It’s the match every WWE fan is talking about — AJ Styles vs. Gunther — and the stakes couldn’t be higher. If Styles loses this Saturday at the 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh, his WWE career will come to an end. With over two decades in the wrestling business and a legacy that spans the globe, the thought of “The Phenomenal One” hanging up his boots is hard to process.
The Road to AJ Styles vs. Gunther
The story leading to this match has been built on respect, legacy, and looming finality. AJ Styles, already regarded as a future Hall of Famer, has had a rollercoaster of a year. Injuries, setbacks, and missed opportunities have all led to this make-or-break moment.
On the final WWE Raw before the Royal Rumble, Styles teased a possible farewell. But before he could finish his emotional message, he was interrupted by World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk.
In a heartfelt segment that blurred the lines between kayfabe and reality, Punk praised AJ and expressed regret that they never had a one-on-one match in WWE. In true Punk fashion, he offered AJ a match right then and there — for the World Heavyweight Championship.
The two veterans delivered a show-stealing main event, until Finn Bálor ruined the moment. Angry over being left out of the Men’s Royal Rumble, Bálor attacked both men and sent a message that his rivalry with Punk is far from over.
An Emotional Post-Match Moment
After the cameras stopped rolling on Raw’s Netflix broadcast, fans were treated to a deeply emotional exchange. AJ Styles thanked the Toronto crowd for their support, while CM Punk gave a heartfelt tribute to his longtime peer:
“I speak as a fan — I hope Saturday’s not it, but if it is… man, what a hell of a career. I love you brother, thank you.”
The moment felt real, unscripted, and final — only adding fuel to the fire that this Saturday could mark the end of AJ Styles’ WWE journey.
Did Shinsuke Nakamura Confirm AJ’s Retirement?
In what may have been a premature reveal, Shinsuke Nakamura shared a now-deleted Instagram post shortly after wrestling AJ Styles at Saturday Night’s Main Event. In the post, Nakamura mentioned that it was AJ’s final match in North America, suggesting that the Riyadh showdown will indeed be his last.
While nothing has been confirmed by Styles or WWE officially, the signs are pointing toward retirement.
What’s at Stake at WWE Royal Rumble 2026?
Here’s the current card for the Royal Rumble on Saturday, January 31, 2026, with AJ’s match at the emotional centre of it all:
- AJ Styles vs. Gunther — If AJ loses, he must retire from WWE
- Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Sami Zayn — WWE Championship
- Men’s Royal Rumble Match — 30 Superstars compete for a WrestleMania title shot
- Women’s Royal Rumble Match — Winner earns a championship match at WrestleMania 42
Will AJ Styles Actually Retire?
The wrestling world knows better than to take retirement stipulations at face value — this is WWE, after all. But this one feels different. Styles has had a legendary career across TNA, NJPW, and WWE, and he’s openly hinted in interviews over the last year that he’s ready to step away when the time is right.
If Saturday truly is the end, AJ Styles walks away as one of the most respected, consistent, and impactful performers of his generation.
