arthur roy sitompulVeteran professional wrestler AJ Styles has announced his intention to retire from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) within the next year, stating a desire to conclude his illustrious career before the physical demands of the sport compromise his ability to perform at an elite level. The announcement comes as Styles, widely considered one of the most influential and accomplished wrestlers of his generation, prepares for a high-profile match against long-time rival John Cena at the upcoming WWE Crown Jewel event.
Styles, 48, conveyed his decision in an interview with Tokyo Sports, translated by Pro Wrestling Net, emphasizing the importance of maintaining his "AJ Styles" persona in the eyes of his fanbase. "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 sentiment underscores a common challenge for athletes in physically demanding sports, where the decision to retire often balances a passion for competition with the relentless toll on the body.
The impending retirement marks a significant juncture for Styles, who has consistently defied expectations throughout his career. His current trajectory includes a highly anticipated clash with John Cena, a rivalry that has produced some of WWE’s most critically acclaimed matches in recent memory. The Crown Jewel encounter adds another chapter to their storied feud, occurring as Cena himself embarks on what has been described as a "farewell tour," highlighting a transitional period for several iconic figures in professional wrestling.
Looking beyond Crown Jewel, Styles expressed a provisional expectation to compete at next year’s WrestleMania, although his involvement remains unconfirmed. WrestleMania, WWE’s flagship annual event, typically serves as a grand stage for career-defining moments and could potentially provide a fitting backdrop for one of Styles’ final performances. His previous WrestleMania appearances have included significant bouts against competitors such as Shane McMahon, Shinsuke Nakamura, Samoa Joe, Randy Orton, Edge, and a unique Boneyard Match against The Undertaker during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing his versatility and ability to adapt to various storytelling formats.
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Regarding his post-retirement future, Styles indicated a strong inclination to remain involved with WWE, potentially transitioning into a behind-the-scenes role. "I haven’t decided yet, but I think I’ll probably work for WWE," he commented. He specifically mentioned an interest in mentorship: "It might be good to train young wrestlers to be worthy of being on the main roster." Such a role would leverage Styles’ extensive in-ring experience and deep understanding of wrestling psychology, offering invaluable guidance to the next generation of talent within WWE’s developmental system, such as NXT or the Performance Center. Many former top-tier performers, including Shawn Michaels and Triple H, have successfully transitioned into similar coaching or executive roles within the company.
A Phenomenal Career: From Independents to Global Stardom
AJ Styles’ journey to global recognition is a testament to perseverance and unparalleled in-ring ability, characterized by a unique blend of high-flying acrobatics, technical precision, and hard-hitting offense. His career began with brief stints in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and the then-World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the early 2000s, experiences that served as precursors to his breakout success in independent promotions.
He rose to prominence as a foundational figure in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), later rebranded as Impact Wrestling. Styles was instrumental in establishing TNA as a legitimate alternative to WWE, particularly through his contributions to the innovative X-Division. This division, characterized by its emphasis on fast-paced, high-risk athletic contests with no traditional weight limits, became a hallmark of TNA programming. Styles was crowned the inaugural X-Division Champion in 2002 and held the title on six occasions. His versatility extended beyond the X-Division, as he became the first TNA Triple Crown Champion (holding the NWA/TNA World Heavyweight, X-Division, and NWA/TNA World Tag Team Championships) and later the first Grand Slam Champion (adding the Legends/Global/Television Championship). His rivalries with Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels, particularly their triple threat match at TNA Unbreakable in 2005, are often cited as classics that redefined the landscape of North American wrestling.
Following his departure from TNA in 2014, Styles embarked on a highly successful run across the independent circuit and internationally, most notably in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). In NJPW, he joined the notorious Bullet Club faction, quickly ascending to become its leader and capturing the prestigious IWGP Heavyweight Championship twice. His matches against top NJPW stars like Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi further cemented his reputation as one of the world’s premier performers. This period of his career was pivotal, showcasing his ability to adapt to diverse wrestling styles and connect with international audiences, ultimately making his eventual signing with WWE a much-discussed prospect.
Defying Expectations in WWE
Styles’ arrival in WWE in 2016 was a moment many fans believed would never happen, given his "small-man style" that contrasted with WWE’s historical preference for larger, more traditional main event superstars. His debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble received one of the loudest and most memorable crowd reactions in the event’s history, signaling an immediate connection with the WWE Universe. Despite initial reports suggesting then-chairman Vince McMahon viewed Styles as a mid-card talent, Styles quickly defied these expectations.
Within his debut year, Styles captured the WWE Championship, defeating Dean Ambrose at Backlash in September 2016. He went on to hold the title for an impressive 140 days in his first reign. His second WWE Championship reign, which commenced in November 2017, lasted an astounding 371 days, becoming one of the longest WWE Championship reigns of the modern era and further solidifying his status as a main event player.
During his tenure in WWE, Styles engaged in memorable feuds and championship contests with a diverse array of top-tier talent. His rivalry with John Cena, which included acclaimed matches at SummerSlam 2016 and Royal Rumble 2017, is frequently highlighted as one of Cena’s best and most intense programs. He also held the United States Championship three times and the Intercontinental Championship once, becoming a WWE Grand Slam Champion in the process. His tag team championship reign with Omos further demonstrated his adaptability within the company. Styles’ ability to consistently deliver high-quality matches and adapt to various opponents and storylines has ensured his enduring popularity and critical acclaim throughout his WWE tenure.
Legacy and Future Impact
As AJ Styles prepares for the final chapter of his in-ring career, his influence on professional wrestling is indelible. His dynamic style helped bridge the gap between independent wrestling and mainstream appeal, inspiring a generation of athletes like AEW star Will Ospreay, who publicly credits Styles as a key inspiration. With a career spanning over two decades, encompassing top championships in TNA, NJPW, and WWE, Styles stands as one of the few individuals to achieve unparalleled success across multiple prominent promotions globally. His decision to retire while still performing at a high level reflects a commitment to his legacy, ensuring that "The Phenomenal One" is remembered for the athleticism and passion that defined his iconic career. His potential transition to a coaching role would allow him to continue shaping the future of the industry he has so profoundly impacted.
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