WWE star AJ Styles ‘certain’ he will retire within next year
AJ Styles’ time in the ring is running out fast.
Earlier this month, Styles made a cryptic social media post of an hourglass running out, appearing to tease retirement or something to do with his WWE contract. He has now claimed in an interview with Tokyo Sports that he plans to retire within the next year, saying that WWE’s upcoming trip to Japan will probably be the last time he ever wrestles in the country.
Styles did not give an exact timeline on when he plans to retire in 2026. He said that, while nothing is decided yet, he will probably end up remaining with WWE in a role like training wrestlers.
“I’ll probably be at WrestleMania [42 next April], but it’s not confirmed yet. Details are undecided, but retiring within the next year is certain,” Styles said. “I don’t want to expose the ‘not-AJ-Styles version of myself’ to the fans. That’s the main reason. I decided to retire before my body stops working.”
Styles is set to face John Cena at Crown Jewel: Perth on October 11. The week following that, WWE will be at Sumo Hall in Tokyo for house shows on October 17-18.
“I’m really excited. I think this will probably be my last match in Japan, so I’m really looking forward to it,” Styles told Tokyo Sports. “I plan to retire soon, and I might not come back to Japan [again] before that.”
The 48-year-old Styles has been a World Champion for WWE, TNA, and NJPW during his decorated career.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.