Published: Jan 31, 2026 by Liam | Last Updated: Jan 31, 2026 by Liam
WWE
An update has emerged regarding the retirement of AJ Styles following the WWE Royal Rumble 2026 premium live event.
Styles lost to GUNTHER today in a result that meant Styles would have to retire.
Styles announced a number of months ago that 2026 would be his last year active in the ring.
Despite the retirement stipulation of today’s match, there has been some somewhat natural speculation that this could just be an end to Styles’ WWE run, but he could leave the company and wrestle elsewhere before fully closing out his career.
However, during the official Royal Rumble post-show, Peter Rosenberg asserted that won’t be the case.
Rosenberg said:
“Just to be clear, I know AJ went back in the ring, he went up there and took in a second round of applause.
“I spoke to AJ, it is very much the end. This is it for AJ Styles. He is not the type of guy to go back on his word when he says he’s having a match with his career on the line.”
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We’ll keep you posted if any further updates emerge on Styles’ future.
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