The iconic wrestling career of AJ Styles, known as the Phenomenal One, concluded at the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble after a decisive match against Gunther. The confrontation took place on January 31, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Styles risked his entire WWE career on the line but ultimately was defeated by Gunther, marking the end of his decade-long run with the company. This moment has led to widespread speculation about Styles’ future in professional wrestling and his potential next steps.
Rivalry That Led to Retirement Match
The intense rivalry between AJ Styles and Gunther began after Gunther’s elimination and subsequent retirement of John Cena, who was a major figure in WWE. Gunther, known as the Ring General, had a dominant 2025, eliminating notable stars like Cena and Goldberg. Their first match on the January 12, 2026 episode of Monday Night RAW featured controversial tactics by Gunther, who escaped defeat by tapping out to Styles out of the referee’s view and then capitalized on it to win. Refusing to let their feud end without a definitive result, Styles demanded a career-stakes match at the Royal Rumble.
Match Highlights and Outcome at Royal Rumble
During the Royal Rumble event, Gunther was unapologetic in his victory and shared an image of himself applying a sleeper hold on Styles, captioned simply, “Put to sleep.” Unlike John Cena’s tap out, Styles lost through passing out, resulting in a technical submission defeat. This loss solidified the end of Styles’ WWE tenure as he relinquished the ring after a storied career.
Uncertainty Surrounds AJ Styles’ Future
While this match marked the conclusion of Styles’ WWE chapter, his overall retirement is not officially confirmed. There is speculation that he might leave WWE but continue his wrestling career elsewhere, possibly returning to promotions like AEW or TNA, where he once established his reputation. Despite the unclear future, Styles’ legacy in WWE is impressive: a two-time WWE Champion, three-time United States Champion, one-time Intercontinental Champion, and tag team title winner alongside partners such as Omos and Dragon Lee.
Significance of Styles’ Departure and What Lies Ahead
AJ Styles exiting WWE represents a major shift in the wrestling landscape, given his influence and achievements over ten years. Gunther’s victory and Styles’ retirement could open new storylines within WWE, while fans eagerly anticipate whether Styles will continue to perform in other arenas. His potential moves will be closely watched by followers of professional wrestling worldwide, underscoring the impact of his career’s latest turn.
