‘The Phenomenal One’ plans to bring his career to a close next year.
On 26 September, AJ Styles spoke to Tokyo Sports ahead of WWE’s return to Japan. During the interview, Styles revealed that he plans to retire from in-ring competition in 2026, with WrestleMania being a potential venue for his farewell match.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer revealed that WWE has considered how to handle Styles’ retirement next year, though no definitive plans have been finalised.
“There is a plan in play for how to handle AJ Styles’ retirement in 2026. It’s not fully locked in or anything, but the idea is that, ‘We’re (WWE) going to do something.’”
-Dave Meltzer
At WWE’s Crown Jewel: Perth on 11 October, AJ Styles was defeated by John Cena in a match widely praised by fans and critics alike. Cena is set to bring his own career to a close on December 13.
Styles is set to team with Dragon Lee as the duo challenge The Judgement Day’s Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh for the World Tag Team Championship on next week’s episode of Monday Night RAW.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on AJ Styles’ retirement plans as soon as we hear more.
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