AJ Styles' WWE Future in Question After Career-Ending Match
The wrestling world was stunned when AJ Styles, widely regarded as one of the greatest in-ring performers in history, seemingly ended his WWE career at the 2026 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. In a high-stakes showdown, The Phenomenal One fell to Gunther in a career-threatening match, leaving fans to mourn the loss of a decade-long top star. However, recent developments suggest this may not be the final chapter for Styles in WWE.
RAW Tribute Sparks Speculation About Styles' Return
During the February 16 episode of Monday Night RAW, WWE aired a special video package highlighting AJ Styles' most memorable career moments. Play-by-play commentator Michael Cole followed this by announcing that next week's RAW will originate from Styles' home state of Atlanta, Georgia, and will feature a tribute to The Face that Runs the Place. This has fueled intense speculation that Styles might make an appearance to address the WWE Universe post-retirement.
The Road to Royal Rumble: A Rivalry with Gunther
AJ Styles' rivalry with Gunther began shortly after the December edition of WWE Saturday Night's Main Event, where Gunther submitted John Cena in what was billed as Cena's final match. The Ring General boasted about making The Never Seen 17 tap out, which provoked Styles, a former rival of Cena's, into confrontation.
After a controversial loss to Gunther, Styles demanded a rematch. Gunther agreed only under the condition that Styles put his illustrious career on the line. At the Royal Rumble, the two clashed in a blockbuster match where Styles fought valiantly against the man now dubbed The Career Killer. Despite his efforts, Gunther trapped Styles in a sleeper hold, causing him to pass out and marking the official end of his WWE tenure.
Signs Pointing to a Possible Comeback
While the Royal Rumble loss appeared definitive, several indicators suggest AJ Styles might not be done with WWE. His recent appearance on Stephanie McMahon's podcast and the upcoming tribute night on RAW hint at ongoing ties with the Stamford-based promotion. With next week's episode shaping up to be must-see television, all eyes are on whether Styles will make a live appearance to clarify his future.
The wrestling community remains divided:
- Some believe the tribute is merely a farewell gesture to honor Styles' contributions.
- Others speculate it could set the stage for a surprise return or new role within WWE.
- The timing, coinciding with a show in his hometown, adds weight to rumors of an emotional address.
As fans await the Atlanta broadcast, the question lingers: Is this truly the end for AJ Styles in WWE, or could The Phenomenal One have one more act left in his storied career?
