GUNTHER Forces AJ Styles to Retire at Royal Rumble 2026

Career-ending stipulation concludes Styles’ WWE run

Summary

– The loss officially ends AJ Styles’ WWE career ten years after his debut

AJ Styles’ WWE career came to a definitive end at the 2026 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event following a brutal loss to GUNTHER.

The match was contested under a career-threatening stipulation that GUNTHER demanded, requiring Styles to put his WWE career on the line. Styles accepted the condition, driven by tensions that escalated after GUNTHER’s recent actions and his growing reputation for ending legendary careers.

The bout featured several turning points, including a moment where GUNTHER delivered a low blow followed by a powerbomb, only for Styles to kick out. Despite the punishment, Styles continued to fight back, stringing together brief bursts of offense as the referee repeatedly checked on his condition.

GUNTHER eventually regained full control and locked Styles into a sleeper hold. Styles struggled to escape, but GUNTHER maintained the pressure until Styles lost consciousness, forcing the referee to stop the match.

After the bell, Styles removed his gloves and appeared ready to leave them in the ring. Instead, he put them back on, acknowledged the crowd with his signature hand gesture, and exited the ring. Moments later, Styles returned once more to take in the moment and offer a final farewell to the audience.

Styles’ WWE journey began at the 2016 Royal Rumble, making the 2026 event the closing chapter of a ten-year run with the company. Leading into the match, Styles made it clear that only his WWE career was on the line, a condition that is now final.

With the victory, GUNTHER adds AJ Styles to a growing list of legends he has retired, further cementing his ruthless legacy.

The Career Killer strikes again… 😳 pic.twitter.com/b7I06gUB1l

— WWE (@WWE) January 31, 2026

Is this @AJStylesOrg's LAST walk to gorilla? 😢 pic.twitter.com/Z9l8mjBbPR

— WWE (@WWE) January 31, 2026