Phenomenal One reflects on retirement and what could bring him back
Summary
– AJ Styles addressed his future following his Royal Rumble loss to GUNTHER
– Styles suggested a return would only happen under special circumstances
– A possible tag match with his son was mentioned as a dream scenario
AJ Styles may have taken his final bow inside a WWE ring, but he is not ready to declare the story finished. Following his loss to GUNTHER at the 2026 Royal Rumble, subtle body language sparked immediate speculation about whether fans had truly seen the last of the Phenomenal One.
Styles discussed the moment during a February 5 appearance on What’s Your Story? with Stephanie McMahon. The conversation centered on him briefly appearing to set his gloves down after the match before putting them back on. When asked about its meaning, Styles admitted there was no clear answer and left the interpretation open.
McMahon noted that wrestling history is filled with retirements that never fully stick. That comment led Styles to acknowledge the idea of one final return, though he stressed it would not be any time soon and would need to be meaningful.
Styles revealed that the only scenario that truly moves him involves family. He floated the possibility of teaming with his son one day, explaining that a single shared moment in the ring could be worth reopening the door he just closed.
Reports indicate Styles’ WWE contract is set to expire in February 2026, with the in-ring portion of his career officially complete. Company officials have made it clear he would be welcomed back at any time, but Styles has been preparing for this moment for years.
Triple H confirmed after the Royal Rumble that Styles personally told him he was finished as an active competitor. The decision was made on his terms, bringing to a close one of the most respected runs of the modern era.
Even if that night truly was the end, Styles leaves with nothing left to prove. Still, with one glove metaphorically still on, the idea of one last match remains a possibility rather than a promise.
