AJ Styles’ status with WWE remains unclear following his high-stakes match against Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Though Styles lost the bout, putting his career on the line, his post-match behavior left fans questioning whether he plans to retire or continue performing.
During the event, Styles removed his signature gloves and appeared ready to leave them in the ring, a gesture often linked to retirement. However, he then reversed course by putting the gloves back on and acknowledged the fans, adding to the uncertainty. He is currently not slated to appear on the upcoming episode of Monday Night Raw, as reported by PWInsider.com.
Styles has recently filed trademarks related to his ring name and logo, suggesting potential ventures outside WWE. He has previously indicated that 2026 would be his final year as a wrestler, but the possibility of continuing cannot be ruled out.
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque shared insights into Styles’ retirement plans during the Royal Rumble post-show.
“We’ve had a lot of conversations, especially once this all came down,”
Triple H said.
“Obviously, we expected it later in the year, but we talked about it quite a bit. AJ is absolutely one of those people who wants to give back and be a part of this business,”
he added.
Triple H further revealed that Styles seemed ready to end his in-ring career, stating,
“In the conversation he had with me, he made it very clear that he was just done with the in-ring part. There’s a point in your career where you reach a place and you say, ‘I don’t want to do this anymore. It’s time.’”
There is speculation that Styles might transition into a backstage or creative role within WWE. Triple H expressed optimism about this possibility, remarking,
“I’m hoping he will contribute, because he’s one of the greatest minds in the business. When you see what Shawn Michaels is doing in NXT, I think that’s a path and a career for AJ Styles beyond this period he’s in.”
Oba Femi Poised for Prominent Role on WWE Main Roster
Following a breakthrough performance in the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble match, Oba Femi appears ready to step into a heightened role within WWE’s main roster programming. Reports from Fightful Select have confirmed that Femi will be regularly featured on main roster shows from the Royal Rumble onward.
Oba Femi, who previously held the NXT Championship before vacating it last month, was introduced to the main audience through a series of vignettes teasing his arrival. His official main roster debut occurred as the first entrant in the Royal Rumble match, where he made a powerful impact by eliminating five competitors before eventually being ousted by Brock Lesnar.
Femi’s dominant performance not only highlighted his skill and physicality but also signaled WWE’s confidence in his potential to quickly ascend towards the main-event scene. His transition marks a key moment as the company invests in new talent to carry the brand forward.
Fans will be watching closely to see how Oba Femi adapts to the intensified competition and larger stage of the main roster, anticipating that his unique blend of athleticism and charisma could establish him as a future star within WWE.
Ava’s Departure from WWE and Next Steps
Ava’s unexpected exit from WWE over the weekend surprised many in the wrestling community. The former NXT general manager reportedly chose to leave the company voluntarily to pursue opportunities in the entertainment industry, potentially working alongside her well-known parents, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Dany Garcia.
Dave Meltzer discussed Ava’s decision during an appearance on Wrestling Observer Radio, explaining,
“I’ve talked to and heard from several people, and the general thing was just she didn’t want to do it anymore. There was no compelling reason. It was just one of those things where her parents own a studio, and they thought that she’s probably going to end up working there. She doesn’t have to do it.”
Meltzer clarified that WWE did not plan to release Ava, emphasizing,
“It was her decision, it’s not like they were going to get rid of her or anything like that.”
There has been speculation about whether Ava’s choice was influenced by the recent release of her girlfriend, Tatyanna Dumas, from WWE. Meltzer addressed this by stating,
“One person had contacted me and mentioned Tatyanna Dumas, who is her girlfriend, was cut, which we didn’t hear just a couple of weeks ago. They weren’t quite saying that’s why she quit, but it was something that people put one and one together that maybe that had something to do with it, maybe it didn’t, I don’t know.”
With Ava leaving her position as NXT general manager, the brand faces adjustments in its leadership and storylines. At 24 years old, Ava is now positioned to begin a new chapter outside of the wrestling world, likely leveraging her family’s influence and resources in the entertainment sector.
Implications for WWE and Its Future Talent
The developments following the 2026 Royal Rumble reflect significant shifts in WWE’s roster and leadership. AJ Styles stands at a crossroads, possibly ending an illustrious wrestling career but potentially transitioning into a vital backstage role, where his experience could benefit new talent. Triple H’s comments suggest WWE values retaining seasoned professionals who can shape the company’s future.
Simultaneously, Oba Femi’s promotion signals WWE’s commitment to elevating rising stars and refreshing the main roster with athletes capable of carrying the company onward. His Royal Rumble performance positioned him as a wrestler to watch, promising exciting storylines in the coming months.
Ava’s departure underscores the ongoing changes in WWE’s backstage and on-screen leadership roles, echoing broader industry trends where key figures explore opportunities beyond wrestling. Her move highlights the fluidity between wrestling and other entertainment avenues, especially given her connection to prominent figures outside WWE.
As WWE navigates these transitions, fans and analysts alike will be focused on how these shifts affect the company’s direction, talent development, and its presentation at major events such as WrestleMania 42 later this year in Las Vegas.
