Browsing: Styles

Top WWE RAW Star Takes Subtle Dig At John Cena And AJ Styles On Retirement

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This prominent WWE RAW star took a subtle jab at John Cena and AJ Styles, who are about to hang up their boots.

Cena is embarking on his retirement tour this year and had just come off a victory against Styles at Crown Jewel in Perth, Western Australia. Following the recently concluded premium live event, the Last Real Champion only has four remaining appearances left. His last match will take place on December 13th at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and his final opponent has yet to be revealed by the sports entertainment powerhouse. Meanwhile, Styles announced that next year (2026) will be his last as an in-ring competitor. Just recently, the Phenomenal One made his final stop in Japan, where he had so many memorable moments. In addition, WWE was also planning on giving him a memorable sendoff to honor his decorated and legendary career.

Two of the all-time greats in the business are about to ride off into the sunset, but apparently, someone isn’t high on retirement tours. On X/Twitter, Sheamus also unveiled a tour of his own, which centered around his desire to continue wrestling, and that his banger matches will continue to live on.

Sheamus “Never F***ing Retiring Tour†started Monday 20th October 2025. Bangers never quit,” the former WWE Champion said.

You may check out his tweet here.

The Celtic Warrior made his return this week on RAW in the battle royal to determine CM Punk’s dance partner for the vacant World Heavyweight Championship at Saturday Night’s Main Event on November 1 in Salt Lake City, Utah. It seems Sheamus’ message was a slight jibe at both Styles and Cena as The Celtic Warrior potentailly views them as “quitters” for retiring.

Sheamus Made His Presence Felt on WWE Raw But Came Up Short

During the number one contender’s battle royal in the main event of RAW, Sheamus didn’t waste time making an impact. He even eliminated the one-half of the War Raiders, Ivar, with his White Noise signature maneuver.

However, the Celtic Warrior’s efforts were not enough despite hitting the 10 Beats of the Bodhrán on Finn Balor and JD McDonagh. The Judgment Day duo and Kofi Kingston all conspired to eliminate the former WWE Champion.

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Legendary WWE Tag Team Sneakily Issues Challenge To AJ Styles And Dragon Lee After RAW

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An iconic WWE duo seemingly teased a potential matchup between AJ Styles and Dragon Lee following this week’s episode of RAW.

The unlikely duo challenged for the World Tag Team Championship against current holders, The Judgment Day (Finn Balor and JD McDonagh). After a back-and-forth at the end of the title match, Styles nailed the Styles Clash on Balor to win his second tag-team championship (the other one coming with Omos). As a result, the “AJ Lee” tandem broke the 112-day reign of The Judgment Day duo, who last defended the titles on the July 28th episode of RAW against LWO (Joaquin Wilde and Cruz del Toro).

Following their historic title win, a member of this legendary WWE tag team seemingly hinted at challenging Styles and Lee. Posting on X (fka Twitter), Matt Hardy, one-half of The Hardy Boyz, posted a picture of himself and his brother Jeff Hardy holding their NXT Tag Team and TNA World Tag Team Championships.

He then had this to say:

“What an unexpected Twist of Fate,” Hardy captioned.

You may check out his tweet here.

The Hardy brothers won the TNA Tag Team Title at Slammiversary against the Nemeths (Nick and Ryan), Fir$t Cla$$, and The Rascalz, while they won the NXT belts at NXT vs. TNA Showdown against DarkState.

AJ Styles and Dragon Lee Share Ideas About Their Tag Team Name in WWE

After winning the World Tag Team Championships from The Judgment Day, AJ Styles and Dragon Lee exchanged proposals for their permanent identity as a duo.

When the masked superstar asked the former WWE Champion what their team name should be, the latter first said P.Lee (Phenomenal Lee) and followed it up with “Dragon Styles.”

Lee then gave his idea by indicating that their name should be “Phenomenal Dragons” or “AJ Lee.” Styles sarcastically claimed someone already had the latter name, which was a cheeky referenfce at CM Punk’s wife, AJ Lee.

The Phenomenal One ended by saying that whatever their tag team name would be, they will put it on the “world wide web.”

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AJ Styles And Dragon Lee Win WWE World Tag Team Titles

On a night that saw the World Heavyweight Championship vacated due to injury, a championship change also took place on the October 20 episode of WWE Monday Night Raw. The new team of AJ Styles and Dragon Lee defeated The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and JD McDonagh to capture the World Tag Team Championships.

The victory marks a significant milestone for both men. For Styles, it is his second tag team championship reign in WWE, while for Dragon Lee, it is his first taste of championship gold on the main roster. The title change brings an end to the reign of Balor and McDonagh, which began in June.

The championship match was only the second title defense for The Judgment Day members in over three months. Their previous defense was a successful one against the LWO’s Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro back in July. Tonight in Sacramento, their reign came to an end at the hands of the veteran Styles, who is in the midst of his retirement tour, and the rising star Dragon Lee.

This championship win is a big moment for Styles as he winds down his legendary in-ring career, which he has stated will conclude in 2026. For Dragon Lee, this is his first title win on the main roster and his first-ever tag team championship in WWE.

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AJ Styles Receives Emotional Farewell in Japan Ahead of 2026 Retirement

AJ Styles just wrestled in Japan for the final time—and WWE made sure the moment hit hard.

During the WWE Super Show in Tokyo, the Phenomenal One got a send-off that had the entire arena on their feet, with fellow stars paying tribute to his legendary career. At the end of the show, Styles stepped into the spotlight and addressed the crowd one last time. Shinsuke Nakamura joined him in the ring to translate his message for the Japanese audience, making sure they felt every word of his farewell.

The arena erupted when “Thank You†appeared on the screen. CM Punk and Ivar lifted AJ onto their shoulders as fans erupted with applause. More WWE Superstars joined them on to celebrate, creating a lasting visual that perfectly captured Styles†final match in Japan as an active competitor.

This wasnâ€t an isolated moment either. Styles had already said goodbye to fans in Melbourne, Australia, earlier in the week—solidifying his decision to retire in 2026. WWE is planning a full-on retirement tour for the Phenomenal One next year, and if this Japan farewell was any indication, theyâ€re pulling out all the stops.

Styles has wrestled all over the world and built a reputation as one of the most respected performers in the industry. His final matches will no doubt be emotional for fans and peers alike, and WWE seems determined to send him off in style.

Are you ready to see AJ Styles hang up the boots in 2026, or do you think heâ€s got one more run left in him? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.

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

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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.

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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Given the praise for John Cena vs. AJ Styles, what other WWE vs. TNA Dream Matches could there have been (or still can be!) – TOP FIVE LIST

CM Punk wins AEW World Championship
C.M. Punk (artist Grant Gould © PWTorch)

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…

At WWE Crown Jewel we had what many are calling – and Iâ€m on their side – the Match of the Year, at least in WWE. It was the face of a previous version of WWE in John Cena against the same from TNA in A.J. Styles.

These were “The Guys†the company, including any storylines, merchandise, or media presence. Both have grown to become classy acts who are confident in who they are as characters and were able to deliver a crowd-pleasing match that paid tribute to both careers that are winding down.

Many other characters have left WWE to “Cross the Line†to TNA, or made the switch from the smaller company to the true big league. There were matches we saw that we never thought weâ€d get, especially after A.J.â€s debut. There were some matches that were left on the table, though, that we havenâ€t yet seen, or will not get the opportunity to, but it was fun to come up with five dream matches roughly from 2001-2014 era TNA vs WWE.

The Motor City Machine Guns vs. The Usos

The best home-grown TNA tag team vs. who I think is the greatest tag team of all time. The energy of the performers, the fans in the area, and the moves within the match alone could be off the charts in front of the right audience.

The story: Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley have been around as a tag team longer, and have succeeded in every promotion theyâ€ve been involved with, and still have the athleticism to wow an audience. As for the Usos, while Jimmy and Jey have not been a tag team as long, or had titles outside of WWE, theyâ€ve defended for years against the best of the best at a high level. Who is the better team?

Outcome: Usoâ€s in a match of the year contender

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Kurt Angle vs Dolph Ziggler / Nic Nemeth

While we technically had this match, we also had previously seen John Cena vs. A.J. Styles. Itâ€s about the build this match, as Nemeth is a world class mat wrestler with an incredible list of accolades, but in pro wrestling, heâ€s a guy who was known for selling and having tremendous matches through his amazing talents in telling a physical story.

There was a wrestling machine inside of the former Dolph Zigglar that could have come out. Kurt was able to turn that wrestling machine to a new dial when in TNA, and became an incredible well-rounded performer. I would have loved to see an entire program between these two, bringing that out of Nemeth.

Story: Kurt, returning to WWE, takes shots at Dolph about needing to tighten up and not be so involved with silly nonsense. Challenge him to a wrestling match and ask if Dolph can find the serious side of himself again.

Outcome: after losing the first two matches, the second an even more narrow loss than the first, Zigglar works himself up to one more match where he is able to get a clean win over Kurt, legitimizing Dolph for a new title run.

Samoa Joe vs. C.M. Punk

We did get this match in AEW, but it was tainted with backstage drama. These two made each other IWC famous. It was harder to learn about independent wrestling in the early 2000s. You had to know what sites and forums to go to online or you could read the newsstand wrestling magazines or an insider newsletter such as PWTorch.

Anyone who was involved in that scene knew a couple of names before ever getting a television debut, and those were Samoa Joe and C.M. Punk. The ROH trilogy between them sold a lot of DVDs for a small independent wrestling company. Wrestling fans of that generation were not used to seeing a one-hour Broadway, let alone two in a row for these performers.

They were showing they had the raw skills to hang with the established television stars, and it was going to be a matter of time before each would end up amongst them. They each chose different paths, as C.M. Punk, who had previously had a run in TNA, decided to try to make it in the larger and more “big show atmosphere†of WWE, where he was going to have to work his way up through the developmental program.

Samoa Joe, however, become a featured player on TNA television right away. While I watched Impact as often as I could in that era, I was hooked and started spending on a few PPVs at a time where that was tough to justify. Both became respective world champions, but to see them clash with the lights and storytelling ability WWE could provide or a Punk and Joe TNA reunion, much like the Hardys and Dudleys just had could blow the roof off.

Story: I kind of like the TNA return route. Joe could make an appearance about how successful his run was and list legendary opponents; Punk could come out to say that he was only as successful as he was because Punk decided to go to the big leagues and he let Joe run TNA. Major heel heat for Punk on this match.

Outcome: Joe wins clean as a babyface. Punk had the better career and can afford a loss to his friend.

ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW…

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Abyss vs. Cactus Jack

We got Mick Foley in TNA, but this was far from what Foley was known for. Itâ€s unfortunate that this man who gave us fans too much of himself doesnâ€t get to have the big comeback matches. He had a couple, but seeing wrestlers learn how to have good matches into their 50s and even 60s shows the difference in how Foley sacrificed himself.

Abyss was obviously influenced as a character, but also as a performer by Cactus Jackâ€s work. The master of the death match from two different eras clashing at peak was the dream I wish Foley had been healthy for and would love to have seen this match happen in a WWE ring. Not enough people got to enjoy Abyss.

Story: Mick Foley comes back for a special appearance and is attacked by a deranged Abyss (essentially what they did to get Bray Wyattâ€s Fiend character over). Triple H tries to get ahold of Foley to apologize, but hears nothing back. After a couple of weeks with no word, Triple H only hears from kids and wife that theyâ€ve never seen him like this and he wonâ€t even verbalize himself to his family. Then, when Abyss is about to win a match in an underhanded way, Cactus Jack arrives to interfere, and set up a match between the two.

Outcome: Cactus wins as a conquering hero.

Sting vs. Undertaker

Itâ€s the match we all wanted, and the biggest dream match left on the table from the hot ’90s era – unless youâ€d make the Hulk Hogan vs Steven Austin argument. For a fan who watches the product in a similar way that I read comic books, these are the obvious two. Dark and brooding, but many times the conciseness of the promotions they were in.

The WCW years created an aura, and when Sting said he would rather go to the underdog brand than WWE, it added to it. To have finally seen Sting and Undertaker at a WrestleMania is what we wanted, but instead we got heartbreak.

Story: Icon vs Icon, baby! All we need would be a face off, one to point at a sign, and the other to nod.

Outcome: Undertaker keeps the streak I wish heâ€d never lost.

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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.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.

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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AJ Styles Gives Heartfelt Farewell To The Australian WWE Universe

AJ Styles gives an emotional farewell address to the WWE Universe in Australia.

The Phenomenal One has made it clear that 2026 will be his final year as an active professional wrestler. He explained his decision to retire during the Crown Jewel kickoff show in Perth last week.

Styles got another opportunity to address the WWE Universe during a live event in Melbourne earlier today. The former WWE Champion thanked fans for their support before announcing that this might be his final appearance in the city as a professional wrestler.

“I just want to thank you guys for cheering to be some of the best fans in the world,†Styles said. “To tell you the truth, Iâ€m probably not going to see you again in a singlet like this anymore. So I just wanted you to know from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much.†[H/T: Fightful]

TNA star wants a match with AJ Styles before retirement

AJ Styles may be firm in his decision to retire from wrestling in 2026, but a TNA star still believes thereâ€s a good chance he could face the Phenomenal One someday.

TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater told WhatCulture Wrestling before Bound For Glory that AJ Styles was one of his two dream opponents — the other being WWE NXT superstar Jeâ€Von Evans.

“Iâ€ve been saying recently, I think the two dream matches that people were excited for me to have were Jeâ€von, which is happening on Sunday, and AJ Styles, which is happening, I donâ€t know when,†Slater said.

Slater and Evans went on to tear the house down in their Bound For Glory match. Fans can catch up on everything that happened at TNAâ€s biggest show of the year here.

READ MORE: WWE Hall Of Famer Believes Itâ€s Time For AJ Styles To ‘Wrap It Up†And Call It A Career

What do you make of AJ Styles†comments? Let us know your thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below!

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WWE Hall Of Famer Believes It’s Time For AJ Styles To ‘Wrap It Up’ And Call It A Career

AJ Styles has stated numerous times that he plans to retire in 2026, and one WWE Hall of Famer agrees that itâ€s time The Phenomenal One calls it a career.

On the latest episode of The Hall of Fame Podcast, NXT commentator Booker T spoke about the upcoming retirement of AJ Styles in 2026, stating he believes itâ€s time for the former WWE Champion to wrap it up and call it a career.

“Okay, you know what? Itâ€s time to wrap it up. It is. Itâ€s time,†Booker T said. “For me, I said 40 was going to be my number. And just like AJ, I probably got to 40 and said, ‘Man, Iâ€m still better than all these suckersâ€â€¦ and I pushed it for five more years. For him to have lasted this long, props. Itâ€s time to wrap it up, man, and live on the fruits of the labor. Seriously, he doesnâ€t have to do anything ever again.

Despite his impending retirement, Booker T believes Styles will remain in the wrestling industry because he has a great mind and a lot to offer to the business.

One thing about AJ Styles, too, heâ€s one of those carpenters that weâ€re going to need in this business for many, many years. So when he retires, heâ€s still going to have a job doing something in this business, I would imagine, just because heâ€s one of those great minds that this business definitely can utilize.†[H/T: WrestlingNews.co]

READ MORE: Booker T Weighs In On If The Hardys Or Dudleys Are The Greatest Team Of Their Era

What do you make of Booker Tâ€s overall comments? Do you think itâ€s time for AJ Styles to retire from wrestling? Let us know your overall thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below.

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AJ Styles bids farewell to Australia at WWE live event

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At a WWE house show in Melbourne on Wednesday, AJ Styles took a moment to thank the Australian fans for the support they’ve given him throughout his career.

Styles defeated El Grande Americano at the October 15 live event. It’s likely the last time Styles will ever compete in Australia, with him planning to retire from the ring at some point in 2026. The 48-year-old Styles gave a brief speech today expressing his gratitude for all the Australian fans.

“I just want to thank you guys for cheering and being some of the best fans in the world. Because, here’s the truth, I’m probably not going to see you again in a singlet like this anymore,” he said. “So I just wanted you to know — from the bottom of my heart — thank you very much.”

Styles now heads to Japan for WWE house shows this Friday and Saturday. They are expected to be the last matches Styles will have in Japan — a country that holds special significance to him given that his NJPW run was such a highlight of his career.

There has not been a timeline put on when Styles will retire in 2026. He does not have any concrete plans for what he’ll do after stepping away from in-ring competition, but Styles believes he’ll likely remain with WWE in a role like coaching.

Styles renewed his rivalry with John Cena in a loss at Crown Jewel: Perth last weekend. Next Monday on Raw, there will be a Tag Team title match with Styles & Dragon Lee challenging Finn Balor & JD McDonagh.

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