Jim Ross has voiced his dissatisfaction with WWE’s approach to AJ Styles’ apparent farewell match at the Royal Rumble, highlighting a missed opportunity to give the occasion its due emotional weight. The bout, held in Saudi Arabia against Gunther, saw Styles’ career seemingly on the line, but Ross felt the setting and execution fell short of what a moment of this significance deserved.
The Royal Rumble Setting Didn’t Match the Moment’s Importance
During an episode of the Grilling JR podcast, Ross explained that the location and presentation likely contributed to the subdued atmosphere surrounding Styles’ potential send-off. He emphasized that an athlete of Styles’ reputation merited a far more elaborate and dramatic farewell than what was actually delivered.
“I was a little underwhelmed after the match with Gunther and AJ,”
Ross remarked.
“I was a little underwhelmed. I thought it should have been a bigger dog and pony show. That’s just me, but that’s how I felt when the match was over.”
Retirement Speculation and the Possibility of a Farewell Tour
Following his match, Styles stirred speculation about retirement when he briefly removed his gloves, only to put them back on shortly after, leaving fans uncertain about his immediate future. While many wondered whether Styles might embark on a farewell run with other wrestling promotions, Ross cast doubt on that scenario, skeptically questioning if Styles would wrestle outside WWE while still under contract.
Jim Ross Would Welcome Calling Another AJ Styles Match
Despite reservations about Styles’ full-time future, Ross revealed that the opportunity to announce one more AJ Styles match would strongly motivate his return to the commentary booth.
“Oh, hell yeah, I’d be great. That certainly give me ample encouragement to return to the road to know that I got to call an AJ Styles TV men event when I got back,”
he said.
“But I do think he’s done as a full timer. If I were him, I’d pick my spots and work only when I wanted to and where I wanted to with who I wanted to. He’s got. He’s earned that.”
Concerns Over WWE Allowing Cross-Promotional Matches
Ross also expressed skepticism about WWE permitting Styles to compete in other promotions as part of a farewell tour, citing the risks involved if Styles were injured outside WWE’s control.
“I don’t see how the hell WWE could risk, you know, get hurt in somebody else’s ring,”
he added.
Legacy and Control Over AJ Styles’ Final Matches
As AJ Styles’ future remains unclear, Ross’ comments echo a widespread view among wrestling insiders: if Styles is nearing retirement, he has more than earned the autonomy to decide when, where, and with whom he wrestles his final matches. The frustration with WWE’s handling reflects concerns that a star of his caliber deserved a far more fitting farewell.
