CM Punk recently defended his World Heavyweight Championship against AJ Styles during the main event of Monday’s WWE Raw. This match may mark Styles’ final appearance on the red brand as he prepares to put his career on the line against Gunther at the upcoming Royal Rumble event. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Styles’ future has left fans and fellow wrestlers uneasy about the impact of potentially losing another WWE legend so soon after John Cena’s recent retirement.
Punk Expresses Concern Over AJ Styles’ Possible Departure
After the match, Punk spoke candidly backstage about the possibility of this being Styles’ last outing on Raw. He reflected on the challenge Styles faces in his career-threatening match against Gunther, emphasizing the high stakes involved.
I don’t want to believe it’s AJ’s last match on Raw. It’s a funny thing, him saying that this is going to be his last year but I mean, it’s barely February. This can’t be the end of The Phenomenal One but I’ve been in the ring with Gunther and I can, without ego, say that I beat Gunther but I don’t feel like I beat him. I feel like I survived. So, for AJ to be able to pull this out, I don’t know. The stakes are just too high. I don’t like it and I don’t like to think about it. We just saw John Cena retire and it’s hard to fathom in a two month span that we’re losing John Cena and AJ Styles.
?CM Punk, WWE Superstar
The Broader Impact of John Cena and AJ Styles Leaving WWE
The sudden exit of two marquee names, John Cena and AJ Styles, within a short time frame delivers a powerful shock to WWE fans and the organization alike. Both performers have been instrumental to WWE’s success and have long been fan favorites, and their absence raises questions about the future direction of the company’s storylines and talent roster.
AJ Styles’ High-Stakes Match Against Gunther at Royal Rumble
AJ Styles is set to face Gunther in a career-defining match at the Royal Rumble event, staking his WWE career on the outcome. Gunther, known for his hard-hitting style, poses a formidable threat that makes this matchup one of the most anticipated and tense contests in recent WWE history. The outcome will not only affect Styles’ career but also the landscape of the WWE moving forward.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for WWE Fans and the Wrestling Landscape
The possible departure of AJ Styles following John Cena’s retirement signals a significant shift in WWE’s talent landscape, with longtime stars stepping away from the spotlight. Fans are left wondering who will fill the void left by these icons and what new rivalries and champions will emerge in their absence. The upcoming Royal Rumble will be crucial in revealing how WWE adapts to these major changes and sets the stage for the future of wrestling entertainment.
"This can't be the end of The Phenomenal One." 🙏 pic.twitter.com/lEpSFfmE9A
— WWE (@WWE) January 27, 2026
