Styles said. “I’m not saying that I’ll do it anytime soon. I mean, what if my son wrestles? The opportunity to tag with him once. You never know. There’ll be a time when the gloves never go back on and it may be now, but we’ll see.”
?AJ Styles, Professional Wrestler
This statement reflects the reserved and uncertain tone surrounding Styles’s next steps, combining respect for his legacy with an openness to future possibilities.
Broader Context and Industry Insight
Joseph Currier, lead editor at F4WOnline.com and a seasoned wrestling journalist, has covered this developing story amid continuing negotiations. With close ties to the wrestling community and knowledge from his extensive experience, Currier provides ongoing updates as Styles’s status evolves.
What Lies Ahead for AJ Styles and WWE
The ongoing talks between WWE and AJ Styles are crucial for both parties, as his future role—whether inside or outside the ring—remains unclear. Should a new contract materialize, Styles could contribute behind the scenes, leveraging his veteran experience to shape the company’s direction. If he chooses free agency, wrestling fans will be left to speculate on where he might appear next and whether he will don his gloves again, perhaps alongside the next generation of his family.
