At today’s WWE Royal Rumble 2026 event in Riyadh, Triple H addressed AJ Styles’ retirement following Styles’ loss to Gunther, which ended his in-ring career. Speaking on the official post-show, Triple H praised Styles as one of the rare wrestlers who is universally respected and admired throughout the industry, noting that any rivalries or disputes are set aside when it comes to him.
Triple H highlighted the significant impact AJ Styles has had during his decade in WWE, comparing his lasting influence to that of Shawn Michaels. He predicted that, years from now, many wrestlers will cite AJ Styles as a major inspiration and role model in their careers, pointing to the deep respect Styles commands within the wrestling world.
Regarding future possibilities, Triple H shared that he and Styles have already discussed what’s next, with Styles showing a strong desire to continue contributing to WWE outside the ring. He expressed hope that Styles will take on a backstage role reminiscent of Michaels’ leadership in NXT, appreciating Styles’ intelligence and influence as assets for the business. However, Triple H emphasized that now is not the time to discuss those plans, as this remains an emotional moment for Styles and his loved ones, and all that matters currently is honoring his career and legacy.
Fan Take: AJ Styles’ retirement marks the end of an era for WWE fans who have long admired his talent and dedication. His potential transition to a mentorship or creative role could shape the next generation of wrestlers, signaling exciting developments for the future of the sport.
