AJ Styles retired from in-ring competition following his loss to Gunther at WWE Royal Rumble, where his career was on the line. Although he briefly considered leaving his gloves in the ring, Styles ultimately took them back, signaling that his future in wrestling remains undecided. He mentioned leaving the door open for a possible return, especially with the idea of teaming up with his son if the younger generation enters wrestling.
Fans Anticipate Potential AEW Move from AJ Styles
There has been ongoing speculation and hope among fans that AJ Styles might join All Elite Wrestling (AEW) someday. Despite his retirement from WWE, Styles’ future affiliations in the wrestling world have yet to be determined. His fans continue to imagine what an AEW debut could mean, though no official announcements have been made by either party.
Swerve Strickland Responds to Questions About Facing AJ Styles
At Monopoly Events, Swerve Strickland was asked whether he has his sights set on a match against AJ Styles. Strickland expressed confidence in his own rise within the wrestling scene and suggested that he wants top-tier wrestlers like Styles to pursue matches with him, rather than the other way around.
“At this point, I think I’m becoming something that AJ Styles wants to compete against, instead. I’m pushing myself to be at the top of this game. I’m not chasing after anybody’s matches. I want those matches to chase after me. Happy for AJ, proud of AJ. He’s someone I would study endlessly, alongside Bryan Danielson and that era. Nigel (McGuinness), I looked up to those guys and watched those guys. AJ has earned more than enough in his career to walk away from it or continue on and do something different and unique with the generation of guys he has curated and spawned. His influence spawned an AEW style. (Will) Ospreay, Seth Rollins, myself, Mike Bailey, we’ve all watched and studied AJ. If he wants to take a chance to come to AEW, which he is more than capable and in great shape mentally, hopefully, and physically, from what I view, to compete with All Elite Wrestling. We’re all here, open and waiting if he decides to make that jump,”
Swerve Strickland said.
WWE Plans to Honor AJ Styles on Monday Night Raw
In recognition of AJ Styles’ career and impact, WWE will pay tribute to him on the upcoming episode of WWE Raw. The event will feature a lineup celebrating Styles’ contributions to professional wrestling. This acknowledgment highlights his lasting influence and the respect he commands within the industry.
Implications for AEW and the Wrestling Landscape
Swerve Strickland’s open challenge to AJ Styles underscores the anticipation surrounding Styles’ next moves and the potential shifts within wrestling promotions. Should Styles decide to join AEW, it could create new high-profile matchups and renew fan interest across the wrestling community. The possibility of Styles bringing his style and experience to AEW also reflects how his legacy has helped shape the current generation of wrestlers, including Strickland himself.
