The wrestling world was left stunned as AJ Styles’ iconic WWE journey seemingly reached its climax at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh. But here’s the twist: his future remains shrouded in mystery. After a heart-wrenching loss to GUNTHER in a career-on-the-line match, Styles’ next move is anyone’s guess. PWInsider.com reports he’s not slated for this Monday’s Raw, leaving fans and insiders alike scratching their heads about what’s next for The Phenomenal One—both within WWE and the broader wrestling landscape.
Styles had openly declared 2026 as his final year in the squared circle, and the Royal Rumble was widely speculated to be his grand farewell. WWE even embraced this narrative, building up to an emotional post-match moment where Styles symbolically considered leaving his gloves in the ring—only to pick them up again. And this is the part most people miss: that gesture left the door slightly ajar, sparking debates about whether his story is truly over.
With a career spanning WCW, TNA, NJPW, ROH, and WWE, Styles has left an indelible mark wherever he’s competed. His resume boasts titles like two-time WWE Champion, IWGP Heavyweight Champion, and TNA World Champion, not to mention his role as a cornerstone of TNA’s X-Division. Recent rivalries with CM Punk and Shinsuke Nakamura reignited his momentum, leading many to believe his final WWE match was imminent.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Styles recently filed trademarks for his ring name and logo, fueling rumors that he might not be stepping away entirely. Could he resurface in another promotion like AEW? Transition into a behind-the-scenes role? Or is this genuinely the end of his in-ring career? The ambiguity has fans buzzing with speculation.
Is AJ Styles truly hanging up his boots, or is this just the start of a new chapter outside WWE? What do you think? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear your take on what’s next for one of wrestling’s all-time greats.
