AJ Styles Announces Retirement Plans for 2026

PERTH: Former WWE Champion AJ Styles has shared a significant update regarding his future in the ring, leading up to the WWE Crown Jewel 2025 event.

During the Crown Jewel Kickoff event in Perth today, Michael Cole questioned Styles about his prior statements to Tokyo Sports concerning his retirement. The 46-year-old wrestler verified his intention to retire in 2026.

Styles stated, “I’m getting older. If I could discover the fountain of youth, I would continue to wrestle indefinitely. However, the concern of potentially embarrassing myself is growing.”

He further elaborated, “There comes a point when one must address certain responsibilities, and upon completion, prioritize family. I want to dedicate more time to my family. Wrestling has provided an incredible career, and the goal is to retire eventually. I plan to do just that in 2026.”

Reportedly, Styles’ WWE contract is set to conclude in February 2026, but he has suggested the possibility of an appearance at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas next April.

He is scheduled to compete against 17-time Champion John Cena at WWE Crown Jewel, which is anticipated to be their final encounter.

Since his WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble as the #3 entrant, Styles has had a remarkable impact.

His accomplishments include being a two-time WWE Champion, with his second title reign spanning 371 days, a three-time United States Champion, a one-time Intercontinental Champion after defeating Daniel Bryan in 2020, and a Raw Tag Team Champion alongside Omos at WrestleMania 37.

Recognized as a WWE Grand Slam Champion, Styles has received numerous honors, such as the 2016 Slammy Award for Superstar of the Year and being ranked #1 in the PWI 500 twice (2010 and 2016).

Known as “The Phenomenal One,” he is broadly recognized as one of the premier in-ring performers of his time, with his Boneyard Match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 36 being celebrated as one of WWE’s most innovative and unforgettable matches.