What Happened
AJ Styles, known as the “Phenomenal One,” officially retired from professional wrestling following his match at the Royal Rumble, where he faced Gunther. Styles, who has had a storied career spanning nearly three decades, announced his retirement during a special episode of WWE Raw, where he was also named a member of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Why It Matters
Styles’ decision to retire at the Royal Rumble rather than WrestleMania was significant for him personally. In a recent interview, he expressed that WrestleMania had lost some of its prestige and that ending his career at the Royal Rumble, where he made his debut, felt poetic. His emotional farewell was marked by a tribute that included highlights from his career and testimonials from fellow wrestlers. Styles’ impact on the wrestling world is profound, having left a legacy in promotions such as TNA, NJPW, and WWE.
What’s Next
As part of his retirement ceremony, Styles will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, with speculation surrounding who will induct him. This honor reflects his contributions to the sport and solidifies his status as one of wrestling’s all-time greats. Fans and colleagues alike are eager to see how this next chapter unfolds for Styles as he transitions from in-ring performer to a Hall of Fame inductee.
