After John Cena, WWE Is Planning Something Huge For AJ Styles’ Retirement In 2026

Over the past few months there were concerns about AJ Styles retiring soon. At the Crown Jewel pre-show, The Phenomenal One confirmed his decision while getting emotional. He cited that 2026 would be the end of his wrestling career for good.

Before making his WWE debut in 2016, AJ Styles had an exceptional career in TNA Wrestling. Recently, he faced John Cena at Crown Jewel, one last time. The two legends displayed the respect they had for one another, and Cena reflected it in a handwritten note that he made Alicia Taylor read out aloud before the match.

Styles had a WWE tryout in the early 2000s that didn’t work out. He competed on RoH and NJPW, where he joined the notorious wrestling faction, The Bullet Club – the current and former members of which are spread across promotions. In 2002, he signed with TNA Wrestling, a promotion he was associated with for nearly 12 years. In fact, at Slammiversary 2025 in July, AJ Styles returned to his former stomping grounds.

WWE Is Reportedly Planning A Big Retirement For AJ Styles

According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer, WWE is already rummaging up a mega plan for AJ Styles’ retirement. Sometimes, when wrestlers retire, the companies announce it publicly, or they make their exit quietly. In Styles’ situation, it seems backstage personnel have put on their thinking hats to make his retirement memorable.

“There is a plan in play for how to handle AJ Styles†retirement in 2026. Itâ€s not fully locked in or anything, but the idea is that, ‘Weâ€re (WWE) going to do something.â€â€

– Dave Meltzer
(WOR) pic.twitter.com/DM80wjjDyu

— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) October 16, 2025

His Crown Jewel match with John Cena came about after the WWE Universe took to social media to want to see a battle between the legends one final time. A few weeks ago, Styles indicated that a WWE official was out to get him, but there has been no development in that story.

On the upcoming edition of RAW, AJ Styles will team up with Dragon Lee to take on Finn Balor and JD McDonagh for the WWE Tag Team Titles.

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