AJ Styles Opens Up About Emotional Backstage Reaction After WWE Retirement

AJ Styles' WWE retirement was a momentous occasion, marked by a final match at the 2026 Royal Rumble pay-per-view event. The Phenomenal One's emotional response to the event has now been revealed in a recent podcast interview.

What happened?

AJ Styles lost his final WWE match to an opponent via submission at the 2026 Royal Rumble pay-per-view event. After retiring from in-ring action, Styles was inducted into this year's Hall of Fame. In a recent podcast interview, Styles opened up about his emotional reaction to the event.

Why it matters for AJ Styles

Styles' emotional response to his retirement was a testament to the impact of his WWE career on his peers and himself. The Phenomenal One revealed that he was overwhelmed with emotion when he returned to the Gorilla Monsoon interview area after his final match. Styles described the scene as "most of our roster was there waiting on me" and that "Abyss pulls me in like a big brother."

What comes next?

Styles' emotional reaction was a poignant moment in his WWE career. The Phenomenal One revealed that he had to gather his thoughts and shed a few tears in a quiet locker room area. Styles credited Shane Helms with providing a much-needed hug and support during this difficult time.

In addition to sharing his emotional response to his retirement, Styles also reflected on his son's potential WWE tryout. Styles emphasized the importance of his son finding his own unique style and not trying to emulate his father's moves. Styles encouraged his son to "be Avery Styles" and not try to be someone else.

Styles' comments on his son's potential WWE tryout offer a glimpse into the future of the WWE. With the Phenomenal One's retirement, the door is open for a new generation of wrestlers to make their mark on the WWE.

The 2026 Royal Rumble pay-per-view event marked the end of an era for AJ Styles, but his legacy will live on in the WWE. As Styles continues to navigate his post-WWE career, fans can expect to hear more about his thoughts on the future of the WWE and his own personal journey.

Styles' emotional response to his retirement serves as a reminder of the impact that his WWE career had on his peers and himself. The Phenomenal One's legacy will continue to be felt in the WWE for years to come.

The exact date of Styles' retirement was not specified in the interview, but it is clear that the event had a profound impact on the Phenomenal One. Styles' comments on his son's potential WWE tryout offer a glimpse into the future of the WWE and the next generation of wrestlers.

The 2026 Royal Rumble pay-per-view event was a momentous occasion for AJ Styles, marking the end of his WWE career. Styles' emotional response to the event has now been revealed in a recent podcast interview.

Styles' comments on his son's potential WWE tryout offer a glimpse into the future of the WWE. With the Phenomenal One's retirement, the door is open for a new generation of wrestlers to make their mark on the WWE.

The legacy of AJ Styles will continue to be felt in the WWE for years to come. Styles' emotional response to his retirement serves as a reminder of the impact that his WWE career had on his peers and himself.

The 2026 Royal Rumble pay-per-view event marked the end of an era for AJ Styles, but his legacy will live on in the WWE.