AEW President Tony Khan is reportedly considering bringing WWE veteran AJ Styles out of retirement, possibly arranging a major final match for the wrestling icon. Styles is currently putting his career on the line at this year’s WWE Royal Rumble against Gunther, with fans eagerly speculating if he will retire if he loses. Should Styles leave WWE, Khan might entice him with a high-profile bout against his former rival Samoa Joe in All Elite Wrestling.
The Phenomenal One has been recognized as one of the top in-ring performers across major wrestling promotions, including WWE, TNA, and NJPW. Throughout his career, Styles has participated in numerous memorable feuds and matches, with his encounters against Samoa Joe—often called The Samoan Submission Machine—standing out as fan favorites due to their intense and technical nature, especially from their time in TNA two decades ago.
While AJ Styles may hesitate to return if he officially retires from WWE, Tony Khan’s potential offer of a blockbuster contest against Samoa Joe could be a strong incentive for the former WWE Champion to join AEW and deliver one last career-defining performance.
Samoa Joe Responds to AJ Styles’ Tribute Gesture
Last year, during a match against John Cena at WWE’s Crown Jewel event, AJ Styles paid homage to Samoa Joe by applying a Coquina Clutch hold, mirroring Joe’s signature move. This gesture was noted by Samoa Joe during an interview with Forbes, where he described feeling honored by the tribute.
“I mean, it’s cool. It’s really, really cool. Obviously, I’m super flattered, but I think my friendship with AJ over the years has always been super duper strong. So, I mean, any tribute always pales in comparison to the phone calls and trash talk that usually happen anytime we get together. So, yeah, I’m obviously more than honored and flattered. It’s good to know that your peers appreciate that sense, especially when it talks about the breadth of their career and what it means to them,” he said. – Samoa Joe, Wrestler
The Significance of a Possible AJ Styles Transition to AEW
Should AJ Styles decide to join AEW, the wrestling world could witness a highly anticipated match that revisits one of the sport’s greatest rivalries. Tony Khan’s interest in booking Styles against Samoa Joe would not only create an electric atmosphere for fans but also allow both athletes to showcase their skills on a grand stage once more. This potential shift has generated significant buzz among wrestling enthusiasts, signaling a possible end to Styles’ WWE tenure and the start of a new chapter in his wrestling career with AEW.
The Phenomenal One @AJStylesOrg puts his career on the line against @Gunther_AUT at the #RoyalRumble!
🎟️: https://t.co/WFbrNgXXNx pic.twitter.com/vGeEYdpXhn
— WWE (@WWE) January 19, 2026
