AJ Styles WWE Contract Update

An update on AJ Styles’ WWE contract following his retirement match defeat to GUNTHER at WWE Royal Rumble 2026.

AJ Styles’ WWE career came to an end at the Royal Rumble event in Riyadh last month, when he lost a career-threatening match to GUNTHER on the show.

Following his retirement, there has been a lot of speculation about Styles’ status with the company, and whether he will wrestle again.

AJ remains listed on WWE’s active roster page, and the latest on his contract status with WWE has been revealed.

Per PWInsider Elite (subscription required), it was an AJ Styles decision to end his WWE in-ring career at the Royal Rumble event in Riyadh, with the idea being that he would close out where he started.

AJ and WWE had been in discussions for a new WWE deal, but as the Rumble drew closer and it wasn’t locked in, the decision was made to run the GUNTHER vs. Styles match.

The two sides are still discussing his future within the company, but PWInsider has not heard of a new deal being signed as of yet.

If Styles’ contract is to expire, he would be free to hear offers from other promotions, but PWInsider had not heard any rumblings that he is looking to get back in the ring anytime soon.

We will provide any updates on AJ’s status as they become available.

You can see all the latest AJ Styles news at this link.