AJ Styles’ WWE Future Contract: Will the Legend Retire or Renew?

AJ Styles‘ WWE future contract remains uncertain as his current deal is set to expire in February 2026, raising questions about whether the wrestling legend will retire or renew. The Phenomenal One’s situation has sparked conversation among fans and insiders alike, as his WWE career appears to be at a crossroads.

Karl Anderson’s Perspective on AJ Styles’ Career Decisions

Karl Anderson, Styles’ former stablemate from The O.C., recently addressed the doubts about the wrestler’s next steps during an appearance on Jonathan Coachman’s Off The Ropes podcast. Anderson, who was mentioned by Styles in a recent RAW promo, reflected on their past together and suggested that Styles is at a point where retirement is a possibility but not a certainty.

The O.C., once a dominant group in WWE, quietly disbanded in late 2024, with Anderson and Luke Gallows released in February 2025. Meanwhile, Styles moved to RAW, and Michin, the group’s fourth member, stayed on SmackDown. In the RAW promo, Styles implied he no longer has the support of The Club, hinting at friction and potential storyline development around his contract status.

Anderson expressed his view on Styles’ longevity, saying,

“AJ Styles – he can wrestle as long as he wants to wrestle. He can go as long as he wants to go. The thing with AJ, he’s such a family man, he’s always ready to hang it up.”

—Karl Anderson, Former WWE Wrestler

He continued, describing Styles’ mindset outside the ring:

“He likes to tell us that he can sit down if he wants to, he can stay home if he wants to. He’s done his thing, he’s proved his point that he’s one of the best wrestlers of all time to ever do this. He’s proved everything that he’s ever needed to prove – but he likes being home.”

—Karl Anderson, Former WWE Wrestler

Despite this, Anderson believes that Styles’ competitive nature will keep him in the ring beyond the expiration of his current contract. He shared:

“Knowing AJ Styles, and knowing his competitive nature, I truly believe in my heart – and we don’t talk, and it’s not that we don’t speak a lot, it’s a quick, ‘I love you, I hope you’re doing good buddy, I miss you’ – I don’t think, knowing AJ Styles’ competitive nature, I don’t think he’s gonna hang it up.”

—Karl Anderson, Former WWE Wrestler

He added,

“I heard his contract ends in February, and who knows what the truth is to any of that. I still think, no matter what, whether it’s with WWE or it’s not – which, I think it’s gonna continue being with WWE, I think AJ Styles is happy where he’s at – I think AJ’s gonna continue. I really believe that.”

—Karl Anderson, Former WWE Wrestler

Insider Jon Alba has reported that Styles explored opportunities with other wrestling companies before settling on a one-year extension earlier this year. There was reportedly mutual interest in Styles testing the waters at major competitors, particularly AEW, which fueled speculation about where his career might go next.

Incorporating AJ Styles’ Contract Into WWE Storylines

AJ Styles’ recent RAW promo revitalized intrigue around his WWE tenure by blending reality and storyline elements. Fans speculated extensively about who Styles was referring to when he hinted he was no longer welcome in WWE, with names like Triple H and Paul Heyman circulating in discussions.

According to wrestling news outlet Wrestlevotes, the promo was scripted rather than a shoot, representing WWE’s attempt to experiment with storylines that mirror real-life contract uncertainty. This approach is designed to engage audiences as Styles approaches his contract deadline.

The blurring of fiction and reality provides WWE with a unique opportunity to craft a storyline that reflects AJ Styles’ real career decisions. The 48-year-old veteran may tease the possibility of joining AEW, heightening drama around his contract status. Whether WWE and Triple H can negotiate a renewal behind closed doors, only time will tell.

Such a storyline could be a significant moment in wrestling storytelling, as it allows fans to witness a genuine crossroads in a star’s career while maintaining scripted entertainment. The outcome could define AJ Styles’ legacy in WWE, whether as a celebrated conclusion or a fresh chapter in his illustrious career.