Veteran wrestler AJ Styles officially retired from WWE following a high-stakes match at the Royal Rumble 2026 event held in Saudi Arabia. The Phenomenal One faced Gunther in a singles bout where the outcome determined the fate of Styles’ in-ring career. After Gunther locked in a Sleeper Hold, Styles passed out in the ring, bringing his wrestling tenure with the promotion to a close.
Leading up to the Royal Rumble, discussions took place between WWE and Styles regarding his future, but no new contract agreement was finalized. Sources reveal that although conversations continue, AJ Styles may soon become a free agent after his current deal expires. Despite this, there has been no indication from Styles about making a return to wrestling anytime soon.
Wrestling Community Reacts to AJ Styles’ Retirement
Following Styles’ dramatic exit from WWE, veteran commentator Jim Cornette shared his thoughts during an episode of the Jim Cornette’s Drive Thru podcast. Cornette expressed confusion about Styles’ behavior immediately after the match, particularly his decision to put his gloves back on after initially removing them, which seemed to send mixed signals about whether his retirement was final.
“Well, I’m getting mixed signals sent to me. They gave him a big ovation after Gunther left the ring. Fans are singing for AJ and everything, and he makes a production out of taking his gloves off, and the fans are like, ‘No, no, no!’ But then he put his gloves back on. What does it mean? Did he lie? He left the ring, and then he came back and posed on a turnbuckle. He didn’t take his boots off. I guess the gloves were gonna be the boots. He took the gloves off, but then he put the gloves back on. Has he changed his mind? Is he gonna say, ‘I just don’t want to leave you now’? That would be kind of kabukish.”
Cornette’s reflections highlight the uncertain atmosphere surrounding Styles’ exit and the potential for unexpected developments.
Additional Events from WWE Royal Rumble and Implications Moving Forward
At the same event, Gunther also competed in the men’s Royal Rumble match but fell short of victory. Roman Reigns ultimately won and is set to challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship at WWE WrestleMania 42. These outcomes set up important storylines within WWE, even as AJ Styles steps away from active competition.
As Styles transitions out of WWE, his departure marks a significant moment for the promotion and its fanbase. Whether he will return in a different capacity or explore opportunities outside the ring remains uncertain. His future plans are a subject of speculation, with the wrestling world watching closely for any announcements.
AJ Styles and WWE had discussed a new deal, but as the Royal Rumble got closer and that was not locked in, the decision was made to go with the Gunther match. The two sides are still discussing AJ’s future with the company, but a new deal has not been heard about.
If AJ’s… pic.twitter.com/JiNj9CmsyK
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) February 10, 2026
