AJ Styles Retirement Update: AJ Styles could be facing retirement after a loss. As rumors circulate about the 48-year-old superstar potentially wrapping up his career at the Royal Rumble 2026, he recently suffered a setback against Gunther, who secured victory with a sleeper hold. However, a new development reveals that WWE officials are ‘uncertain’ about whether Styles is truly leaving for good.
Event Context
AJ Styles arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to take on Gunther, who had previously handed John Cena a defeat. The match on Saturday was fiercely contested, with Styles enduring a relentless onslaught. Despite being pushed to his limits, he resisted the urge to submit. However, the encounter concluded not with a tap out, but rather when Styles lost consciousness due to a sleeper hold.
Match Outlook
AJ Styles has confirmed that 2026 will mark his final year with WWE. While there are no updates regarding his post-WWE plans, reports indicate that Styles’ contract is set to expire following the Royal Rumble event.
Shinsuke Nakamura contributed to speculation about Styles’ future with an emotional farewell message, which has since been removed. As Styles approaches 49, he has openly recognized that his time as an in-ring performer is limited.
During a recent appearance on Saturday, Styles seemed poised to retire his gloves but hesitated, ultimately donning them once more before exiting the arena in full attire. Could this indicate that he isn’t finished yet? It seems that way.
WrestleVotes noted that there is uncertainty within WWE regarding AJ Styles’ retirement plans, with the organization reportedly divided about his status in the ring.
Following his loss to Gunther, Styles appeared stunned and at a loss for words, yet the Riyadh crowd responded by erupting in chants of ‘Thank You Styles.’
One fan tweeted, “GUNTHER vs AJ Styles was a fantastic matchup that built on their earlier encounter.”
