CM Punk is visibly troubled by the prospect of AJ Styles retiring, especially after witnessing John Cena’s recent departure. The two superstars faced off for the World Heavyweight Championship on WWE RAW, but their clash was abruptly interrupted when Finn Balor intervened, leaving the match unresolved. Backstage, Punk appeared emotional while reflecting on his encounter with Styles and Balor’s attack, struggling to accept the possibility that this could have been one of Styles’ final appearances on the red brand.
I don’t wanna believe it’s AJ’s last match on Raw,
CM Punk expressed.
It’s a funny thing, him saying this is gonna be his last year, but 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 I beat Gunther, but I don’t feel like I beat him, I feel like I survived.
Reflections on AJ Styles’ Retirement and John Cena’s Influence
Punk shared his reluctance to accept AJ Styles’ retirement announcement at face value, highlighting the emotional challenge of losing two legends in such a short time. Having recently witnessed John Cena’s farewell, the thought of Styles leaving the sport so soon added to Punk’s unease about the future landscape of WWE.
So for AJ to be able to pull this out, I don’t know, the stakes are just too high, I don’t like and don’t like to think of 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.
Hints Towards AJ Styles’ Retirement and Upcoming Matches
Speculation is mounting that AJ Styles will officially retire at the Royal Rumble event in Riyadh, where he is set to face Gunther. The potential retirement plans for Styles appeared to be leaked by Shinsuke Nakamura following their recent match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. This has intensified the sense of closure surrounding several iconic WWE careers.
This can’t be the end of The Phenomenal One.
— Shinsuke Nakamura
The Significance of These Wrestlers’ Departures for WWE
The anticipated departures of AJ Styles and John Cena represent a major turning point for WWE RAW and the sport overall. Their exits will leave considerable gaps in the roster, affecting storylines and the championship scene. Fans and wrestlers alike are left contemplating what the future holds as WWE prepares to transition from its current era of stars to new talent. CM Punk’s emotional response captures the uncertainty and gravity of this moment for the wrestling world.
"This can't be the end of The Phenomenal One." 🙏 pic.twitter.com/lEpSFfmE9A
— WWE (@WWE) January 27, 2026
