This week on SmackDown, speculation around AJ Styles‘ retirement intensified as a top WWE star appeared to hint at stepping away from the ring as well. Styles is set to put his wrestling career on the line at tomorrow night’s Royal Rumble against the formidable ‘Career Killer’ Gunther. Known as The Phenomenal One, Styles has confirmed that 2026 will mark his final year in professional wrestling.
Prior to his upcoming bout with Gunther, Styles secured a victory over his longtime rival, Shinsuke Nakamura, at Saturday Night’s Main Event. He defeated Nakamura using his signature moves, the Phenomenal Forearm and Styles Clash, reinforcing his dominant status.
Escalating Tensions Between Shinsuke Nakamura and Tama Tonga
Meanwhile, backstage tension has grown between Shinsuke Nakamura and Tama Tonga, one-half of the WWE Tag Team Champions. Their rivalry traces back to their time in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, making their interactions particularly charged. This week on SmackDown, they confronted each other again, this time in a heated encounter outside the stadium.
During the confrontation, Tama Tonga took a jab at Nakamura’s recent loss to AJ Styles, mockingly advising Nakamura to follow Styles into retirement. Tonga dubbed this potential farewell the “Shinsuke Sayonara Tour,” adding a sharp edge to their rivalry.
Nakamura responded by calling Tonga a young punk despite his tough demeanor, and challenged him to a match on next week’s SmackDown to settle their differences in the ring.
Tama Tonga and Shinsuke Nakamura👀#SmackDownpic.twitter.com/SJoKgaNI8O
— Eslam (@EslamRollins) January 30, 2026
Anticipation Builds for Nakamura and Tonga’s Upcoming Showdown
The renewed rivalry between Nakamura and Tonga, which has a history extending to their time in Japan, is set to intensify with the scheduled match on the next SmackDown episode. Fans and commentators alike are eager to see which competitor will emerge victorious after this fiery exchange.
As AJ Styles approaches what could be his final year in wrestling, these ongoing conflicts highlight a period of uncertainty and change on the WWE roster, with retirement speculations adding to the tense atmosphere around these major stars.
Tama Tonga and Shinsuke Nakamura👀#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/SJoKgaNI8O
— Eslam (@EslamRollins) January 30, 2026
