Published: Sep 25, 2025 by Jamie Toolan | Last Updated: Sep 25, 2025 by Jamie Toolan
Jamie has been covering the world of wrestling for four years and currently holds the position of Assistant Editor of WrestleTalk.com. During his time working for WrestleTalk.com he has written and published over 4,000 news and feature articles covering events and happenings from WWE, AEW, TNA and a variety of international and independent wrestling promotions.
WWE
A decorated WWE star has confirmed their intention to retire from in-ring competition within the next year.
At 48-years-old, AJ Styles is one of professional wrestling’s most experienced and respected active stars still competing full-time at a high level, however, “The Phenomenal One” has made no secret of his intention to call time on his in-ring career in the near future.
Speaking with Tokyo Sports (via Google Translate) ahead of WWE’s upcoming tour of Japan, Styles confirmed that he will be retiring within the next year, with the tour potentially set to be his final time competing in Japan:
“I’m really excited. This will probably be my last match in Japan, so I’m really looking forward to it. I’m planning on retiring soon, and I may not come back to Japan before then.”
Further discussing his plans to retire, Styles said that the specific plans for the end of his run are yet to be decided upon:
“I’ll probably appear at WrestleMania (April next year, Las Vegas, USA), but nothing’s confirmed yet. The details are still to be decided, but I’ll definitely retire within the next year.
“I don’t want fans to see me as someone other than AJ Styles. That’s the main reason. I’ve decided to retire before my body can no longer move.”
On what he plans to after retirement, Styles said:
“I haven’t decided yet, but I think I’ll probably work for WWE. It might be good to develop younger wrestlers into main roster wrestlers. But I don’t know yet.”
As confirmed earlier this week, Styles will face off with another retiring WWE star, John Cena, at WWE Crown Jewel 2025 on October 11.
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