AJ Styles Confirms Impending WWE Retirement Within Next Year, Citing Physical Readiness

Professional wrestling veteran AJ Styles has announced his intention to retire from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) within the next 12 months, stating a desire to conclude his career on his own terms before his physical capabilities diminish. The revelation comes as the 48-year-old prepares for a high-profile encounter against John Cena at the upcoming WWE Crown Jewel event.

Styles, whose real name is Allen Jones, confirmed his timeline for stepping away from active competition in an interview with Tokyo Sports, subsequently translated and reported by Pro Wrestling Net. "I will definitely retire within the next year," Styles stated. "I don’t want the fans to see me as anyone other than AJ Styles. That’s the main reason. I’ve decided to retire before my body can no longer move." This declaration marks a significant moment for one of professional wrestling’s most revered figures, signaling the impending conclusion of a career that has spanned over two decades and left an indelible mark across multiple major promotions globally.

Currently, Styles is slated to participate in WrestleMania next year, though his specific role or opponent remains unconfirmed by WWE. Following his retirement from in-ring competition, Styles has indicated a strong inclination towards remaining involved with WWE in a backstage capacity. "I haven’t decided yet, but I think I’ll probably work for WWE," he commented, elaborating on potential roles. "It might be good to train young wrestlers to be worthy of being on the main roster." Such a transition would align with the paths taken by numerous legendary performers, who leverage their extensive experience to mentor the next generation of talent.

Styles’ career trajectory is unique, characterized by his consistent excellence and ability to adapt his high-impact, technical style across various wrestling landscapes. Born in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Styles initially gained notoriety in the independent circuit and smaller promotions before making a significant impact with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in the early 2000s, albeit in a developmental capacity. His brief appearances in WCW, including a televised match against Rick Michaels, offered a glimpse of his athletic potential. Following WCW’s acquisition by WWE, Styles had a brief tryout with WWE in 2002 but opted against signing a developmental deal at the time, preferring to hone his craft on a broader stage.

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His formative years were primarily spent as a cornerstone of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA, now Impact Wrestling) from its inception in 2002 until 2014. During his tenure, Styles was instrumental in defining TNA’s identity, particularly through the innovative X-Division, which emphasized high-flying, fast-paced action and technical prowess rather than traditional heavyweight brawling. Styles became the inaugural X-Division Champion on June 19, 2002, solidifying his status as a pioneer of the division. He would go on to hold the title six times. Beyond the X-Division, Styles became TNA’s first Triple Crown Champion (having held the X-Division, World Tag Team, and NWA/TNA World Heavyweight Championships) and later its first Grand Slam Champion (adding the Television Championship to his accolades). His feuds with competitors such as Christopher Daniels, Samoa Joe, and Kurt Angle are considered classics, showcasing his versatility and ability to perform in various match types, from ladder matches to submission contests. His departure from TNA in 2013, following contract disagreements, marked the end of an era for the promotion and opened the door for new career opportunities.

Following his TNA exit, Styles embarked on a highly successful run across the global independent circuit and, most notably, in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). In April 2014, Styles made a shocking debut in NJPW, attacking Kazuchika Okada and revealing himself as the newest member and eventual leader of the villainous Bullet Club faction. This move repositioned Styles as a dominant, calculating antagonist, a departure from his previous heroic persona. His time in NJPW saw him capture the IWGP Heavyweight Championship twice, first by defeating Okada at NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 2014 and again by defeating Hiroshi Tanahashi at NJPW G1 Climax 25 in 2015. These reigns cemented his status as a legitimate main event player on the international stage and significantly raised his profile among a global audience, proving his ability to thrive outside the American wrestling ecosystem.

The culmination of his international success led to what many fans considered a "pipedream" signing with WWE in 2016. Historically, WWE had favored larger, more muscular performers for its main event spots, a contrast to Styles’ more athletic, average-sized physique. However, his undeniable talent and established global fanbase made him an irresistible prospect. Styles’ WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble remains one of the most memorable and electrifying entrances in the event’s history. The thunderous ovation he received upon entering at number three underscored his immediate connection with the WWE Universe. Despite initial reports suggesting then-chairman Vince McMahon viewed Styles as a mid-card talent, Styles quickly defied expectations.

Within his debut year, Styles ascended to the top of the company, defeating Dean Ambrose (now Jon Moxley) at Backlash in September 2016 to capture the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. He would go on to hold the title for 140 days, defending it against top-tier opponents including John Cena and Baron Corbin. His second reign as WWE Champion, commencing in November 2017 after defeating Jinder Mahal, lasted an astounding 371 days, becoming the longest WWE Championship reign on SmackDown in over a decade and the eighth-longest in the title’s history. During this period, he successfully defended the championship against a diverse roster of challengers, including Brock Lesnar in a Champion vs. Champion match at Survivor Series 2017, Shinsuke Nakamura, Samoa Joe, and Daniel Bryan (now Bryan Danielson). Styles’ ability to consistently deliver high-quality matches against a variety of opponents solidified his position as one of WWE’s most reliable and exceptional performers.

His rivalry with John Cena is particularly noteworthy, widely regarded as one of the defining feuds of Cena’s illustrious career. Their series of matches in 2016, including classics at Money in the Bank, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble 2017, showcased unparalleled chemistry and storytelling, earning critical acclaim from fans and critics alike. The upcoming encounter at Crown Jewel, therefore, carries significant historical weight, potentially serving as the final chapter in this storied rivalry as both men approach the twilight of their active wrestling careers.

Beyond championships, Styles has also achieved the distinction of becoming a WWE Grand Slam Champion, having held the WWE Championship, Intercontinental Championship, United States Championship, and Raw Tag Team Championship. His consistent high-level performance, characterized by his "Phenomenal Forearm," "Styles Clash," and a diverse arsenal of technical and aerial maneuvers, has earned him the moniker "The Phenomenal One." He has been widely credited by contemporaries, including current AEW star Will Ospreay, as a significant influence and inspiration for a generation of wrestlers.

As Styles embarks on his final year of active competition, the focus will shift to his remaining matches and potential farewell moments. His expected participation at WrestleMania next year provides a significant stage for a potential swansong match. The transition from active competitor to a potential producer or trainer role within WWE would allow him to impart his extensive knowledge and experience to emerging talent, ensuring his legacy extends beyond his in-ring achievements. His career stands as a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and unparalleled in-ring artistry, making his impending retirement a significant moment for the professional wrestling industry.