Tag: AJ Styles

WWE Announces Tribute to AJ Styles for Next Week’s Raw in Atlanta

AJ Styles may have officially called it a career at the Royal Rumble, but WWE isn’t done celebrating “The Phenomenal One” just yet.

During this week’s episode of WWE Raw, the company announced that next Monday’s show in Atlanta, Georgia will feature a special “Tribute to AJ Styles.” While the on-screen graphic made it clear the night will honor the former WWE Champion, WWE did not confirm whether Styles himself will be in attendance.

Styles’ in-ring career came to a dramatic end at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he passed out in Gunther’s Rear Naked Choke. The finish left little room for ambiguity, and WWE quickly framed it as the final chapter in one of the most decorated careers of the modern era.

Still, the speed of his exit surprised many fans. Unlike John Cena, who is currently receiving a year-long farewell tour, Styles’ retirement felt abrupt. After debuting in WWE at the 2016 Royal Rumble to one of the loudest reactions of the decade, Styles went on to become a multi-time WWE Champion, United States Champion, and Tag Team Champion over a ten-year run with the company. Before that, he had already established himself as the face of TNA and a top star in NJPW, even holding the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

With so many of his longtime friends and rivals now working in AEW, speculation about Styles potentially following a similar path began almost immediately after his “retirement.” So far, however, there has been no concrete confirmation regarding his next move.

The announcement of a tribute on Raw adds another interesting wrinkle to the situation. Whether Styles appears live in Atlanta or not, WWE dedicating a full segment to honor him suggests the company still views him as an important part of its legacy. That alone may cool some of the immediate talk about a jump elsewhere — or at least delay it.

For now, fans will be watching closely to see how WWE handles the tribute and whether “The Phenomenal One” makes a surprise appearance in his home state. In wrestling, retirements are rarely permanent — and when it comes to AJ Styles, nothing feels entirely off the table.

AJ Styles Finally Speaks After His WWE Retirement Match

AJ Styles’ loss at the 2026 Royal Rumble is still being talked about across the wrestling world. Few fans expected “The Phenomenal One” to fall in a career-on-the-line match, but GUNTHER did exactly that, putting Styles to sleep in a hard-hitting showdown that took place in Saudi Arabia. The moment felt final — especially when Styles lingered in the ring afterward, teasing the possibility of leaving his gloves behind.

But that moment never fully came.

Now, AJ Styles has finally addressed the emotional aftermath of that match and what it could mean for his future in WWE. Appearing on Stephanie McMahon’s What’s Your Story? podcast, the former WWE Champion explained why he ultimately chose not to leave his gloves in the ring — a longtime wrestling tradition signaling retirement.

Styles admitted he didn’t have a clear answer at the time, but his mindset was simple: never close the door completely. While he stopped short of confirming any kind of comeback, he emphasized that retirement in wrestling is rarely as final as it seems. According to Styles, everyone deserves at least one chance to return, even if that opportunity never materializes.

Perhaps the most interesting part of his comments involved family. Styles floated the idea that one day his son could step into the ring, and the possibility of tagging together — even just once — is something that keeps him from saying “never.” While he acknowledged that there will eventually be a moment when the gloves go on for good, he made it clear that he’s not rushing to define when that day comes.

For now, AJ Styles remains in a strange in-between space — not officially retired, but not actively competing either. Whether the Royal Rumble loss truly marked the end of his legendary WWE career or simply a pause remains to be seen. One thing is certain: if the gloves ever do hit the mat for good, Styles wants to be sure it’s on his own terms.

During his appearance on Stephanie McMahon’s podcast, Stephanie read a letter AJ’s wife wrote.

You can check out the letter below:

“To my loving husband whom I call Allen and the world calls ‘The Phenomenal AJ Styles,

“Growing up, who knew I would marry a wrestler? Sure, I would watch wrestling with my grandmother, but I never had a desire to marry one. Well, we paid for our small wedding with money made by your short stint in the WCW when you started chasing this dream. You always told me to trust you that you would make it. Never once did you doubt yourself. As your bride, I trusted you and even encouraged you to go when the WWE came knocking very early in your career. I believe that required you to move to Cincinnati. I was in college at the time. As a young married couple, you refused. You chose me. Even when I was pushing you to go, you politely declined the offer.

You always said we would do this together and not apart. Together we have. You have traveled the world wrestling and conquered what many only dream of accomplishing. You have put God and your family first in this business. I truly believe God opened every door and allowed not just you but our family to walk through them. For that, I am eternally grateful. You wanted to beat the house. Well, you did. A phenomenal career. Four amazing and individually gifted kids. And a loving, always supportive wife who has stood beside you the entire time. You won; come home. The phenomenal times are just beginning. I love you, babe!”

AJ Styles’ WWE Career Ends After Royal Rumble Loss to GUNTHER

AJ Styles’ legendary WWE run came to a heartbreaking conclusion at Royal Rumble 2026, as “The Phenomenal One” was defeated by GUNTHER after passing out in the Ring General’s sleeper hold.

Following the match, Styles briefly teased leaving his gloves in the ring — a traditional symbol of retirement — before ultimately putting them back on and taking in the ovation from the Riyadh crowd, choosing to acknowledge the fans one final time rather than quietly walking away.

After both men vowed on SmackDown to make the other submit, the match began with Styles targeting GUNTHER’s leg in hopes of setting up the Calf Crusher. GUNTHER quickly shifted the momentum, dumping Styles to the floor and unleashing his trademark brutality by slamming him into the announce desk and ring post.

Styles battled back with a well-timed Pele Kick and continued hunting for the Calf Crusher. GUNTHER countered with a powerbomb, but Styles stayed alive and managed to lock in the submission on a second attempt. The Ring General responded by wrapping Styles up in a sleeper, signaling the beginning of the endgame.

Momentum swung wildly as Styles connected with a Phenomenal Forearm and wiped GUNTHER out on the outside. Back in the ring, the two traded punishment, with GUNTHER’s relentless chops wearing Styles down. Still, Styles dug deep, landing a springboard 450 splash followed by a Styles Clash that came agonizingly close to ending the match.

GUNTHER avoided another Phenomenal Forearm and went back to the sleeper, only for Styles to counter with one of his own. Drawing from their controversial encounter in Germany, GUNTHER once again bent the rules, distracting the referee before delivering a low blow to regain control.

An increasingly frustrated GUNTHER unloaded with repeated chops as Styles tried to mount one last comeback. Before Styles could fire off another Pele Kick, GUNTHER snatched him up and cinched in the sleeper once more. Styles fought desperately, reaching toward the ropes with his fingertips just inches away, but GUNTHER refused to release the hold.

With nowhere left to go, Styles passed out in the center of the ring, forcing the referee to stop the match and officially ending his WWE career.

While the loss marked a devastating conclusion, the post-match reaction made it clear: AJ Styles left Royal Rumble 2026 not just as a defeated competitor, but as one of the most respected and celebrated performers in WWE history.

AJ Style’s Royal Rumble Match Against Gunther Could Truly Be His Final Match

AJ Styles’ upcoming clash with GUNTHER at the WWE Royal Rumble has quickly turned from a marquee attraction into one of the most emotional talking points heading into the weekend. With Styles putting his career on the line, what once felt like a dramatic stipulation is now being widely viewed as a very real goodbye.

For weeks, many fans assumed Styles would survive the match. After all, the former WWE Champion had previously mentioned that 2026 was his target retirement year, leading to speculation that this storyline was simply a high-stakes wrinkle rather than the end. However, new backstage reports are painting a much different picture.

According to PWInsider, Styles’ current WWE contract is set to expire before WrestleMania 42, and there are reportedly no internal plans for him to be part of that event. That detail alone has raised eyebrows, especially considering Styles’ legacy and his importance to WWE over the past decade.

Dave Meltzer has also added more context, reporting that Shinsuke Nakamura was under the impression that Styles intended to retire following the Royal Rumble in 2026. That belief reportedly explains Nakamura’s now-deleted Instagram post, which many fans viewed as an early farewell message.

Adding fuel to the fire is the status of GUNTHER. Reports suggest there are no creative plans for him to lose at the upcoming Saudi Arabia event, making a Styles victory at the Royal Rumble seem increasingly unlikely. If GUNTHER is indeed locked in to continue his dominant run, Styles’ career-ending stipulation suddenly feels very real.

Behind the scenes, Styles’ retirement has reportedly been discussed within WWE for months, with the Royal Rumble long viewed as a realistic exit point. While a retirement match in Saudi Arabia would come with a massive payday and global spotlight, WWE plans are always subject to change — especially when a legend is involved.

Still, as things stand, all signs point toward the Royal Rumble potentially being the final chapter of AJ Styles’ storied WWE career. Whether this ends with one last Phenomenal performance or a shocking swerve, fans may want to savor every moment, just in case this truly is goodbye.

AJ Styles Will Put His Career On The Line Against GUNTHER At WWE Royal Rumble

AJ Styles is officially walking into the most dangerous match of his WWE career.

On the latest episode of WWE Raw, Styles confirmed that he has accepted GUNTHER’s brutal stipulation for their upcoming clash at the Royal Rumble event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: if Styles loses, his career is over.

The tension between the two started brewing in the fallout from GUNTHER’s shocking submission victory over John Cena in what was billed as Cena’s retirement match. Since forcing Cena to tap out at Saturday Night’s Main Event in December, the self-proclaimed “Ring General” has been on a victory lap, boasting weekly on Raw about ending the career of one of WWE’s greatest icons. That arrogance didn’t sit well with Styles, another longtime rival of Cena who felt compelled to step in and humble GUNTHER.

Their first encounter took place last week on Raw in Berlin, Germany, and it delivered exactly the kind of hard-hitting, technical battle fans expected. Styles appeared to have GUNTHER beaten after locking in the Calf Crusher and clearly forcing a tap out. The problem? The referee didn’t see it. While Styles argued his case, GUNTHER capitalized on the distraction and escaped with a controversial victory, leaving a massive question mark hanging over the result.

That unresolved finish led Styles to demand a rematch this week. GUNTHER, however, wasn’t interested in a simple do-over. Instead, he raised the stakes dramatically, agreeing to face Styles again only if “The Phenomenal One” was willing to put his entire career on the line. Initially hesitant, Styles later made his decision clear in a backstage segment with Raw General Manager Adam Pearce, officially accepting the challenge.

Now the rematch is set, and the implications couldn’t be bigger. This will be GUNTHER’s third match since retiring John Cena, and he’ll be looking to add another legendary name to his list by ending AJ Styles’ career on one of WWE’s biggest international stages.

Whether this marks the final chapter for Styles or another defining moment in GUNTHER’s dominant reign remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Royal Rumble just became must-see viewing.

AJ Styles Set for PHENOMENAL TNA Wrestling Return on LIVE January 15 Premiere of Thursday Night iMPACT! on AMC

TNA Wrestling is kicking off a brand-new era in a massive way, as AJ Styles is officially set to return to the company on the live premiere of Thursday Night iMPACT! on AMC.

For the first time since Slammiversary, “The Phenomenal One” will step back into a TNA ring on January 15, 2026, when iMPACT! goes live from the Curtis Culwell Center in Dallas, Texas. The announcement immediately sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, with Styles’ return positioned as a cornerstone moment for TNA’s relaunch on a new network.

Styles has long been synonymous with TNA Wrestling, having built much of his legacy inside the company during its formative years. While details remain under wraps regarding his exact role on the show, TNA is clearly framing his appearance as a major statement heading into this new chapter. Whether Styles is returning for a one-night moment, a short run, or something more substantial remains to be seen — but expectations are sky-high.

Stacked Card for Historic Night

AJ Styles won’t be the only attraction on the night, as TNA has loaded up the premiere with multiple championship bouts and marquee names.

The TNA World Championship will be on the line as Frankie Kazarian defends against Mike Santana, a match that has serious implications for the company’s main event scene. In the Knockouts Tag Team division, The IInspiration will put their titles up against The Elegance Brand in what promises to be a high-energy clash.

Elsewhere on the card, Elijah and The Hardys will team up to face Order 4, giving fans another dose of star power on a show designed to make noise.

A New Era Begins

The move to AMC and the launch of Thursday Night iMPACT! represents one of the most significant moments for TNA in years. Bringing AJ Styles back for the debut only reinforces the company’s intent to blend its rich history with its future direction.

Thursday Night iMPACT! premieres live on January 15, 2026, at 9/8c on AMC from Dallas, Texas. Tickets are currently on sale, and if the lineup is any indication, this is shaping up to be a can’t-miss night for TNA fans.

TNA Reportedly Wants AJ Styles To Wrestle On AMC Debut Episode Of “Thursday Night iMPACT”

TNA is gearing up for a massive relaunch in 2026, and the company is apparently shooting big when it comes to star power. With the promotion’s new multi-year media rights deal officially locked in, iMPACT is set to make its AMC debut on January 15, 2026, airing live from the Curtis Caldwell Center in Garland, Texas. And according to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, TNA is hoping to bring back one of its most iconic names for the premiere: AJ Styles.

Per Dave Meltzer, a WWE source says TNA has reached out with interest in having Styles actually wrestle on the debut episode. The idea is simple—kick off the AMC era with a major ratings splash by featuring the man many still associate with the company’s glory years. Styles himself recently said he’d love to wrestle in TNA one more time before wrapping up his in-ring career, and January would mark his first match for the promotion since 2013.

WWE did allow “The Phenomenal One” to make a cameo at TNA Slammiversary back in July, appearing in a non-wrestling role. Letting him work an actual match is, of course, a different conversation entirely—but not outside the realm of possibility given WWE’s slightly more flexible approach to cross-promotional moments in recent years.

If the match does happen, Meltzer notes a likely opponent: Frankie Kazarian. The reigning TNA World Champion has a long, shared history with Styles dating back to the 2000s, and the two have locked up many times over the years. A Styles vs. Kazarian showdown on AMC’s debut night would be a fitting callback for longtime fans while spotlighting today’s TNA main event scene.

Along with the network move, TNA is giving its flagship a refreshed identity. The show will officially be known as Thursday Night iMPACT, maintaining its two-hour timeslot from 9–11 p.m. ET and streaming concurrently on AMC+.

Whether AJ Styles steps back into a TNA ring remains to be seen—but if TNA gets its wish, their AMC premiere could instantly become one of 2026’s most talked-about wrestling nights.

AJ Styles To Shave Head After He Retires

AJ Styles may still be delivering at a top-tier level in WWE, but The Phenomenal One already has a vision for life after the ring — and it doesn’t involve his trademark flowing locks.

In a recent conversation with Inside The Ropes’ Kenny McIntosh, Styles admitted that once he hangs up the boots, he’s ready to say goodbye to the look that’s defined much of his WWE run. According to AJ, “retirement AJ” is going to look like a completely different guy.

“When retirement does finally come, that will be the first thing that goes is probably the hair… I’m thinking about a full shave. Just go, completely gone, all of it.”

While the idea of a bald AJ Styles might be hard for fans to picture, his wife, Wendy Jones, seems more than ready for a change right now. Styles joked that she’s been pushing for a trim well before retirement enters the picture.

“According to my wife, it’s gonna be cut soon… it’s getting way too long, and she doesn’t like it. She keeps telling me I’m gonna have to cut a couple inches off — not all of it now, but soon.”

Styles’ hair has gone through phases over the years, but the longer look has become synonymous with his run as one of wrestling’s premier performers. Whenever AJ does decide to make the big chop — whether for retirement or for Wendy — it’s safe to say WWE fans will have plenty to talk about.

For now, though, the Phenomenal hair remains… at least until Wendy wins the argument.

AJ Styles Shuts Down Idea of a WWE Retirement Tour, Reflects on Career Favorites

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.

AJ Styles Confirms 2026 Retirement: “It’s Time to Take Care of My Family”

The wrestling world is preparing to say goodbye to another modern legend. Hot on the heels of John Cena’s announcement that he’ll retire at the end of 2025, AJ Styles has revealed that he plans to hang up his boots in 2026.

During the WWE Crown Jewel Kickoff Show, “The Phenomenal One” opened up about his decision to step away from the ring after nearly three decades in the business.

“I’m getting old, folks,” Styles told fans. “If I could find the fountain of youth and take a couple sips, I’d wrestle for the rest of my life, but the fear of embarrassing myself is getting closer. There comes a time when you’ve got to take care of business—and when that’s done, it’s time to take care of your family.”

For Styles, that family time has become the next big priority. At 48 years old, the veteran performer admitted that the dream of every wrestler is to someday retire on their own terms—and he’s determined to do exactly that.

While Styles didn’t outline every detail of his final stretch in WWE, he’s hinted that a WrestleMania 42 appearance in Las Vegas is likely. Before that, fans can look forward to one more major showdown—Styles vs. Cena—at Crown Jewel, a match being promoted as their last encounter inside a WWE ring.

Styles joined WWE in 2016, making an unforgettable debut in the Royal Rumble before quickly becoming one of the company’s cornerstone stars. In less than a decade, he captured every major title available to him—the WWE, United States, Intercontinental, and Raw Tag Team Championships—earning Grand Slam Champion status and respect across the industry.

As the countdown to 2026 begins, Styles has also hinted at staying involved with WWE in a backstage capacity after retirement. Whether he’s mentoring the next generation or contributing creatively, “The Phenomenal One” seems poised to leave his mark on the business long after his final bell rings.

AJ Styles’ in-ring career may be nearing its end, but his legacy is already secure—and fans will surely savor every remaining match as one of wrestling’s all-time greats takes his final bow.