Gunther Triumphs Over AJ Styles in Stipulated Royal Rumble Match, Raising Questions on Veteran's WWE Future

St. Petersburg, FL – January 31, 2026 – The Tropicana Field bore witness to a pivotal moment in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) history on Saturday night as Gunther defeated AJ Styles in a highly anticipated match at the 2026 Royal Rumble. The bout, carrying the stipulation that Styles would retire from WWE if he lost, concluded with the "Ring General" forcing the "Phenomenal One" to submit, leaving the wrestling world to ponder the exact nature of Styles’ future.

The encounter marked the culmination of a months-long narrative arc that saw the veteran Styles confront the dominant force of Gunther. Styles, who had publicly announced in 2025 his intention to retire from professional wrestling in 2026, found his career accelerated to a high-stakes crossroads much earlier than anticipated. The stipulation added an immense layer of gravity to their Royal Rumble clash, transforming it from a standard premium live event match into a potential career-ender for one of WWE’s most decorated performers.

The Road to Retirement: Styles’ Announcement and Gunther’s Ascent

AJ Styles, born Allen Neal Jones, had been a cornerstone of professional wrestling for over two decades before arriving in WWE in 2016. His "Phenomenal One" moniker became synonymous with athletic prowess, innovative offense, and a rare ability to connect with audiences worldwide. After capturing numerous championships across various promotions, including multiple reigns as WWE Champion and United States Champion, Styles hinted at the twilight of his career throughout 2024. In April 2025, during an interview with CBS Sports, Styles confirmed his intention to retire from active competition within the next year, citing a desire to step away before his body could no longer perform at the elite level to which he had become accustomed. This announcement set the stage for a farewell tour of sorts, though the precise timing and manner of his departure remained ambiguous until the feud with Gunther intensified.

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Gunther, meanwhile, has systematically established himself as one of WWE’s most formidable and respected competitors since his main roster debut. Hailing from Austria, the imposing "Ring General" carved a path of destruction, marked by his record-setting Intercontinental Championship reign that lasted over 600 days. His methodical, hard-hitting style and unwavering confidence have earned him a reputation as a modern-day "legend killer," a moniker further solidified by a series of high-profile victories in stipulated matches. Over the past six months, Gunther has notably defeated and "retired" two other industry icons, Goldberg and John Cena, in similar high-stakes encounters at the 2025 Saturday Night’s Main Event and another unspecified premium live event, respectively. These victories positioned Gunther as an unstoppable force, making a confrontation with Styles, particularly under a retirement stipulation, an almost inevitable narrative progression.

The feud between Styles and Gunther escalated in late 2025 following a series of backstage altercations and confrontational promos. Gunther, ever the pragmatist, openly challenged Styles’ claim to still be "phenomenal," asserting that the veteran’s time had passed and that he was merely delaying the inevitable. Styles, fueled by pride and a desire to prove his enduring capability, accepted the challenge, with the retirement stipulation added by mutual agreement, raising the stakes to an unprecedented level for both competitors.

Match Dynamics and Conclusion

The atmosphere inside Tropicana Field was electric as both competitors made their entrances. Styles, at 48 years old, displayed a palpable determination, embodying the defiant veteran battling against the relentless march of time and an opponent in his physical prime. Gunther, 36, exuded his characteristic stoicism, appearing unfazed by the magnitude of the moment or the sentimental attachment of the crowd to his opponent.

The match itself was a meticulously crafted narrative of wills. Styles utilized his unparalleled agility and technical expertise, attempting to outmaneuver the larger Gunther with quick strikes, springboards, and submission attempts. Early in the contest, Styles showcased flashes of his vintage offense, landing a Phenomenal Forearm from the top rope that momentarily stunned Gunther. He also successfully applied a Calf Crusher, testing Gunther’s resilience and forcing the "Ring General" to desperately reach for the ropes.

However, Gunther’s strategy was clear: wear down the veteran with brute force and precision strikes. He systematically targeted Styles’ midsection and back with powerful chops, suplexes, and submissions, grinding down his opponent’s stamina. Gunther’s signature powerbomb delivered a critical blow, signaling a shift in momentum. The intensity of the exchanges built throughout the contest, with both men exchanging near falls that had the audience on the edge of their seats. Styles, drawing on decades of experience, repeatedly kicked out of Gunther’s most devastating maneuvers, refusing to yield.

The decisive moment arrived after Gunther managed to counter a springboard maneuver from Styles, catching him mid-air and transitioning into a sleeper hold. Despite Styles’ desperate attempts to break free, Gunther cinched in the hold, applying relentless pressure. After several agonizing moments, Styles’ arm dropped three times, signaling his unconsciousness and the end of the contest. Gunther was declared the victor, securing his third consecutive "retirement" match victory and effectively ending AJ Styles’ WWE career. The match, lasting approximately 22 minutes, was widely praised for its storytelling and physical intensity.

The Aftermath: A Symbol of Uncertainty

In the immediate aftermath of the loss, a profound silence initially fell over Tropicana Field, quickly replaced by a thunderous standing ovation for AJ Styles. Visibly emotional, Styles remained in the ring, absorbing the outpouring of appreciation from the WWE Universe. The traditional symbolic gesture for a retiring wrestler often involves placing their gloves in the center of the ring, a visual representation of their departure. Styles, fighting back tears, appeared to contemplate this action, removing his iconic gloves. However, after a fervent wave of objections and chants from the fans, he hesitated. In a move that immediately ignited speculation and raised questions about his true intentions, Styles ultimately refused to leave the gloves. Instead, he slowly placed them back on his hands, raising his arms triumphantly to the crowd, soaking in their adoration before reluctantly making his way backstage.

This half-commitment to the symbolic gesture has plunged Styles’ professional wrestling future into a state of considerable uncertainty. While the stipulation explicitly stated "retirement from WWE," the implications for his broader career remain open to interpretation. Professional wrestling history is replete with instances where "retirements" have been temporary or confined to specific promotions.

One prominent theory suggests Styles could transition to Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling, a promotion with which WWE currently maintains a working partnership. Styles was a foundational figure in TNA for over a decade before his WWE tenure, and a return to his roots could offer a compelling narrative, allowing him to continue performing outside the WWE banner. Alternatively, if his WWE contract, which was reportedly set to expire in late 2026, has been irrevocably terminated by the stipulation, Styles could potentially explore opportunities with other major promotions, such as All Elite Wrestling (AEW). AEW has shown a willingness to sign veteran talent and could offer a fresh slate for the "Phenomenal One."

A third, and perhaps most intriguing, possibility is that Styles’ "retirement" from WWE is merely a component of a more elaborate, long-term storyline. WWE has a history of blurring the lines between reality and kayfabe, and Styles’ refusal to fully commit to the traditional retirement gesture could be a deliberate plot device designed to facilitate a future return or a new character direction. This ambiguity ensures that the discussion surrounding AJ Styles’ career will continue to dominate wrestling discourse in the coming weeks and months.

For Gunther, the victory at Royal Rumble further solidifies his standing as a top-tier performer and a legitimate main event threat. Having now retired three legendary figures within a six-month span, his "legend killer" reputation is firmly cemented. The win positions him strongly for a future world championship opportunity, potentially as soon as WrestleMania 42 later this year. His next opponent and path forward will be keenly watched as WWE navigates the fallout from this historic Royal Rumble event.

The 2026 Royal Rumble may have marked an end for AJ Styles in WWE, but the manner of his departure has ensured that the "Phenomenal One" continues to captivate the wrestling world, leaving fans and pundits alike to speculate on what his next, potentially unprecedented, chapter might entail.

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