AJ Styles officially concluded his WWE tenure following a loss to Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble event held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Known as “The Phenomenal One,” Styles had previously announced plans to retire in 2026, although his farewell took place sooner than many anticipated early this year. This bout marked the closing chapter of his in-ring WWE journey, as he succumbed to a technical submission against Gunther, the reigning World Heavyweight Champion.
Gunther has developed a reputation as a formidable “career killer,” having ended the wrestling runs of both John Cena and WCW legend Goldberg in 2025. Styles became the latest high-profile wrestler to fall victim to Gunther’s dominant presence and submission tactics. During the match, Styles passed out from Gunther’s sleeper hold, the same maneuver responsible for the retirements of Cena and Goldberg.
Details of AJ Styles’ Final Match Against Gunther
After the match, Styles mirrored Cena’s previous gesture by standing at the center of the ring, acknowledging the crowd’s support and appreciation. However, unlike Cena, AJ chose not to leave his signature gloves in the ring, triggering speculation about whether his retirement was fully certain. Despite these doubts, official statements and subsequent confirmations have affirmed that Styles’ WWE career has ended.
Following the event, many fellow WWE Superstars and peers expressed their respect and admiration for Styles on social media. Among these tributes, John Cena’s heartfelt message stood out for its sincerity and depth of feeling, highlighting the significant bond shared between the two wrestlers despite their fierce rivalry over the years.
John Cena’s Heartfelt Tribute to AJ Styles
Throughout their time in WWE, John Cena and AJ Styles engaged in some of the most memorable and competitive matches in modern wrestling history. Their last encounter took place at Crown Jewel 2025, during Cena’s retirement tour. Although Cena won that match, he made a point to prepare a special introduction for Styles, which was read aloud by ring announcer Alicia Taylor as a mark of respect.
John Cena began his tribute by acknowledging AJ’s nickname, stating: “Phenomenal is an understatement.” He then emphasized the respect Styles has earned within the industry by saying,
Respect is earned and few are more worthy of universal industry-wide respect than @AJStylesOrg. Thank you AJ for all you’ve done for wrestling. From anyone who’s seen you and those lucky enough to share canvas with you.
?John Cena, WWE Superstar
Styles’ career had deep roots before his WWE success, having become a legend at TNA Wrestling and briefly competing in Japan. Since debuting at WWE’s 2016 Royal Rumble, Styles has been a Grand Slam Champion and is widely expected to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in due course.
Official Confirmation of AJ Styles’ Retirement by WWE
After the match, some interpreted Styles’ actions and statements as ambiguous, leaving room for speculation about a possible return. However, WWE panelist Peter Rosenberg firmly dispelled these notions in a post-show discussion, confirming that Styles will not return to active competition.
It is very much the end. This is it for AJ Styles. He is not the kind of guy who goes back on his word when he says he’s having a match with his career on the line.
?Peter Rosenberg, WWE Post-Show Panelist
This definitive confirmation underscores that AJ Styles’ journey in WWE has reached its conclusion. His retirement marks the end of an era for a wrestler who consistently delivered memorable performances and helped shape the company’s landscape over the last decade.
Looking Ahead: The Legacy AJ Styles Leaves Behind
AJ Styles retires as one of WWE’s most accomplished and respected athletes, whose impact will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike. His matches, including those against John Cena, helped elevate the sport’s entertainment value and athleticism. With his status assured as a future Hall of Famer, Styles’ legacy will continue to influence new generations of wrestlers.
As John Cena’s tribute highlights, the mutual respect shared between these icons underlines the importance of sportsmanship even amidst intense rivalry. Fans and the wrestling community alike await to see how WWE will honor “The Phenomenal One” in the years to come, celebrating a storied career that has now officially come to an end.
