AJ Styles may be entering his final year as an active WWE Superstar, but don’t expect “The Phenomenal One” to follow in John Cena’s footsteps with a full-blown farewell tour. Speaking on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast, Styles was refreshingly honest about how he wants his final chapter to unfold—and it’s far more low-key than fans might expect.
No Grand Finale, No Victory Lap—Just a Quiet Goodbye
Styles made it clear that he’s not interested in a drawn-out retirement storyline.
“I don’t have to have an AJ Styles tour, a farewell tour. I don’t need that… You don’t have to know that I even left. I could just be gone.”
Instead of a big celebration, he’s content with slipping out the door quietly when the time comes. Styles explained that the realization he gets to retire—rather than being forced out—helped calm his nerves about the transition.
“A lot of people don’t get to retire; they have to retire. And I get to. So I’m just going to enjoy what time I have left.”
Still Open to One Last Dream Match
While Styles doesn’t want a farewell run, he is open to certain matchups before hanging up the boots—specifically a throwback showdown with CM Punk.
Styles said their chemistry was strong even 20 years ago, and revisiting it now would be “a lot of fun.” Whether WWE will make it happen? That’s another question entirely.
Styles Shows Love to His Greatest Opponents
The conversation also led Styles to reflect on the talent he’s shared the ring with—names he considers no-brainer, can’t-miss dance partners.
- Finn Balor tops the list. Styles praised Balor as someone he never has to worry about in the ring, calling their chemistry effortless.
- The Usos (Jimmy & Jey): Styles says he knew every match with the twins would be a “banger.”
- John Cena: Despite having completely different styles, Styles is still puzzled—in the best way—by why they always produce magic together.
- Samoa Joe: One of Styles’ close friends, and someone who’s “allowed to hit him harder.” Styles loves working Joe because he looks more violent than he actually is.
- Christopher Daniels: Another longtime partner whom Styles credits with making five-star matches feel almost accidental.
What’s Next for The Phenomenal One?
Styles has already announced he’s stepping away in 2025, but his final year in WWE seems focused on performing on his own terms—not on nostalgia tours or goodbye speeches. Whether we see the Punk rematch or another surprise classic remains to be seen, but one thing is clear:
AJ Styles plans to finish his career exactly the same way he’s lived it—quietly confident, laser-focused, and undeniably phenomenal.
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