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.

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.

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.

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.

AJ Styles' son agrees with the idea that his current booking is 'disrespectful'. pic.twitter.com/5I60ur2prZ

— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) September 8, 2025

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.

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.