AJ Styles may have officially closed the chapter on his in-ring career, but “The Phenomenal One” isn’t going anywhere.
After delivering an emotional farewell on this past Monday’s episode of WWE RAW, Styles left his gloves and jacket in the middle of the ring — a symbolic gesture that confirmed his retirement from active competition. Shortly thereafter, WWE announced that Styles will be inducted into the Class of 2026 Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the most accomplished performers of his generation.
With retirement rumors swirling, including speculation about a possible jump to AEW for one last run, Styles quickly put those ideas to rest.
Speaking on the Talk N Shop Podcast, the former WWE Champion made it clear that while his days of competing inside the squared circle are over, his relationship with WWE is far from finished. Styles confirmed he will continue working with the company in a backstage capacity, focusing on mentoring and developing the next generation of talent.
According to Styles, helping younger wrestlers grow into confident, complete performers is something he’s long wanted to do. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that talent feels ready when they step into a WWE ring — not just physically, but mentally as well.
Styles explained that if someone reaches television and isn’t fully prepared, he sees it as part of his responsibility to help get them there. For him, making sure emerging stars feel like they truly belong — that they’re ready to stand alongside the best in the locker room — is both a duty and a privilege.
The idea of shaping future main eventers clearly excites him. After decades of experience across multiple promotions and countless high-profile matches, Styles now shifts from building his own legacy to helping build others’.
While fans won’t see him lace up the boots again, it sounds like AJ Styles’ impact on WWE is only entering a new phase — one that could influence the company for years to come.
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