Tag: AJ Styles

Avery Styles Officially Signs With TNA Wrestling At Lockdown

A familiar last name is officially joining the TNA Wrestling roster.

During TNA Lockdown 2026, Avery Styles, the son of TNA legend and WWE superstar AJ Styles, announced that he has officially signed with the promotion.

The Phenomenal Son Arrives In TNA

The announcement took place during the Lockdown pay-per-view when Avery was introduced by Gia Miller.

Standing in front of the TNA audience, Avery reflected on his father’s historic connection to the company before revealing his decision to sign.

Avery explained that TNA played a major role in helping AJ Styles become one of the most successful wrestlers of his generation and believes the promotion can do the same for him as he begins his own career.

“The fans know what TNA means to AJ, and AJ wouldn’t be what he is today without TNA. Avery won’t become who he will be without TNA, so he officially signed with the company.”

Following In His Father’s Footsteps

AJ Styles remains one of the most influential stars in TNA history.

During his time with the promotion, Styles became a multi-time world champion and was widely regarded as the face of the company throughout much of the 2000s and early 2010s. His success in TNA helped launch a career that later saw him become a global star in NJPW and WWE.

Now, Avery Styles will attempt to carve out his own path while carrying one of the most recognizable names in professional wrestling.

Frankie Kazarian Offers A Warning

The celebration was briefly interrupted by TNA veteran Frankie Kazarian, who welcomed Avery to the company but also offered some advice.

Kazarian warned the newcomer that the TNA locker room is filled with challenges and people who cannot always be trusted, while suggesting that Avery could rely on him if needed.

The interaction hinted that Avery’s arrival could quickly place him in the middle of ongoing storylines.

New Generation Of The Styles Legacy

With his signing now official, Avery becomes part of a growing wave of second-generation wrestlers making their mark across the industry.

While expectations will naturally be high due to his father’s accomplishments, Avery now has the opportunity to establish his own identity in the same company where AJ Styles became a household name.

His first official match and future plans have not yet been announced, but TNA has added another intriguing young talent to its roster.

For now, the Phenomenal Son’s journey is officially underway.

AJ Styles’ Son Avery Styles Set To Make GCW Debut

Avery Styles, Son Of WWE’s AJ Styles, Set For GCW Debut

The next generation of the Styles family is beginning to make waves on the independent wrestling scene.

Avery Styles, the son of WWE legend AJ Styles, is continuing to build momentum early in his wrestling career and is now set to make his debut for Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) later this month.

The young prospect recently stepped into the ring for his first official match at a Squared Circle Action event, with his father accompanying him to ringside. The bout generated significant buzz among fans, eventually being elevated to the night’s main event after interest in the match continued to grow.

Avery made the most of the opportunity, picking up the victory after delivering his father’s iconic Styles Clash. Following the match, AJ Styles publicly praised both his son and opponent Ashton Martin, saying he was highly impressed by their performances.

GCW Debut Scheduled For July 31

Now, Avery is preparing for another major milestone.

GCW has announced that Styles will make his debut for the promotion on July 31 in Omaha, Nebraska. As of now, his opponent for the event has not been revealed.

However, his second appearance for the company is already set. On August 1, Styles will face Marcus Mathers at the legendary First Avenue venue in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mathers is a familiar name to GCW fans and has established himself as one of the promotion’s rising stars. He is also part of WWE’s ID program, making the matchup an intriguing test for the younger Styles as he continues gaining experience.

Interestingly, the August 1 event takes place on the same night as the opening night of WWE SummerSlam, which is also being held in Minneapolis.

Tag Team Match Set Before GCW Run

Before making his way to GCW, Avery will participate in another unique matchup on the independent circuit.

On July 26, he is scheduled to team with CJ Gallows, the son of Luke Gallows, at a Next Generation Wrestling event in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The duo will take on The Good Brothers, creating a matchup with strong ties to wrestling history. AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson famously worked together in New Japan Pro-Wrestling as members of Bullet Club before later reuniting in WWE as part of The OC.

The bout will provide Avery with another opportunity to gain experience while sharing the ring with veteran performers who have known his family for years.

A Promising Start

While Avery Styles is still in the early stages of his wrestling journey, his first few appearances have already attracted considerable attention. Carrying one of the most recognizable names in modern wrestling naturally brings expectations, but his early performances have generated positive reviews from fans and veterans alike.

With upcoming matches in GCW and elsewhere on the independent scene, Avery appears committed to carving out his own path while learning from one of the most accomplished performers of his generation.

The next few months could offer a clearer picture of how quickly the young Styles develops as he continues to gain valuable in-ring experience.

AJ Styles’ Son Made Pro Wrestling Debut

WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles’ 19-year-old son, Avery Styles, made his professional wrestling debut on June 26, 2026, at a Squared Circle Action (SCA) event in Royston, Georgia. Avery wrestled Ashton Martin in the main event, winning the match with his father’s signature finishing move, the Styles Clash.

AJ Styles, who recently retired from in-ring competition, was in his son’s corner for the event and even stepped into the ring to personally count the 1-2-3 pinfall. Viral footage of the moment shows Avery performing his father’s iconic slide under the ropes into a Phenomenal Forearm before hitting the match-winning finisher

AJ later praised the bout, noting the in-ring chemistry and pacing both young athletes displayed.

AJ Styles Opens Up About Life After Retirement, New Role Behind the Scenes

AJ Styles may be done competing inside the ring, but “The Phenomenal One” is far from stepping away from the wrestling world altogether.

In a recent update shared on his Phenomenally Retro YouTube channel, Styles gave fans a glimpse into his new routine following retirement—and it sounds like he’s still figuring things out as he transitions into this next chapter of his career.

Rather than slowing down, Styles has shifted his focus to developing the next generation of WWE talent. He’s been actively working with up-and-coming stars, including WWE’s NIL recruits, while also taking a hands-on approach in training his son, who has aspirations of becoming a professional wrestler himself.

Styles admitted that adjusting to life after active competition hasn’t been completely smooth. Despite no longer performing in matches, he’s treating his new responsibilities with the same level of intensity that defined his in-ring career. He explained that he’s trying to fully understand the ins and outs of his role, particularly when it comes to scouting and coaching talent.

Even with the change in pace, Styles hasn’t exactly left the ring behind. He noted that he’s still spending time in it—just in a different capacity—helping others sharpen their skills while continuing to stay involved in the craft he’s mastered over decades.

Of course, some things never change. Styles also joked that one of his biggest post-retirement challenges is staying in shape now that he’s no longer competing regularly, making it clear that fitness is still very much on his mind.

While fans won’t be seeing him wrestle again, they won’t have to wait long to see him on a WWE stage. Styles is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2026, joining a class that includes Stephanie McMahon, Dennis Rodman, Demolition, and the late Sid Eudy (Sycho Sid). True to form, Styles has already promised that his Hall of Fame speech will be “short and sweet.”

Even in retirement, AJ Styles remains deeply connected to the business—just now, he’s focused on shaping its future instead of stealing the show inside the ring.

AJ Styles Explains His New WWE Role After In-Ring Retirement

AJ Styles may have stepped away from the ring, but “The Phenomenal One” isn’t done contributing to WWE just yet. After officially retiring from in-ring competition at this year’s Royal Rumble, Styles is now transitioning into a behind-the-scenes role with the company as he prepares for his upcoming induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. 🤼‍♂️🏆

During a recent appearance on The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, Styles shed light on what his new responsibilities with WWE look like now that his legendary wrestling career has come to an end.

According to Styles, part of his job involves scouting and evaluating talent across different levels of the wrestling world. That includes independent wrestlers, as well as performers already working within WWE’s system.

Styles explained that he spends a good amount of time online reviewing matches and keeping an eye on potential prospects who could eventually find their way into WWE. If he sees promise in someone, he hopes to help guide them toward opportunities within the company.

In some cases, that could mean helping wrestlers secure a WWE ID or getting them noticed by the right people within the organization. While the process can be slow at times, Styles noted that making the right connections and phone calls is part of the job.

His work won’t be limited to scouting outside talent either. Styles revealed that he may also be working with wrestlers already signed to WWE, including those in NXT and even performers on the main roster. In fact, he mentioned plans to attend an upcoming episode of Monday Night Raw in Seattle, where he hopes to meet with talent and offer guidance.

Beyond evaluating prospects, Styles sees himself as someone wrestlers can talk to if they need advice or direction. Whether it’s discussing their mindset or suggesting time at the WWE Performance Center to sharpen certain skills, Styles wants to help talent stay motivated and continue improving.

Interestingly, the former WWE Champion admitted that he initially expected retirement to give him a lot more free time. Instead, his schedule has remained busy thanks to his new responsibilities with WWE, along with spending more time with his family.

While fans won’t see Styles competing in the ring anymore, it’s clear he’ll still play an important role in shaping WWE’s future by helping the next generation of talent grow and succeed.

AJ Styles Reveals He Nearly Retired in TNA Before WWE Run Changed Everything

AJ Styles’ in-ring career officially came to an end at the 2026 Royal Rumble, where “The Phenomenal One” fell to GUNTHER in a career-on-the-line showdown. The following night on WWE Raw, Styles received an emotional sendoff, capped off with confirmation that a WWE Hall of Fame induction is on the horizon.

But as it turns out, Styles once envisioned a very different ending to his story.

Speaking on Raw Recap: WWE Now, Styles admitted that there was a time when he fully expected to retire under the TNA banner — the company where he became a cornerstone star and helped build its identity during its formative years.

According to Styles, had TNA presented him with a comparable contract offer back in 2014, he likely never would have left.

He explained that he took pride in helping establish TNA as a legitimate wrestling promotion and had every intention of finishing his career there. However, circumstances changed. With TNA dealing with financial struggles at the time, Styles was reportedly asked to accept a significant pay cut — said to be around 60 percent. That proved to be the turning point.

Rather than re-sign under those terms, Styles bet on himself.

After departing TNA in early 2014, Styles revitalized his career on the global stage. He made high-profile stops in Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he further cemented his legacy and expanded his international reputation. That momentum ultimately led to his surprise debut in WWE as an entrant in the 2016 Men’s Royal Rumble — a moment that instantly reshaped the industry landscape.

Over the next decade, Styles built a résumé that erased any doubt about his place in WWE history. He captured the United States Championship, Intercontinental Championship, Raw Tag Team Championship, and most notably, the WWE Championship — a reign that solidified him as one of the defining stars of his era.

His final chapter came full circle at the 2026 Royal Rumble. Putting his career on the line against GUNTHER, Styles was ultimately defeated after “The Ring General” forced him to pass out to a sleeper hold. It was a fittingly hard-fought end for a competitor known for his resilience and elite in-ring ability.

While Styles once pictured his retirement happening in TNA, fate had other plans. Instead, he closes his career as a future WWE Hall of Famer — a testament to a journey that took risks, crossed borders, and ultimately redefined what was possible for a wrestler who built his name outside the WWE system.

In hindsight, turning down that TNA offer may have been the most important decision of his career.

AJ Styles Confirms He’ll Remain With WWE in Mentorship Role Following Retirement

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.

WWE Releases Emotional Post-Raw Celebration Footage Following AJ Styles Tribute Show & HOF Announcement

WWE has released exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from AJ Styles’ emotional farewell on Monday Night Raw, giving fans an extended look at the heartfelt celebration that followed the cameras going dark.

The closing segment of Raw was already heavy with emotion, as “The Phenomenal One” addressed the crowd and reflected on a career that spanned the globe. But once the broadcast ended, the real floodgates opened.

In the nearly five-minute video shared by WWE, Styles shared deeply personal moments with friends and rivals from every chapter of his journey — from TNA to New Japan Pro-Wrestling to WWE.

Several familiar faces from Styles’ TNA days joined him in the ring, including Frankie Kazarian, Drake Maverick (formerly Rockstar Spud), Bobby Roode, and Abyss. Maverick and Kazarian now work behind the scenes as WWE producers, but on this night, it was about celebrating their longtime friend. During an embrace with Roode, Styles jokingly told him, “You got me good, dude,” referencing the surprise announcement of Roode’s upcoming WWE Hall of Fame induction. Roode insisted he had no advance knowledge of the honor.

The tribute also featured a rare WWE appearance from Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, who had been released from the company in February 2025. The duo, who teamed with Styles in both WWE and NJPW, stood alongside him once again. Other former Bullet Club members in attendance included Finn Bálor, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Cody Rhodes — highlighting the massive influence Styles had across promotions. At one point, Bálor and Styles shared a classic “Too Sweet” gesture, bringing things full circle.

Among Styles’ WWE peers, the emotion was palpable. Cathy Kelley, Stephanie Vaquer, Michin, and Asuka were visibly moved during the sendoff. Earlier in the night, Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn even lifted Styles onto their shoulders in a symbolic tribute to his impact on the business.

Styles’ final match came at the 2026 Royal Rumble, where GUNTHER — dubbed “The Career Killer” — forced him to pass out to a sleeper hold in a physically grueling contest. Prior to that, Styles revisited one of his most storied rivalries when he faced Shinsuke Nakamura at Saturday Night’s Main Event. In a poetic touch, Nakamura was seen capturing photos of Styles’ farewell on Raw, documenting the final chapter of a shared legacy that dates back to their NJPW days.

From TNA standout to global superstar, AJ Styles’ career has touched nearly every major corner of the wrestling world. WWE’s post-Raw footage makes one thing clear: his influence goes far beyond championship reigns and five-star matches.

For one night, the wrestling world — across generations and promotions — stood together to celebrate The Phenomenal One.

AJ Styles Gets Emotional Raw Farewell, Leaves Gloves In The Ring, Named As An Inductee For WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026

Monday night’s episode of WWE Raw delivered an unforgettable send-off for one of the most influential performers of the modern era. AJ Styles closed the show in an emotional main event segment that not only celebrated his legendary career but also confirmed his place in WWE history — as the first announced inductee into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame class.

A Night Built Around “The Phenomenal One”

Throughout the broadcast, WWE paid tribute to Styles with a series of video packages highlighting his journey from international standout to WWE Champion and locker room leader. Several WWE Superstars offered words of appreciation, reflecting on his impact inside and outside the ring.

The tribute extended beyond the current roster. In attendance were longtime friends and former allies from multiple chapters of Styles’ career. TNA legends Frankie Kazarian and Christopher Park — the latter appearing in his iconic Abyss persona — were present for the occasion. Former WWE and NJPW stars Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, known collectively with Styles as The Good Brothers and members of Bullet Club and The OC, also showed up to support their longtime teammate. Even Omos, Styles’ former tag team partner, made a rare appearance for the celebration.

It was a gathering that underscored just how wide Styles’ influence stretches across the wrestling world.

An Emotional Goodbye

When Styles made his entrance for the final segment, the crowd immediately filled the arena with chants of “Thank you, AJ.” Clearly overwhelmed, Styles soaked in the moment before delivering a heartfelt promo that traced the arc of his career — from his early days to becoming one of WWE’s most respected performers.

In classic AJ fashion, he mixed humor with sincerity, joking that he would have worn a suit for the occasion, but the last time he did that he ended up fighting Cody Rhodes.

As the moment grew more emotional, Styles removed his jacket and laid it in the center of the ring. He followed by placing his signature gloves on the mat — a symbolic gesture long associated with retirement in pro wrestling. With his family watching from ringside, Styles offered one final “thank you” and “I love you” before the locker room emptied onto the stage. Paul “Triple H” Levesque joined the group in applauding Styles, creating a powerful scene of respect from peers and executives alike.

The Undertaker Delivers A Final Surprise

Just as it appeared the night was coming to a close, the familiar gong echoed through the arena. The lights went out, and when they came back up, The Undertaker emerged on his motorcycle.

In a fitting bit of theatrics, The Deadman asked Styles if he was really planning to leave his gear in the ring and simply walk away. He then revealed there was still “unfinished business” — announcing that AJ Styles will be the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

The surprise announcement brought fresh tears to Styles’ eyes as he embraced Undertaker. Moments later, his family joined him in the ring to celebrate the milestone, closing the show on a note of gratitude and legacy.

A Career Worthy of Immortality

Styles’ WWE run alone includes multiple world championships, show-stealing matches at WrestleMania, and leadership roles in groups like The OC. But his Hall of Fame nod also represents decades of influence across TNA, NJPW, and beyond — cementing him as one of the most well-traveled and respected performers of his generation.

Whether this marks the official end of his in-ring career remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: AJ Styles’ impact on the industry is undeniable.

And come 2026, “The Phenomenal One” will officially take his place among the immortals.

WWE Raw Preview 2/23/2026 – AJ Styles Tribute

WWE Raw live tonight on Netflix at 8pm ET from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia

  • Tribute to AJ Styles
  • AJ Styles to give farewell address to the WWE Universe
  • Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Bronson Reed vs. Jey Uso vs. Original El Grande Americano
  • Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Raquel Rodriguez vs. IYO SKY vs. Kairi Sane
  • Liv Morgan to make her decision on which women’s title she will challenge for at WrestleMania 42 – WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill from SmackDown will be there to hear the decision.
  • Brock Lesnar appears
  • Maxxine Dupri vs. Nattie