AJ Styles told fans that he will step away from in‑ring competition after the Royal Rumble 2026. The decision marks the end of a decade‑long run in WWE. Styles explained that he feels ready to close this chapter and explore new possibilities outside the squared circle.
What He Will Miss Most
During a candid interview on the podcast “What’s Your Story? With Stephanie McMahon,” Styles opened up about the part of his WWE life he will miss the most. He said the friendships he built backstage are priceless. “That’s what I’m gonna miss the most, those guys and hanging out with them, spending time with them,” he said. He added that having people to lean on makes the tough days easier.
Friends Who Shaped His Journey
After his final match, a compilation of well wishes arrived from stars such as Randy Orton, Finn Balor and Shinsuke Nakamura. Styles listened to each message and felt the depth of the WWE locker room friendships. He explained that sharing problems and celebrating victories together created a bond that goes beyond the ring.
“When you’re alone and you’ve got no one it’s nice to have those guys around. Everybody has problems, stuff they’re going through and to be able to bounce it off them and know you’re not alone means everything,” Styles reflected. He emphasized that he never wanted to be just another wrestler; he wanted to be a teammate who puts others first.
Looking Back at His Final Match
Styles faced GUNTHER in his last WWE bout at the Royal Rumble. The match was intense, and it gave fans a final glimpse of his athleticism. After the bell, Styles said he felt proud of the effort he gave and grateful for the support of his peers.
He also revealed which star he “squeezed the hardest” after the match, hinting at a deeper story that fans can read about on WrestleTalk. This detail adds another layer to his retirement narrative and shows how much he values the connections he made.
What Comes Next
While speculation swirls about a possible return to the ring outside WWE, Styles remains focused on his next chapter. He plans to spend more time with his family, explore new business ventures, and perhaps mentor younger talent.
Fans can stay updated by following WrestleTalk on Threads and checking the site for the latest wrestling news. The community continues to celebrate Styles’ legacy and looks forward to seeing what he does next.
If you use this transcription or any portion of it please credit WrestleTalk.com and link to this page.
Source: Wrestletalk
