AJ Styles, widely recognized as a defining figure in AJ Styles modern wrestling, was compelled to retire after his loss to Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble. Despite widespread speculation about his career beyond WWE, recent developments indicate that Styles will remain with the company for the foreseeable future. On February 23rd, WWE held a heartfelt tribute to Styles during the RAW broadcast in his home state of Georgia, where The Undertaker surprised fans by announcing Styles’ induction into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026. As the show concluded, the WWE locker room emptied as both current stars and those who shared the ring with Styles came together to offer an emotional farewell.
Jeff Jarrett Reflects on AJ Styles’ Impact on Wrestling’s Evolution
Jeff Jarrett, a WWE Hall of Famer who closely worked with AJ Styles during their time in TNA, has offered a candid perspective on Styles’ significant influence in shaping the current era of wrestling. Speaking to journalist Justin Barrasso of Undisputed, Jarrett emphasized Styles’ pivotal role in transforming the wrestling scene via the X Division. He highlighted that the division initially met skepticism but was never centered on weight restrictions, stressing instead a philosophy of limitless possibilities.
I could not be happier for the guy. Getting to work with him was super special. It always takes me back to the creation of the X Division. At the beginning, there were so many questions and doubts about the X Division. I was adamant that it wasn’t about weight limits; it was about no limitsLook at today’s style of wrestling–the 2026 modern style–that’s the X Division from ’03, ’04, ’05, ’06, ’07. You think of [Samoa] Joe, [Christopher] Daniels, Sonjay [Dutt], and so many others. And AJ is the face of that. That’s why AJ is the face of modern wrestling. I’m super grateful to have worked with him in the ring and behind the scenes with him. I feel very blessed to be a part of AJ Styles’ career.
Jarrett connected Styles directly to the present-day wrestling style, crediting him as the embodiment of the evolution that began in the early 2000s with the X Division. Notable names like Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels, and Sonjay Dutt also contributed to that groundbreaking era, but Jarrett positioned AJ Styles as the primary representative of the style’s ongoing legacy.
Upcoming WWE Events and Storylines Show Continued Intensity
Following the emotional events surrounding AJ Styles, WWE’s calendar remains packed with high-stakes matches and storylines that maintain the company’s momentum. WrestleMania 42 is slated to occur at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, promising a marquee event for fans. Meanwhile, emerging tensions and rivalries continue to shape the roster dynamics as notable figures like Raquel Rodriguez, Rhea Ripley, and Drew McIntyre headline ongoing feuds and championship pursuits.
Raquel Rodriguez recently named the one female wrestler she sees as true competition, clarifying it is not Liv Morgan. On the social media front, Chelsea Green has publicly supported Rhea Ripley during a dispute with another WWE star, adding another layer to ongoing backstage narratives. Logan Paul has also made headlines by claiming Floyd Mayweather owes him a considerable sum from their fight, injecting an uneasy undercurrent into WWE’s crossover contests. Furthermore, rumors swirl around a potential in-ring return for a WWE star after three years, possibly setting up a contest against Drew McIntyre following a SmackDown title bout. The roster’s health and personal struggles also remain in the spotlight, exemplified by a former WWE star opening up about a near-death experience after their heart stopped.
The Enduring Influence of AJ Styles on Wrestling’s Direction
AJ Styles’ retirement marked the end of an era but solidified his stature as a trailblazer in wrestling’s evolution, especially within the modern style that fans witness today. The induction into the WWE Hall of Fame serves not only as recognition of his accomplishments in the ring but also as a testament to his enduring influence on wrestling techniques and presentation. His connection to the pioneering X Division and ability to carry that legacy forward places him at the center of wrestling’s transformation in this decade. Looking ahead, Styles’ presence within WWE, whether in a managerial, mentoring, or ambassadorial role, could continue to shape the company’s future creative and athletic directions, keeping his imprint on the sport alive beyond his active competition years.
