Legendary wrestler CM Punk expressed difficulty coming to terms with AJ Styles’ expected retirement, which could take place as soon as the Royal Rumble on January 31, 2026. Styles, the World Heavyweight Champion, has announced that 2026 will be his final year in professional wrestling, a reality that Punk finds hard to accept.
In a video shared on WWE’s social media, Punk conveyed his disbelief about Styles’ decision to step away from the ring. Despite Styles’ announcement, Punk seems to be in a state of denial over the end of the career of the “Phenomenal One.”
“This can’t be the end of The Phenomenal One.” — WWE Twitter account
Punk reflected on Styles’ words about it being his last year and pointed out that it is barely February, indicating the shock of how soon this retirement feels. His reluctance to accept the finality of Styles’ departure remains clear.
Punk Acknowledges the Challenge Ahead for Styles Against Gunther
CM Punk, who has experience wrestling Gunther, Styles’ upcoming opponent at the Royal Rumble, offered his perspective on what Styles faces. Although Punk managed to defeat Gunther, he admitted it felt more like surviving than a true victory.
“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.” — CM Punk
Punk expressed uncertainty about Styles’ chances to overcome Gunther, noting the high stakes and the immense challenge involved. He also mentioned how difficult it is to see so many wrestling icons retiring close together, referencing John Cena’s recent exit from the sport.
“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 we’re losing John Cena and AJ Styles.” — CM Punk
The First WWE Match Between CM Punk and AJ Styles in Over Two Decades
CM Punk and AJ Styles faced off in a singles match for the first time in WWE on the January 26, 2026, edition of Monday Night RAW. The bout was scheduled as the show’s main event but ended in a no-contest after interference from Finn Bálor disrupted the match.
The two wrestlers’ history dates back much further, with their last singles encounter taking place on December 11, 2004, at IWC’s A Call to Arms 2 event. They had multiple matches before that, including those in Ring of Honor, but never in WWE until now.
Following Punk’s retirement from professional wrestling in 2014, Styles made his WWE debut two years later at the 2016 Royal Rumble. Punk returned to WWE in November 2023, leading to their long-awaited WWE showdown in early 2026.
Styles is set to put his legacy on the line against Gunther at the upcoming Royal Rumble, risking his career in what could be his final match. Though AJ Styles had shared his plans to retire in 2026, many, including Punk, did not expect it to arrive so swiftly.
"This can't be the end of The Phenomenal One." 🙏 pic.twitter.com/lEpSFfmE9A
— WWE (@WWE) January 27, 2026
