AJ Styles could be stepping into the WWE ring for the very last time this Saturday night—and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With his career on the line in a showdown against Gunther at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Styles faces a make-or-break moment that could mark the end of a legendary WWE run.
AJ Styles Puts Career on the Line Against Gunther
After falling short against Gunther recently, AJ Styles demanded another match against The Ring General. But to earn it, he had to raise the stakes—big time. Now, Styles must defeat Gunther at the Royal Rumble or be forced to retire from WWE.
Styles had previously mentioned that 2026 would be his final year in the ring, but fans weren’t expecting his career to be on the line so early in the year. A win on Saturday keeps the dream alive. A loss means goodbye to WWE.
A Look at AJ’s Recent Matches
In the lead-up to what could be his farewell, Styles has taken on some huge names:
- Shinsuke Nakamura: The two longtime rivals clashed one more time at Saturday Night’s Main Event last weekend. It was a nostalgic, emotional match for fans who remember their past battles in WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling.
- CM Punk: On this week’s WWE Raw (now streaming on Netflix), Styles faced Punk in a dream match that fans have waited years to see. The bout was cut short after Finn Bálor interfered, leading to a no-contest finish.
Despite the unfinished business, Styles looked sharp in both appearances—showing the world that The Phenomenal One still has plenty left in the tank.
Is AJ Styles Planning Life After WWE?
While no official retirement announcement has been made, recent developments suggest Styles might be preparing for life beyond WWE. According to the Wrestling Observer, Styles has filed to renew two key trademarks:
- “The Phenomenal One AJ Styles”
- The P1 Logo
These trademark renewals have sparked buzz that Styles could continue wrestling outside of WWE if his match with Gunther doesn’t go his way.
Where Could AJ Go Next?
If his WWE career does end this weekend, Styles has a number of options for his final year:
- AEW (All Elite Wrestling): Styles was reportedly in talks with AEW before re-signing with WWE. A move to AEW in 2026 would let him face top stars he’s never wrestled before on a big stage.
- NJPW (New Japan Pro Wrestling): Styles has a deep history with New Japan. He was once the leader of Bullet Club and had classic matches with the likes of Shinsuke Nakamura, Okada, and Tanahashi. A return to NJPW would be a fitting farewell.
Regardless of where he goes, there’s no doubt fans around the world would love to see AJ Styles finish his career on his terms.
Other Matches Set for WWE Royal Rumble 2026
Alongside Styles vs. Gunther, the Royal Rumble card is stacked:
- Sami Zayn vs. Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship
- Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble Matches with WrestleMania 42 title shots on the line
The event will stream live worldwide on Netflix and ESPN, making it one of WWE’s most widely accessible PPVs ever.
