WWE Veteran AJ Styles Confirms Retirement from Professional Wrestling Within Next Twelve Months

AJ Styles, widely recognized as "The Phenomenal One" and a cornerstone of professional wrestling for over two decades, has announced his intention to retire from active competition within the next year. The 48-year-old athlete confirmed his decision ahead of his anticipated match against John Cena at WWE Crown Jewel, signaling the impending conclusion of a career that has spanned multiple prominent promotions globally.

Speaking to Tokyo Sports, with translation provided by Pro Wrestling Net, Styles articulated the rationale behind his decision. "I will definitely retire within the next year," he 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 underscores a desire to conclude his active career on his own terms, preserving his physical well-being and the integrity of his in-ring legacy rather than risking a decline in performance.

The immediate focus for Styles remains his upcoming bout at WWE Crown Jewel against John Cena. This encounter marks the latest chapter in one of WWE’s most celebrated rivalries of the past decade. Their previous high-profile clashes include a critically acclaimed contest at SummerSlam in 2016, where Styles defeated Cena, and another memorable encounter at the Royal Rumble in 2017 for the WWE Championship, won by Cena. Their rivalry, characterized by intense competition and a gradual earning of mutual respect, has consistently delivered matches lauded for their technical prowess and storytelling. The Crown Jewel event, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, represents a significant international platform for this renewed rivalry, especially as Cena himself has been engaging in a series of final appearances, reportedly as part of his own winding-down process from full-time competition.

Looking beyond Crown Jewel, Styles expressed an expectation to participate in WrestleMania next year, though his specific role or opponent remains unconfirmed. WrestleMania, WWE’s flagship annual event, typically features the culmination of major storylines and high-stakes matches. A final WrestleMania appearance would offer a fitting stage for Styles to potentially conclude his in-ring career.

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Regarding his post-retirement plans, Styles indicated a strong likelihood of remaining involved with WWE, potentially in a behind-the-scenes 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." This transition from active competitor to a coaching or producing role is a common path for experienced veterans in WWE, with figures like Shawn Michaels and Triple H having successfully moved into developmental and executive positions. Styles’ extensive experience and innovative in-ring style could prove invaluable in shaping the next generation of WWE Superstars.

AJ Styles’ career trajectory is notable for its longevity, versatility, and the consistent excellence he has maintained across various promotions. Born Allen Neal Jones, he began his professional wrestling journey in the late 1990s, with early stints in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the early 2000s, primarily in enhancement talent roles. These early experiences laid the groundwork for his ascent.

His true emergence as a global star began with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), later Impact Wrestling, where he became one of the promotion’s foundational figures from 2002 to 2014. Styles was instrumental in defining TNA’s innovative X-Division, known for its high-flying, fast-paced style that broke traditional weight class conventions. He became the inaugural X-Division Champion and held the title a record six times. Beyond the X-Division, Styles captured the NWA World Heavyweight Championship three times and the TNA World Heavyweight Championship twice. He also held the TNA World Tag Team Championship four times and the TNA Legends/Global/Television Championship once. These accomplishments made him the first TNA Triple Crown Champion and Grand Slam Champion, solidifying his status as the company’s most decorated performer. During his tenure in TNA, he engaged in landmark feuds and matches with contemporaries such as Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels, and Kurt Angle, which are still regarded as classics within the industry.

Following his departure from TNA in 2014, Styles embarked on a highly successful independent circuit run, including a significant return to Ring of Honor (ROH), where he previously held the Pure Championship and World Tag Team Championship. This period saw him further hone his craft and gain additional international exposure.

The next pivotal phase of his career came with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) from 2014 to 2016. Joining the notorious Bullet Club faction, Styles quickly rose to the top of the Japanese wrestling scene, capturing the prestigious IWGP Heavyweight Championship twice. His matches against top NJPW stars like Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi garnered critical acclaim and further elevated his global profile, demonstrating his adaptability to different wrestling styles and audiences. This NJPW run made him an undeniable talent for WWE.

Styles’ long-awaited arrival in WWE occurred at the Royal Rumble in January 2016, making a surprise debut as the third entrant in the Royal Rumble match. His entrance was met with one of the loudest and most memorable crowd reactions in the event’s history, signaling immediate acceptance by the WWE Universe. Despite initial reports suggesting that then-chairman Vince McMahon envisioned Styles as a mid-card act, Styles quickly defied expectations. Within eight months of his debut, he captured the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash in September 2016, defeating Dean Ambrose. He would go on to hold the WWE Championship for a remarkable 371 days from November 2017 to November 2018, marking one of the longest reigns of the modern era.

Throughout his WWE tenure, Styles has held numerous championships, including the United States Championship three times and the Intercontinental Championship once, making him a WWE Grand Slam Champion. He has been involved in main event programs and high-profile feuds with many of WWE’s top stars, including Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, Daniel Bryan, Seth Rollins, Randy Orton, Edge, and The Undertaker, against whom he competed in a critically acclaimed Boneyard Match at WrestleMania 36. His WrestleMania record includes notable encounters against Chris Jericho at WrestleMania 32 and Shinsuke Nakamura at WrestleMania 34 for the WWE Championship.

Styles’ "Phenomenal One" moniker is a testament to his consistent ability to deliver high-quality matches and captivating performances. His innovative, hybrid wrestling style, combining elements of high-flying, technical wrestling, and strong style, has influenced a generation of wrestlers, with current AEW star Will Ospreay among those who credit Styles as a key inspiration. His career stands as a testament to breaking traditional molds, demonstrating that smaller, more agile athletes could not only succeed but also dominate the main event landscape of major wrestling promotions.

As AJ Styles prepares for the final year of his active career, his impending retirement will mark the departure of one of the most consistent and impactful performers of his generation. His legacy, built on a foundation of athletic prowess, championship success, and groundbreaking performances across multiple continents and promotions, is firmly cemented in professional wrestling history. The coming months will provide fans with the opportunity to witness the final chapter of a truly phenomenal career.