AJ Styles, known as “The Phenomenal One,” remains an enigma following his loss to Gunther at last Saturday’s Royal Rumble. Putting his 28-year wrestling career on the line for that match, Styles announced his retirement. Traditionally, wrestlers remove their boots to signify the end of their in-ring careers, but Styles took off his gloves only to put them back on, hinting at an uncertain future.
In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, veteran wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer expressed skepticism about Styles joining All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Meltzer suggested that while Styles’ in-ring farewell at the Royal Rumble might mark his departure from WWE, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s quitting wrestling altogether. He noted that since AEW’s emergence in 2019, Styles—who was the Bullet Club’s second leader and a two-time WWE Champion—has been approached multiple times to join AEW but has consistently declined, showing little interest in leaving WWE until now.
Just last week, Styles made his first post-retirement appearance on Stephanie McMahon’s What’s Your Story podcast. During the interview, he hinted at the possibility of returning for another match but cautioned fans not to get their hopes up: “I don’t know… never say never, right? That’s the saying. I think everyone is allowed to come out of retirement at least once. You know what? I’m not saying I’m going to do it anytime soon. I’m just saying that.”
Following the Royal Rumble, WWE’s Chief Content Officer Triple H hinted that the event could have been Styles’ final match, but acknowledged there might still be a chance he continues to work with the company in some capacity. Ultimately, only time will reveal what lies ahead for the “Phenomenal One” and where his story will continue.
Fan Take: This news is huge for AEW fans because AJ Styles joining the promotion would instantly raise its star power and bring fresh matchups. Even the hint of him coming out of retirement keeps fans excited about the potential reshaping of wrestling’s landscape and the ongoing battle between wrestling giants WWE and AEW.
