On the What’s Your Story? podcast, Roman Reigns delivered a heartfelt tribute to AJ Styles, sharing memories of their time together in WWE. The Tribal Chief described Styles as
“Hell of a worker. Hell of a teammate. Just an old-a$$ video game brother,”
highlighting the deep respect and camaraderie between them. Reigns expressed gratitude for the moments they created inside the ring, noting a desire to revisit those chapters given their undeniable chemistry.
“I’m just happy I was able to make some art with him when our time came a few years ago,”
Reigns said. He added,
“It would’ve been cool to run it back, do it again, and explore new chapters together because there’s phenomenal chemistry there. Big Allen, have fun and be safe brother, and we’ll see you down the road.”
History of Their Rivalry and Final Matchups
Roman Reigns and AJ Styles have long-standing history, most notably clashing over the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in 2016. Their battles set a standard for excellence and storytelling in WWE. The most recent encounter between the two occurred at Royal Rumble 2024, when Reigns successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in a Fatal 4-Way match that included Randy Orton and LA Knight, pinning Styles to retain.
AJ Styles’ Reflection on His WWE Departure
At Royal Rumble 2026, AJ Styles faced a career-defining match against Gunther, which resulted in his forced retirement from WWE. Post-match, Styles removed his gloves, a symbolic gesture often used by wrestlers to mark the end of their career. Yet, rather than leaving them in the center of the ring, he chose to wear them back and pose for the fans, suggesting lingering uncertainty about the finality of his departure.
During the What’s Your Story? podcast, Stephanie McMahon questioned Styles about this moment. The Phenomenal One answered,
“I don’t know. Never say never, right? That’s the saying. I think everybody’s allowed at least once to come out of retirement.”
He contemplated future possibilities, saying,
“I mean, what if my son wrestles? The opportunity to tag with him once, right? And you never know. There’ll be a time where the gloves will never go back on, and it may be now, but we’ll see.”
Styles also reflected on his changing views about wrestling as a family tradition.
“I never thought I would want my kids to wrestle. But it’s way different than it’s ever been, and a lot better than it’s ever been when it comes to professional wrestling. It’s done right at this point. So I’d be happy if they wrestle. My second oldest (son), I’m working with him now, so he’s in it.”
The Lasting Legacy and What’s to Come
Roman Reigns’ tribute to AJ Styles serves as a powerful reminder of their impact on WWE and the profound respect forged through years of competition and teamwork. AJ Styles’ open reflection on retirement hints that his story might not be fully finished, especially with his involvement in nurturing the next generation. As WWE continues to evolve, the bond between these two icons reminds fans of the deep human connections behind the spectacle of professional wrestling.
Roman Reigns pays tribute to AJ Stylespic.twitter.com/g0z84u3kXL
— WrestleFeed (@WrestleFeedApp) February 5, 2026
