AJ Styles’ legendary WWE career came to a heartbreaking end at the 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as The Phenomenal One tapped out to Gunther in a retirement stipulation match, The loss means Styles must officially retire from WWE competition, per the terms of the match. After the match AJ Styles shared a moment with the fans and he took his gloves off, then put them back on which left a lot of fans to wonder if he’s really retired.
PWInsider is reporting that AJ Styles and WWE officials had been in talks for a potential new contract but the decision was made to go with the Styles vs. Gunther match at the Royal Rumble due to a new deal was not locked in as the event was approaching.
The report notes that it was Styles’ idea to end his WWE wrestling career at the Royal Rumble event because it is the same PLE where he made his official WWE debut in 2016.
It’s being said that the two sides are discussing AJ’s future, but there’s no word on a new deal being signed. While Styles would be free to explore outside options if he becomes a free agent, PWInsider writes that they haven’t heard any rumblings about him wanting to get back into the ring in the near future.
AJ Styles recently addressed his in-ring future on What’s Your Story? with Stephanie McMahon and he indicated that he could potentially come out of retirement for the right opportunity, such as tagging with his son.
“Never say never, right? That’s the saying. I know there’s — I think everybody’s allowed at least once coming out of retirement. I’m not saying that I’ll do it anytime soon. I mean, what if my son wrestles? The opportunity to tag with him once. You never know. There’ll be a time when the gloves never go back on and it may be now, but we’ll see.”
