Tag: AJ Styles

AJ Styles Confirms Retirement Plans for 2026

The end of an era is officially on the horizon—AJ Styles has confirmed that he’ll be stepping away from in-ring competition in 2026.

Speaking with Tokyo Sports during WWE’s recent trip to Japan, Styles revealed that his time inside the squared circle is winding down. While he hasn’t locked in the exact date or match for his farewell, the Phenomenal One made it clear that next year will be his final run.

“I don’t want to show fans an AJ Styles who isn’t himself anymore,” he explained, noting that the decision stems from his desire to retire before his body gives out. “I’ve decided to walk away before I get to that point.”

Styles also hinted that WWE’s Supershow Japan event in Tokyo may end up being his last time competing in Japan—a country that played a huge role in his career resurgence during his New Japan Pro-Wrestling run. After retirement, he envisions staying involved with WWE, potentially working with young talent and preparing them for the main roster.

Interestingly, 2026 also marks the retirement year of Styles’ legendary NJPW rival Hiroshi Tanahashi. Styles praised Tanahashi as “a truly great wrestler,” and while he didn’t confirm anything, he left the door cracked open for one more dream clash with The Ace. “I still want to do it 1000%,” Styles admitted. “But we both have positions to consider, so I don’t know if it will happen.”

While fans wait to see how his final year shapes up, Styles won’t be short on big moments. WWE has already announced that he’ll face longtime rival John Cena during Cena’s own retirement tour at Crown Jewel. That showdown promises to be a major chapter in both men’s farewell journeys.

From TNA to NJPW to WWE, AJ Styles has done it all—world championships, show-stealing matches, and countless unforgettable moments. If 2026 truly is his last dance, he’s making sure it ends on his terms.

Backstage Update on AJ Styles’ WWE Status and Current Storyline

At 48 years old, AJ Styles has openly admitted his in-ring career is winding down, but The Phenomenal One isn’t done just yet. Recent events on WWE Raw have fueled speculation about both his future and his next big storyline.

During this week’s show, Styles cut a fiery promo during a commercial break in the U.S. — though it aired for international audiences. In it, he accused an unnamed figure inside WWE of trying to isolate him from his allies and force him out of the company. The cryptic words immediately had fans buzzing.

According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the promo is indeed part of a storyline. Meltzer also reminded readers that Styles’ current WWE deal is set to expire in February 2025. While AJ has previously stated he plans to retire by age 50 (2027), his decision could come sooner depending on how things unfold. WWE may be setting him up for one more major angle before he steps away.

This week’s Raw also saw Styles score a victory over El Grand Americano, getting a bit of payback after Americano’s interference cost him an earlier shot at Dominik Mysterio’s Intercontinental Championship.

Who was AJ referring to in his promo? That remains the looming question — but it seems WWE is planting the seeds for his next high-profile feud, which could double as one of the final chapters of his legendary career.

AJ Styles Drops “Shoot-Style” Promo During RAW Break – Subtle Shot at Triple H?

AJ Styles made some waves on this week’s episode of WWE RAW—and not just for what aired on TV.

Before his match with El Grande Americano, “The Phenomenal One” grabbed a mic and let loose with a fiery promo that had more of a worked shoot flavor than the usual scripted WWE dialogue. Styles told the live crowd (and Netflix viewers tuning in internationally) that he feels someone inside WWE is actively working against him.

Styles pointed to the recent departures of his longtime allies, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, as well as the fact that Michin (Mia Yim) is tied up on SmackDown. He essentially claimed the deck has been stacked against him, leaving him without backup for the first time in years.

In one of the most eyebrow-raising moments, Styles broke from the usual “commercial break” routine and told fans:

“I’m gonna tell you something you’re not supposed to hear, but somebody doesn’t want me here. So tonight, you’re going to beat the piss out of Grande Americano for me, so that person feels some of this pain too.”

Styles went on to score a much-needed win over Americano, snapping a two-week skid and possibly putting management on notice in the process.

While AJ never dropped names, fans immediately began speculating that his words were aimed at Triple H, given The Game’s role in WWE’s creative direction. Whether this was a fully scripted moment or Styles venting some real frustrations remains to be seen—but it definitely added some intrigue to his current storyline.

One thing is clear: “The Phenomenal One” isn’t staying quiet, and if this leads to a bigger push or even a heel turn, we might be seeing AJ Styles entering a very interesting new chapter.

AJ Styles’ Son Weighs In On Triple H’s Booking Of The Phenomenal One

AJ Styles’ recent run in WWE has caught the attention of fans for all the wrong reasons, and now even his own son has spoken up about the situation.

Over the weekend, a fan on social media vented frustration about how Triple H has been using Styles, calling the booking “disrespectful.” That comment struck a chord with Styles’ son, who posts under the handle ajaayyss. He replied, “You ain’t the only one man,” signaling that he shares the disappointment.

The frustration stems from Styles’ string of high-profile losses in recent months. The former WWE Champion has come up short against Dominik Mysterio in an Intercontinental Title match and has been unable to get the better of El Grande Americano, who he faces once again tonight on WWE Raw live from the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee—the first Raw broadcast since the brand’s big move to Netflix.

Adding more intrigue, Styles recently posted a cryptic image on social media: an hourglass featuring his iconic “P1” logo fading away into dust. Fans immediately speculated that the Phenomenal One could be hinting at retirement once his WWE contract runs out.

Back in July, reports indicated that Styles had quietly signed a one-year extension after missing time with an injury, which would keep him with the company into 2025. Still, the symbolism in his post has sparked plenty of conversation about how much longer fans will get to see AJ inside the squared circle.

Whether tonight’s clash with El Grande Americano is another setback or the start of a resurgence, one thing is clear—AJ Styles’ legacy in WWE is a hot topic, and even his family is voicing concern about how it’s being handled.

Backstage Update On AJ Styles’ WWE Future

AJ Styles has done just about everything there is to do in WWE — multiple-time world champion, Royal Rumble winner, WrestleMania main-eventer — and come January 2026, he’ll be hitting a huge milestone: 10 years with the company. But as Styles approaches that anniversary, questions are already swirling about whether his run with WWE could be nearing its final chapter.

Earlier this year, reports surfaced that “The Phenomenal One’s” contract was originally set to expire in the summer. However, Styles ended up signing a one-year extension, which quietly pushed his timeline forward. Now, new details have emerged from Fightful Select, confirming that his current deal is set to expire in February 2026. That puts his potential exit right before WrestleMania 42 — something WWE would no doubt prefer to avoid.

While WWE reportedly hopes to keep Styles around, the decision may ultimately rest on how much longer he wants to perform at a high level. Styles has openly discussed the idea of retirement in recent years, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. In fact, a cryptic social media post earlier this week had some fans speculating that he might be leaning toward hanging up the boots. Still, those talks have cooled off for now, and Styles remains active on WWE Raw, currently feuding with Dominik Mysterio over the Intercontinental Championship.

If Styles does choose to test free agency in 2026, there’s little doubt that other promotions would line up to sign him. AEW in particular seems like a natural landing spot, given his long history with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, not to mention Will Ospreay, who has publicly called a showdown with Styles a “dream match.”

Whether AJ Styles decides to extend his legendary WWE run or close the book on his in-ring career, his next move will be one of the most closely watched stories of 2026.

AJ Styles Says This May Be His Last SummerSlam At Kickoff Event

Could this be AJ Styles’ last SummerSlam match?

During WWE’s SummerSlam Kickoff event on Friday, the Phenomenal One got fans talking with a surprising comment about his future. While hyping up his upcoming showdown with Dominik Mysterio, Styles hinted that this year’s premium live event might be his last.

“If I’m being honest with you guys, this might be my last SummerSlam,” Styles admitted to the crowd, via Fightful. “So, I plan on tearing the house down one last time at SummerSlam for you guys.”

It was a candid and emotional moment from the veteran, who’s no stranger to stealing the show on WWE’s biggest stages. While he didn’t make anything official, the 47-year-old former WWE Champion made it clear he’s approaching this match with a sense of finality — and motivation.

Styles is set to face Dominik Mysterio on night two of WWE SummerSlam this Sunday. With the possibility of it being his final outing at the “Biggest Party of the Summer,” fans can expect AJ to bring everything he’s got.

Whether it’s truly the end of his SummerSlam legacy or just another chapter in his incredible career, one thing’s for sure — AJ Styles plans to make it unforgettable.

AJ Styles Makes Return to TNA at Slammiversary — “The Phenomenal One” Comes Home

In one of the most unforgettable moments of TNA Slammiversary, AJ Styles made his long-awaited return to TNA Wrestling, sending the crowd into an absolute frenzy.

Walking out to his classic “Get Ready to Fly” entrance theme, Styles soaked in the reaction before taking the mic. Reflecting on his storied career, he admitted it’s been a long journey—but emphasized that he’s finally back where it all began.

Styles didn’t shy away from addressing the doubts that swirled over the years about whether he’d ever step into a TNA ring again. But as he put it, now that he’s here, the lights shine a little brighter—and the talent roster has never looked stronger.

One star in particular earned Styles’ praise: Leon Slater. After Slater’s milestone victory over Moose to become the youngest X-Division Champion in TNA history, Styles gave him a heartfelt nod, saying Slater didn’t just earn the title—he deserved it.

AJ also paid tribute to the names that built TNA from the ground up, mentioning legends like Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels, Chris Sabin, Jerry Lynn, Austin Aries, Amazing Red, and others who helped lay the foundation for the company’s legacy.

But as Styles made clear, tonight belonged to Leon Slater. The young champion may have made his name at Slammiversary—but now, Styles challenged him to build his legacy as the face and future of TNA.

AJ Styles Joins WWE Raw Following Royal Rumble Return

The “Phenomenal One” is officially back—and with a new home. AJ Styles made his highly anticipated return from injury at the Royal Rumble and has now been confirmed as the latest addition to the WWE Raw roster.

WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce made the announcement during a backstage segment on Monday night, revealing that Styles’ move was finalized just before the transfer window closed over the weekend. Reports from PWInsider Elite earlier in the day had already hinted at the shift, and Pearce confirmed he was able to strike one last deal to bring Styles to the red brand.

Styles’ Injury and Road to Recovery

Styles’ last televised match before his return took place on WWE SmackDown in October, when he faced Carmelo Hayes. That bout followed his loss to Cody Rhodes in an intense “I Quit” match, but just as Styles was getting back into the swing of things, a foot injury put him back on the shelf. The veteran superstar later revealed he had suffered a Lisfranc injury, which affects the ligaments and bones in the foot. He described the setback as “challenging” on social media, but WWE remained confident he would recover in time for the Royal Rumble.

Royal Rumble Performance and Elimination

Entering the 30-man Royal Rumble match at the #21 spot, Styles looked sharp in his first in-ring appearance in months. However, his return was cut short thanks to Logan Paul, who eliminated him by knocking him off the ring apron. While it wasn’t the comeback Styles likely envisioned, his move to Raw opens up fresh opportunities—and potential rivalries—on Monday nights.

With Styles now a full-time member of WWE Raw, fans will be eager to see what’s next for the former WWE Champion. Will he set his sights on Gunther and the World Heavyweight Championship? Or could he have unfinished business with Logan Paul after his Rumble elimination? Either way, expect the “Phenomenal One” to make an impact sooner rather than later.

Surprise Entrants Shake Up the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble Matches

The 2025 WWE Royal Rumble delivered plenty of unexpected moments, as 60 Superstars battled for their chance to main event WrestleMania. From shocking returns to unexpected debuts, this year’s Rumble continued the tradition of jaw-dropping surprises.

Jey Uso’s Historic Victory & iShowSpeed’s Last-Minute Appearance

The biggest shock of the night came when Jey Uso outlasted 29 other men to win his first-ever Royal Rumble, eliminating John Cena to secure his WrestleMania moment. The win solidifies Jey as a true main-event player, and the WWE Universe is already buzzing about who he will challenge on the grandest stage of them all.

But the surprises started much earlier. Akira Tozawa was scheduled to compete but never made it to the ring, thanks to a blindsiding attack from Carmelo Hayes. With a sudden vacancy in the match, Triple H made a split-second decision and sent out popular streaming star iShowSpeed, who happened to be nearby. The internet sensation may not have lasted long, but his appearance added a wild, unpredictable element to the match.

TNA Represented in the Men’s Rumble

In a major crossover moment, TNA World Champion Joe Hendry made his surprise Royal Rumble debut to a thunderous ovation. However, his decision to go after Roman Reigns proved costly, as The Tribal Chief quickly disposed of him. Still, Hendry’s brief but memorable appearance marked a huge moment for WWE and TNA’s ongoing working relationship.

The surprises didn’t stop there, as AJ Styles made his long-awaited return after months sidelined with a foot injury. Entering at number 21, The Phenomenal One put on a strong showing, even eliminating LA Knight before Logan Paul ultimately sent him packing.

Women’s Rumble Sees Major Debuts and Returns

The Women’s Royal Rumble also delivered its fair share of shocking moments, none bigger than Jordynne Grace officially entering as a WWE Superstar. The former TNA Knockouts Champion’s participation confirmed what had been rumored for weeks—she’s now part of the WWE roster.

Another major return saw Alexa Bliss step back into the ring after two years away. Amid speculation about her WWE future, Bliss silenced the doubters by making a strong comeback.

Fans were also treated to appearances by two WWE Hall of Famers. Trish Stratus entered at No. 25, while Nikki Bella had the advantage of the coveted No. 30 spot. However, both legends fell victim to Nia Jax, who had a record-breaking performance, eliminating nine competitors before being taken out herself.

What’s Next on the Road to WrestleMania?

With Jey Uso now set for a championship match at WrestleMania and several surprise entrants making waves, the road to WrestleMania 41 is already heating up. Will Jordynne Grace make an immediate impact in WWE? What’s next for AJ Styles after his return? And how will John Cena respond to coming up short?

Could AJ Styles Make a Phenomenal Return at the Royal Rumble?

The Royal Rumble is shaping up to be even more unpredictable as reports suggest that former WWE Champion AJ Styles could potentially make his long-awaited return during the men’s Rumble match. According to PWInsider, WWE is “hoping” Styles will be cleared in time for the event, which takes place this weekend in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Injury That Sidetracked Styles

Styles has been out of action since October, following a knee injury suffered during a comeback match against Carmelo Hayes on SmackDown. The injury occurred during a fireman’s carry move when Styles’ knee buckled after his foot didn’t properly plant, forcing an early stoppage to the match. While some initial reports speculated the injury might be storyline-related, Styles later confirmed it was legitimate, revealing he suffered a Lisfranc injury, which affects the ligaments and bones in the foot.

In January, Styles gave fans an update on his recovery, describing it as “challenging.” Despite the long road to rehabilitation, WWE appears optimistic that “The Phenomenal One” could make it back just in time for one of the biggest nights on the wrestling calendar.

A Rocky Year for Styles

This injury was the latest setback in what has been a tumultuous year for Styles. Before his match with Hayes, he returned from a three-month hiatus following a loss to Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes in an “I Quit” Match. That match ended when the referee called the bout after Styles was rendered unable to continue, marking a tough chapter in his career.

The Royal Rumble and the Road Ahead

If cleared, Styles’ entry into the Rumble would electrify an already stacked field and potentially set the stage for a major storyline heading into WrestleMania 41. Known for his incredible in-ring skills and versatility, Styles could reestablish himself as a top contender and potentially set his sights on unfinished business with Cody Rhodes or even the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.

Fans have been eagerly awaiting Styles’ return, and his presence would inject a dose of “phenomenal” excitement into the Rumble. As WWE has shown before, the Royal Rumble is no stranger to shocking returns, and Styles emerging from the curtain would be a moment fans would talk about for weeks.

Final Word

As of now, nothing is officially confirmed, but the possibility of AJ Styles making his comeback this weekend is enough to have fans buzzing. Will “The Phenomenal One” make his return and shake things up on the Road to WrestleMania?