WWE Icon AJ Styles Confirms Imminent Retirement Within Twelve Months

AJ Styles, widely regarded as one of professional wrestling’s most accomplished and innovative performers, has announced his definitive plan to retire from in-ring competition within the next year. The revelation, made public on September 25, 2025, comes as the 48-year-old prepares for a high-profile encounter against long-time rival John Cena at the upcoming WWE Crown Jewel event. Styles expressed a desire to conclude his illustrious career on his own terms, prioritizing his long-term physical well-being and the preservation of his "Phenomenal" legacy.

"I will definitely retire within the next year," Styles conveyed to Tokyo Sports, with the statement translated and disseminated by Pro Wrestling Net. "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 candid admission underscores the rigorous demands of professional wrestling and Styles’ commitment to maintaining the high standard of performance that has defined his nearly three-decade career.

The announcement positions the next twelve months as a farewell tour for the veteran, culminating potentially with an appearance at next year’s WrestleMania. While Styles indicated his expectation to perform at the company’s flagship annual event, his specific involvement remains unconfirmed. Beyond his active wrestling days, Styles is contemplating a continued role within World Wrestling Entertainment, potentially transitioning into a producer or trainer capacity. "I haven’t decided yet, but I think I’ll probably work for WWE," he commented. "It might be good to train young wrestlers to be worthy of being on the main roster." Such a move would allow him to impart his extensive knowledge and experience to the next generation of WWE Superstars, echoing the path taken by other revered figures in the industry.

A Historic Rivalry Revisited: Styles vs. Cena at Crown Jewel

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The impending retirement adds a layer of significance to Styles’ upcoming match against John Cena at WWE Crown Jewel. This encounter reignites one of the most celebrated rivalries of the modern era, a feud characterized by its compelling storytelling and high-caliber in-ring action. Cena, himself embarking on what has been dubbed a "farewell tour" as his commitments to Hollywood continue to expand, has a rich history with Styles, marked by their series of critically acclaimed matches between 2016 and 2017. Their bouts at Money in the Bank, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble are frequently cited as highlights of both men’s careers, showcasing a clash of styles and philosophies between Cena’s "Cenation Leader" persona and Styles’ "Phenomenal One" moniker. The Crown Jewel match is poised to be another chapter in this storied rivalry, offering fans a chance to witness two legends face off, each potentially in the twilight of their full-time wrestling careers.

The Phenomenal Journey: A Legacy Forged Across Continents

AJ Styles’ journey to becoming a global wrestling icon is a testament to his unparalleled skill, adaptability, and unwavering dedication. Born Allen Jones, he began his professional career in the late 1990s, making fleeting appearances in major promotions like World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and the then-World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in the early 2000s. However, it was in the nascent days of Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling (now Impact Wrestling) and Ring of Honor (ROH) that Styles truly began to carve out his distinctive niche.

In TNA, Styles emerged as a foundational talent, often referred to as "Mr. TNA" during the company’s formative years. He was instrumental in defining the promotion’s high-octane X-Division, becoming its inaugural champion. His innovative, aerial-based offense combined with technical prowess set him apart, influencing a generation of aspiring wrestlers. Styles’ accomplishments in TNA were extensive, making him the company’s first Triple Crown Champion (holding the X-Division, World Heavyweight, and Tag Team Championships) and Grand Slam Champion (adding the Legends/Global/Television Championship to his accolades). His feuds with contemporaries like Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels produced a string of classic matches that cemented his reputation as a top-tier performer.

Simultaneously, Styles was a prominent figure in Ring of Honor, helping to establish the "ROH style" of wrestling that emphasized athleticism and strong technical competition. His performances across various independent promotions underscored his versatility and commitment to honing his craft, earning him a dedicated following outside the mainstream spotlight.

A pivotal phase in Styles’ career unfolded in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). In 2014, he made a shocking debut, unmasking as the newest leader of the infamous Bullet Club faction. This move catapulted him to international superstardom, demonstrating his ability to adapt to a different wrestling culture and embrace a more aggressive persona. Styles captured the prestigious IWGP Heavyweight Championship twice during his tenure, a significant achievement for a gaijin (foreigner) in Japan’s premier wrestling promotion. His matches against NJPW stalwarts such as Kazuchika Okada and Shinsuke Nakamura were lauded for their intensity and technical brilliance, further solidifying his status as one of the world’s elite performers and making his eventual move to WWE almost inevitable.

Defying Expectations: The Phenomenal One’s WWE Ascent

Styles’ long-awaited arrival in WWE in 2016 was a moment of seismic impact. His unannounced debut at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view generated one of the loudest crowd reactions in the event’s history, signaling a paradigm shift in the company’s approach to talent acquisition. Despite initial skepticism from some within WWE, including a reported assessment from then-chairman Vince McMahon that Styles might be suited for a mid-card role due to his non-traditional physique, "The Phenomenal One" quickly defied all expectations.

Within his debut year, Styles achieved the remarkable feat of winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, defeating Dean Ambrose at Backlash 2016. This victory validated his status as a main event player and proved that his unique style could thrive on WWE’s grandest stage. He went on to secure a second WWE Championship reign, which lasted for an impressive 371 days, solidifying his place as a dominant force. His championship defenses against a diverse array of opponents, including Brock Lesnar in a Champion vs. Champion encounter at Survivor Series 2017, further showcased his incredible in-ring ability.

Throughout his WWE tenure, Styles engaged in memorable rivalries with many of the company’s top stars. Beyond his epic clashes with John Cena, he delivered standout performances against Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, and Samoa Joe. His "dream match" against Shinsuke Nakamura at WrestleMania 34, while not universally praised, was a highly anticipated encounter between two former NJPW rivals. Styles also added the United States Championship and the Intercontinental Championship to his WWE accolades, making him a rare WWE Grand Slam Champion, an achievement that signifies holding all major singles and tag team titles available. His consistency, athleticism, and ability to deliver compelling narratives cemented his position as a perennial fan favorite and a critical asset to the WWE roster. Even during the challenging circumstances of WrestleMania 36, Styles delivered a cinematic Boneyard Match against The Undertaker, showcasing his versatility in different match formats.

A Lasting Impact and Future Contributions

AJ Styles’ impending retirement marks the end of an extraordinary era, but his influence is poised to endure. His ability to perform at an elite level for nearly two decades, spanning multiple promotions and adapting to various wrestling styles, has earned him a place among the sport’s all-time greats. Wrestlers like AEW star Will Ospreay have publicly credited Styles as a key inspiration, highlighting his profound impact on contemporary wrestling. He shattered the long-held perception of what a WWE main event superstar should look like, proving that skill and connection with the audience could transcend traditional molds.

Should Styles transition into a producer or trainer role within WWE, his extensive knowledge of match psychology, in-ring technique, and character development would be invaluable. He possesses a unique understanding of how to connect with a global audience, having excelled in both American and Japanese wrestling circuits. His legacy will not only be defined by his championship reigns and iconic matches but also by the pathway he forged for smaller, more athletic performers to reach the pinnacle of professional wrestling. As "The Phenomenal One" prepares to hang up his boots, the wrestling world awaits his final year of action, ready to celebrate a career that truly redefined what it means to be phenomenal.