AJ Styles WWE Retirement Plan in Motion as Company Preps for 2026 Exit

AJ Styles isnâ€t just thinking about retirement—heâ€s already got WWE making moves behind the scenes to make sure his farewell isnâ€t forgotten.

During the WWE Crown Jewel kickoff show, Styles made it known that 2026 is when he plans to hang up his boots for good. He got real about aging, family life, and walking away while still proud of what he brings to the ring. Styles said he doesnâ€t want to become a shell of himself in the squared circle.

“Iâ€m getting old, folks. Listen, if I could find the fountain of youth and take a couple of sips, Iâ€d wrestle for the rest of my life. But you know, I am getting older, and the fear of embarrassing myself is getting closer.â€

He made it clear that his priorities are shifting away from the ring and toward the people closest to him.

“There comes a time in a manâ€s life when he has to take care of business, but when business is done, itâ€s time to take care of his family. I need to spend time with my family. The whole idea of wrestling and having an amazing future in this business is to be able to retire one day, and in 2026, I will retire.â€

Now, WWE is preparing for the end. According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, the company is already talking about how to handle Styles†retirement, confirming that conversations have started internally.

“There is a plan in play for how to handle AJ Styles†retirement in 2026.â€

Itâ€s not locked in yet, but WWE doesnâ€t want him fading into the background without a proper exit.

“Itâ€s not fully locked in or anything, but the idea is, ‘Weâ€re gonna do something.â€â€

The internal belief is solid—Styles is done after next year, “So yeah, they believe heâ€s retiring next year.â€

Styles†journey has been nothing short of legendary. From TNA to NJPW to his WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble, heâ€s stacked title wins and five-star matches with ease. WWE knows it canâ€t let him walk quietly. This retirement is being treated as a real moment—and if anyoneâ€s earned that, itâ€s AJ Styles.

AJ Styles†time in the ring might be winding down, but WWE seems ready to give him the kind of goodbye that fans and legends alike can respect.

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Do you think AJ Styles should retire at Wrestle Mania or go out with a personal match on his own terms? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.

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