Doc Gallows recently commented on AJ Styles as the wrestler’s WWE career appears to be drawing to a close, with 2026 set to mark his final year in professional wrestling. Known widely as The Phenomenal One, AJ Styles rose to prominence before joining WWE in 2016, building a strong fanbase through his time in TNA and later NJPW, where he was a leader of the Bullet Club.
Styles has announced his retirement plans, with speculation mounting that his in-ring career will conclude at the 2026 Royal Rumble event. Reflecting on this milestone, Gallows, a former Bullet Club teammate, discussed the significance of Styles’ journey and longevity in the sport.
Doc Gallows Honors AJ Styles’ Legendary Status in Wrestling
In an interview with Justin Barrasso for Undisputed, Doc Gallows praised AJ Styles, calling him the embodiment of professional wrestling and comparing him to the esteemed Hiroshi Tanahashi. Gallows emphasized that WWE fans have witnessed only the last decade of Styles’ career, while the previous 18 years showcased his ability to dominate wrestling scenes in Georgia, TNA, and beyond, consistently outshining other competitors.
“AJ is the definition of professional wrestling,” said Gallows. “He belongs in the same category as Hiroshi Tanahashi. It’s really only been the last decade that the WWE audience got to see AJ. There were those 18 years prior. The years in Georgia, putting TNA on his back in an era where they didn’t have a lot of recognizable faces. When the company then became flooded with wrestling superstars, AJ still stood head and shoulders above everybody else. That’s what happened everywhere he went.”
Career on the Line at the 2026 Royal Rumble
While it is publicly known that AJ Styles will retire in 2026, many fans were surprised that the WrestleMania-caliber Royal Rumble could be the event that ends his WWE run. Styles recently faced Gunther in a singles match where he was outsmarted by The Ring General, who initially refused a rematch.
However, the stakes changed when Styles declared he would put his WWE career on the line for a rematch at the Royal Rumble scheduled for January 31, 2026. If AJ loses, this decision will bring his decade-long WWE tenure to an end, intensifying anticipation and pressure around the upcoming showdown.
The End of an Era and Its Future Impact
AJ Styles’ potential exit at the Royal Rumble represents more than the close of a career; it marks the conclusion of a transformational era in wrestling. From reviving TNA during pivotal years to becoming a key figure in NJPW’s international success, Styles has influenced multiple generations of wrestling fans and performers alike.
With Doc Gallows acknowledging Styles’ unparalleled work ethic and skill, the announcement of his retirement and career-defining match is certain to resonate throughout the wrestling community. His decision to risk everything at the Royal Rumble signals a dramatic and emotional closing chapter that could redefine WWE’s landscape moving forward.
