AJ Styles Reveals Why He Retired at the 2026 Royal Rumble

AJ Styles shocked the world when he lost to Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble, marking the end of his illustrious career. The event was a huge success, with many fans tuning in to see if this would be Styles' final match.

What happened?

AJ Styles spoke to Chris Van Vliet about his decision to retire at the 2026 Royal Rumble. Styles revealed that he didn't retire at WrestleMania, as many fans had expected, because it wasn't his pay-per-view or Premium Live Event. Instead, he chose the Royal Rumble, where he made his WWE debut 10 years prior.

Why it matters for AJ Styles

For AJ Styles, the Royal Rumble held a special place in his heart. He explained that while many stars have a connection to WrestleMania, his was always the Royal Rumble. Styles' love for the event was evident, and he felt it was the perfect place to end his career.

What comes next?

Since his retirement, AJ Styles has remained out of the ring. However, he has been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, allowing him to wrap up his in-ring career and take part in several podcasts. Styles has been able to open up about some of the biggest moments of his career since retirement and has been able to support his son Avery, who is looking to continue in his father's footsteps.

AJ Styles' retirement was a huge shock to the WWE Universe, with many fans believing he would be able to defeat Gunther and have a rematch at WrestleMania. However, Styles opted to walk away at the biggest event of the year in Saudi Arabia. The 2026 Royal Rumble was a huge success, with many fans tuning in to see if this would be Styles' final match in a wrestling ring.

AJ Styles' legacy in the WWE will live on, and his decision to retire at the 2026 Royal Rumble will always be remembered as a special moment in his career. The event was a testament to Styles' dedication to the sport and his love for the Royal Rumble.

What's next for AJ Styles?

Since his retirement, AJ Styles has been focusing on his family and his career outside of the ring. He has been able to support his son Avery, who is looking to continue in his father's footsteps. Styles has also been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, allowing him to wrap up his in-ring career and take part in several podcasts.

The 2026 Royal Rumble was a huge success, with many fans tuning in to see if this would be AJ Styles' final match in a wrestling ring. The event was a special moment in Styles' career, and his decision to retire at the Royal Rumble will always be remembered.

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