AJ Styles surprised the WWE fans by apparently retiring after his match in Royal Rumble 2026. The move left a lot of people questioning his future in the wrestling world, and some of them even theorized that he would switch to AEW. But, a recent report throws some light on the decision that he makes to walk out of the ring.
As per PWInsider, AJ Styles had himself decided to retire during Royal Rumble. In the report, the decision of Styles was made after he failed to approve a new contract with WWE prior to the event. The two parties are still in negotiations of a new deal although no formal contract has been agreed yet.
This puts AJ Styles in a dilemma. After his existing WWE contract at the moment, he will be an independent actor. The speculation has been high and many fans have been left with the question on whether Styles will be signing with another company such as AEW.
Final WWE Match by Styles: A Bitter End with Gunther.
The last bout that AJ Styles had in WWE was a bitter fight against Gunther. Their feud commenced when Gunther mocked John cena and made him tap out in his last match. AJ, who was bent on settling the score, proposed to Gunther a match at RAW. Styles managed to come close to winning even to the point of making Gunther tap out. The referee was unlucky as he missed the tap and Gunther took the advantage of his weakness and won the game.
The next week on the RAW, Styles insisted on a rematch. Gunther, the so-called Ring General, accepted to confront Styles, but this time, in a different manner. His WWE career was in the line of fire of AJ, creating further stakes in the match. Styles took up the challenge and the match was to be hosted in the Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia.
Following a fierce rivalry, Gunther eventually emerged the winner when AJ Styles fainted in his sleeperhold and that was the final match in the WWE career of Styles.
What’s Next for AJ Styles?
The future of AJ Styles is uncertain after he lost to Gunther. The 45 years old wrestling veteran has been an industry in WWE over the years and his retirement is the demise of an age. The fans await to have him back in the ring, either in WWE or another promotion.
No report has indicated that AJ Styles would be returning to in-ring action yet. But the wrestling world is still waiting to hear any news on what he would do next, particularly as he was now a free agent.
To date, Styles can negotiate with other promotions when his WWE contract finally expired. Possible speculation of a move to AEW where he would be matched against the finest stars like Kenny Omega or Jon Moxley remains a possibility. Nonetheless, there are no solid rumors and news about his further actions as of this time.
Conclusion
The news of AJ Styles retiring at the Royal Rumble 2026 has created confusion among the fans as to what is in store of the Phenomenal One. Although WWE and Styles are still in negotiation of a new deal, there is no official deal. Styles, as a free agent, can now look into new opportunities but in the meantime, his future in rings is not clear.
