Wrestling superstar AJ Styles has announced his retirement from in-ring competition next year, and WWE is planning for a grand retirement for the legend. As per the report by Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer
Radio, the planning has already begun to make the event special. “There is a plan in play for how to handle AJ Styles’ retirement in 2026,” he said. While the specifics are not yet finalized, the company is committed to giving him a proper send-off. Meltzer added, “It’s not fully locked in or anything, but the idea is, ‘We’re gonna do something’.”
In the recent epic clash between the two famous WWE stars, the 48-year-old lost to John Cena at Crown Jewel. This is one of Cena's last matches before he retires on December 13. Alicia Taylor read aloud a pre-match script as the 17-time world champion honored Styles. After competing for more than nine years in WWE, Styles wants to leave and spend more time with his family before he begins to regress with age. WWE has acknowledged that he would be formally retiring next year, despite his performance in Perth, Australia, suggesting he still has a lot left to give.
Physical demands of wrestling is catching up: AJ Styles on reasoning to retire
The 48-year-old wrestler has put forward his reasons to retire early from the game, as he want to shift his focus towards his family, and also the physical demands WWE requires. “I’m getting old, folks. Listen, if I could find the fountain of youth and take a couple of sips, I’d wrestle for the rest of my life. But you know, I am getting older, and the fear of embarrassing myself is getting closer,” AJ Styles said.
He further stated that the long-term goal is to enjoy life after wrestling with loved ones. “There comes a time in a man’s life when he has to take care of business, but when business is done, it’s time to take care of his family. I need to spend time with my family. The whole idea of wrestling and having an amazing future in this business is to be able to retire one day, and in 2026, I will retire,” he remarked.
Throughout his wrestling career, Styles has won championships in every major promotion he has participated in, including TNA, NJPW, and ROH. He has won two WWE titles and a Grand Slam title since his WWE debut at the Royal Rumble in 2016.
