AJ Styles could be stepping into a WWE ring for the very last time this Saturday at the 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The stakes couldn’t be higher: if Styles loses to Gunther, his WWE career is officially over. But what’s fueling even more buzz is what could come after that — as AEW rumors begin to swirl around The Phenomenal One.
AJ Styles’ Career on the Line vs. Gunther
Styles asked for a rematch with Gunther after months of bad blood. But Gunther agreed only under one condition: Styles had to put his WWE career on the line.
This career-threatening match is now one of the most emotionally charged bouts on the Royal Rumble 2026 card, and many fans believe it could mark the end of Styles’ WWE run — not because of defeat alone, but because of what could lie ahead.
Styles Fuels AEW Speculation
On this week’s episode of WWE Raw, Styles delivered a heartfelt promo that didn’t just mention retirement — he specifically said “WWE retirement.” That choice of words got fans talking. Could Styles be hinting at wrestling elsewhere?
To add fuel to the fire, Styles has also renewed trademarks for both his nickname “The Phenomenal One AJ Styles” and his iconic P1 logo. Moves like this are often made to prepare for merchandising or appearances outside WWE.
Could Styles Join AEW After WWE?
AEW is the most likely landing spot if Styles decides to continue wrestling. He’s already connected to several AEW stars from his past in New Japan Pro Wrestling and TNA/IMPACT.
Key AEW Connections:
- Bullet Club History: Styles was once the leader of the Bullet Club in NJPW. Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks—now AEW EVPs—were also members. In fact, Omega kicked Styles out of the group when he left for WWE, but the two never had a proper feud or match.
- Kazuchika Okada: Styles and Okada clashed in New Japan, and a rematch in AEW would be must-see.
- Potential AEW Dream Matches:
- AJ Styles vs. Will Ospreay
- AJ Styles vs. Jon Moxley
- AJ Styles vs. MJF
- AJ Styles vs. Swerve Strickland
- AJ Styles vs. Orange Cassidy
Ricochet Responds to Rumors – And He’s Not Happy
One potential rival in AEW has already made his thoughts clear: Ricochet, the current AEW National Champion and also a former WWE and NJPW star, took to social media with a fiery response.
“His old a** isn’t coming to my company,” Ricochet wrote.
“Don’t get your hopes up. He’s too old and scared.”
It’s a bold statement — but one that hints at a future feud if Styles does make the jump.
Ricochet and Styles have faced each other in WWE, but never on AEW soil or in a setting where they’d have complete creative freedom. That’s a match that fans would pay to see again in a fresh environment.
Royal Rumble 2026: The Full Stakes
Styles’ match with Gunther isn’t the only major match on the card. Here’s a look at the other confirmed bouts:
- Men’s Royal Rumble Match – winner gets a world title shot at WrestleMania 42
- Women’s Royal Rumble Match – same stakes as the men’s match
- Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Sami Zayn – Undisputed WWE Championship
- Gunther vs. AJ Styles – Styles’ WWE career on the line
With Gunther already riding momentum from retiring John Cena, he’s looking to make Styles his next legendary victim. But don’t count out AJ just yet — he’s got nothing left to lose, which might make him more dangerous than ever.
