AJ Styles Reportedly ‘Well Aware’ AEW Was Willing To Make A Substantial Offer Should He Have Left WWE

AJ Styles was reportedly aware of AEW’s interest before making the decision to retire from WWE.

At the 2026 Royal Rumble, AJ Styles’ loss to GUNTHER meant his WWE career had to come to an end. In the immediate aftermath, many fans remained optimistic that ‘The Phenomenal One’ could still wrestle elsewhere amid rumours of a move to AEW or return to New Japan. However, this past Monday on RAW, The Undertaker announced Styles’ as the latest member of this year’s WWE Hall Of Fame class. With it now looking like AJ truly is done with wrestling, it’s emerged that the 46-year-old knew All Elite Wrestling were ready to make a sizeable offer if wanted to remain active.

According to an update from Justin Barrasso of Undisputed, it’s believed that Styles was ‘well aware’ that AEW were willing to make him a big offer if he decided to go down that path.

“He meant what he said about spending time at home with family. But speaking to a few people close to him, Styles was well aware that AEW was willing to make a substantial offer. And it was likely going to be one that wouldn’t cost him much time away from home.”

-AJ Styles

Further lending credence to the notion that Styles’ in-ring career is behind him, the star took to X in 2024 to reveal he wouldn’t go into any Hall of Fame while he was still an active wrestler. ‘The Phenomenal One’, alongside Stephanie McMahon, is one of only two people currently announced for the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2026, with more names set to come between now and WrestleMania 42.

Speaking of Styles’ upcoming Hall of Fame induction, a recent report indicated whether the star knew of The Undertaker’s announcement before it happened. You can read more about that here.

As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on AJ Styles’ future as soon as we hear more.