AJ Styles has always spoken honestly about wrestling, and even at the end of his career, he didn’t hold back. After announcing his retirement at the Royal Rumble, many fans were surprised. Most people expected him to say goodbye at WrestleMania, the biggest WWE event of the year.
But Styles chose a different path. He also made a bold statement — that WrestleMania is not as special as it once was. So, is AJ Styles right about the current state of WWE WrestleMania? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Why AJ Styles Retired at Royal Rumble Instead of WrestleMania
AJ Styles made his WWE debut at the Royal Rumble ten years ago. That moment was unforgettable. The crowd reaction, the surprise entry — it became one of the most iconic debuts in WWE history. For Styles, that event had deep emotional value.
When he explained his retirement decision, he said ending his career where it started felt “poetic.” Instead of chasing a WrestleMania farewell, he chose something that meant more to him personally. That shows how much he values meaningful moments over grand stages.
Many fans wanted to see him retire at WrestleMania. After all, WrestleMania has always been known as the grandest stage of them all. But Styles felt that his recent WrestleMania appearance didn’t have enough build-up. For a superstar of his level, storyline build is very important.
Has WrestleMania Lost Its Prestige?
Styles openly said that WrestleMania has “lost its luster a little bit.” That’s a strong statement. In the past, WrestleMania was the one show every wrestler dreamed of headlining. It had huge rivalries, emotional storytelling, and career-defining matches.
Today, some fans feel the same way as Styles. Here are a few reasons people believe WrestleMania may not feel as special as before:
- WWE now hosts many premium live events throughout the year.
- Big matches happen regularly, not just at WrestleMania.
- The event is now two nights long, which some feel reduces exclusivity.
- Surprise moments and major returns happen at other shows too.
However, it’s also fair to say that WrestleMania still draws massive crowds, breaks records, and features top-level production. For newer fans, it may still feel magical.
So the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.
AJ Styles’ Retirement Tour Began Earlier Than Fans Realised
Interestingly, Styles revealed that in his mind, his retirement tour had already started long before fans knew. After WrestleMania, he understood that his final matches were coming soon.
He mentioned facing stars like:
- Shinsuke Nakamura
- John Cena
- CM Punk
- Gunther
These are top-level performers. Having high-quality matches with them gave Styles satisfaction. He also teamed up with Dragon Lee, which added a fresh dynamic to his final run.
For Styles, it wasn’t about one final spotlight moment. It was about delivering strong performances until the end.
WWE Hall of Fame Honour
Even though his in-ring career is over, Styles will still appear in WWE. He was surprised by The Undertaker with the announcement of his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
That honour proves his legacy is secure. No matter where he retired, his impact on WWE is unforgettable.
Is AJ Styles Right? A Balanced View
So, is AJ Styles correct about WrestleMania losing its shine?
From a veteran’s perspective, maybe yes. He experienced WrestleMania when it felt rare and extremely exclusive. Today, WWE produces high-level content throughout the year, which may make WrestleMania feel less unique.
But from a business and fan engagement point of view, WrestleMania is still one of the biggest wrestling events in the world. Stadiums sell out, global audiences tune in, and social media trends explode every year.
In the end, it comes down to personal emotion. For AJ Styles, Royal Rumble held deeper meaning. For others, WrestleMania may still be the ultimate dream.
One thing is certain — Styles retired on his own terms. That itself shows confidence and clarity.
AJ Styles’ comments have started an interesting debate about WWE’s biggest event. Whether you agree or not, his opinion comes from experience. As wrestling continues to evolve, events will also change. But legends like Styles remind us that emotional connection matters more than spectacle.
His career ended where it began, creating a full circle moment that fans will remember for years. Even if WrestleMania feels different today, the memories created there — and at the Royal Rumble — will always remain part of wrestling history.
