AJ Styles officially retired after a heated rematch against Gunther at this year’s Royal Rumble event in Riyadh, following a prior clash on RAW. Known as The Phenomenal One, Styles risked his career in the bout but was ultimately defeated by Gunther, who is also called the Ring General, marking the end of Styles’ in-ring journey. Shortly after, the WWE locker room gathered to honor Styles’ legacy as he symbolically laid down his gloves and jacket during RAW, confirming his retirement. It was also announced that Styles will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year, solidifying his impact on the sport.
Tama Tonga Shows Interest in Adopting AJ Styles’ Signature Move
With Styles’ retirement, Tama Tonga, a member of the MFT faction, has expressed interest in using the retired wrestler’s finishing move. In a recent video, Tonga reflected on the idea, stating:
“You know what, that’s not a bad idea. I’ll take that sh*t. I’ll just start taking people’s sh*t. That’s my MO now. Just take sh*t. I don’t steal. Don’t steal, just take. I am gonna take it, then I am gonna ask him. How about that?”
Tonga’s consideration of adopting Styles’ finisher fits a pattern of his previous behavior, as he has a track record of incorporating other wrestlers’ moves into his own repertoire. One notable example is his use of AEW star Will Ospreay’s Hidden Blade finisher.
Michin Counters Tama Tonga’s Claim Over AJ Styles’ Finisher
However, Michin, also known as Mia Yim, who wrestles on WWE SmackDown, pushed back against Tama Tonga’s intentions. On her X/Twitter account, Michin asserted that she had already received permission from AJ Styles to utilize his finisher, making Tonga’s claim premature. She posted emphatically:
“TOO LATE, HE SAID I COULD HAVE IT!!!!”
As of now, AJ Styles himself has not publicly addressed either wrestler’s claim regarding his finishing move.
The Implications of the AJ Styles Retirement Finisher Dispute
This emerging tussle over the usage rights of an iconic finisher highlights the deep respect and value accorded to signature moves in professional wrestling. Styles’ retirement marks not just the end of an era but also ignites contention among current stars seeking to honor or capitalize on his legacy. Tama Tonga’s history of borrowing moves adds tension to this scenario, while Michin’s prior agreement with Styles introduces a conflict that may influence future WWE storylines and relationships within the locker room. Fans and analysts alike await further clarification, especially from AJ Styles, whose decision could settle this rivalry definitively.
TAMA TONGA SAID HE MIGHT TAKE AJ STYLES FINISHER NOW THAT HES RETIRED NOW 😭
LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) February 24, 2026
TOO LATE, HE SAID I COULD HAVE IT!!!! https://t.co/768bGg3MlU
— Big Meech 미친 (@MiaYim) February 25, 2026
