WWE and AJ Styles: A Future Uncertain After Retirement Match
The world of professional wrestling is buzzing as WWE and AJ Styles engage in discussions about the 48-year-old star's future with the organization. According to reports from PWInsider, negotiations for a new contract have been underway, but no agreement was finalized prior to the highly anticipated Royal Rumble event.
In a dramatic turn of events, AJ Styles faced off against Gunther at the pay-per-view, with the stakes incredibly high—Styles' in-ring career was on the line. This match was particularly significant as it marked a poignant moment; Styles chose to end his illustrious WWE wrestling career at the same event where he first debuted back in 2016. Ultimately, Styles was defeated by Gunther, which officially signaled his retirement from competing in WWE.
Despite this retirement match, conversations between Styles and WWE continue. While it remains unclear whether a new contract has been signed, Triple H expressed a desire for Styles to stay with WWE, possibly in a non-wrestling role behind the scenes.
Contract Details
Several months ago, it was reported that AJ Styles' WWE contract was set to expire in February 2026. If he becomes a free agent and opts to continue his wrestling career, it's anticipated that both All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) would show keen interest in signing him.
Interestingly, despite the stipulation around his retirement, many insiders within WWE believe Styles may still wrestle again. During a recent appearance on Stephanie McMahon’s podcast, Styles himself hinted that he hasn't entirely ruled out a return to the ring. "I don’t know. I don’t know. Never say never, right? That’s the saying. I think everybody’s allowed at least once to come out of retirement," he stated. He added, "What if my son wrestles? The opportunity to tag with him once, you never know. So, there’ll be a time when the gloves never go back on. It may be now, but we’ll see."
About Andrew Ravens
Andrew Ravens is a dedicated reporter for WrestlingNews.co, where he covers the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling. Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he primarily focuses on breaking news related to WWE and AEW. Having been immersed in the industry since 2013, Andrew possesses a wealth of knowledge about pro wrestling. His reporting goes beyond simple news updates; he serves as a beat writer who offers comprehensive coverage of wrestling companies and their ongoing storylines. He skillfully provides detailed play-by-play accounts of major events, so fans who cannot watch live can still experience the excitement. Additionally, he handles transcription duties, creating accurate records of interviews and media scrums for his audience. As a committed journalist, Andrew is often found at significant wrestling events like WWE's Monday Night Raw, SmackDown, and AEW Dynamite, covering them live. For news tips or correspondence, Andrew is reachable via email at ravenstarmedia21@gmail.com.
