AJ Styles has revealed that his road to retirement in WWE did not go exactly as he once envisioned. The former WWE Champion recently shared that he originally planned to bring his in ring career to a close at WrestleMania 41, hoping to step away from the spotlight on the grandest stage of them all. However, circumstances beyond his control forced him to rethink that emotional farewell.
Styles, who made his unforgettable WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble, had long imagined closing the chapter of his career at WrestleMania. For many WWE superstars, WrestleMania represents the ultimate stage and the perfect place to say goodbye. Styles believed it would be a fitting send off after years of high level performances and championship reigns that cemented his legacy as one of the most respected performers of his generation.
Those plans were disrupted when he suffered a serious foot injury in late 2024. The Lisfranc injury sidelined him for months and significantly altered his timeline. The recovery process was demanding, and by the time he was ready to return, the idea of rushing back solely to meet a previously imagined retirement date no longer felt right. Styles admitted that coming back for a short run just to retire at WrestleMania would not have done justice to his journey or to the fans who supported him throughout his career.
Instead, Styles chose a different kind of full circle moment. He ultimately decided that the Royal Rumble would be the right place to end his WWE in ring career. The event held deep personal meaning for him because it was where he first shocked the wrestling world with his debut. Ending his run at the same premium live event gave his career a sense of symmetry and emotional closure.
At the Royal Rumble in early 2026, Styles competed in what was billed as a career ending match against GUNTHER. The bout marked the conclusion of a remarkable WWE tenure that included multiple championship victories, memorable rivalries, and countless standout matches. While he did not walk away victorious, he left with the respect of fans and peers alike.
Throughout his WWE career, AJ Styles consistently proved why he was considered one of the best professional wrestlers in the world. From capturing the WWE Championship to delivering show stealing performances at major events, he built a legacy defined by resilience, athleticism, and passion for the craft. His willingness to adapt his retirement plans rather than force a rushed goodbye reflects the same professionalism that defined his time in the ring.
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