WWE Veteran AJ Styles Declares Intention to Retire Within the Next Year, Prioritizing Physical Well-being

AJ Styles, widely recognized as "The Phenomenal One" and a cornerstone of professional wrestling for over two decades, has confirmed his intention to retire from WWE within the next year. The announcement, made during a recent interview, signals the impending conclusion of a career marked by unparalleled athleticism, innovative in-ring prowess, and championship success across multiple prominent organizations.

Speaking to Tokyo Sports, as translated by Pro Wrestling Net, Styles articulated the primary motivation behind his decision. "I will definitely retire within the next year," the 48-year-old veteran 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 in-ring career on his own terms, preserving his physical capabilities and the high standard of performance fans have come to expect, rather than succumbing to the inevitable wear and tear of professional wrestling.

The news comes as Styles prepares for a highly anticipated encounter with John Cena at the upcoming WWE Crown Jewel event. This match adds a significant layer of context, as Cena himself is reportedly on a farewell tour, with his final WWE match slated for December. The parallel timing of these announcements highlights a generational shift within WWE, as two of its most iconic figures from the past two decades begin to transition away from active competition.

Looking beyond his final matches, Styles expressed an openness to remaining involved with WWE in a different capacity. "I haven’t decided yet, but I think I’ll probably work for WWE," he commented, elaborating on potential future roles. "It might be good to train young wrestlers to be worthy of being on the main roster." Such a transition would allow Styles to impart his extensive knowledge and experience to the next generation of talent, potentially shaping the future of the company from behind the scenes. While he anticipates performing at WrestleMania next year, specific details regarding his involvement remain unconfirmed, suggesting that his final appearances will be carefully chosen and impactful.

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AJ Styles’ journey to WWE main event status was unconventional, yet ultimately groundbreaking. Born Allen Neal Jones, he began his professional wrestling career in the late 1990s, making brief appearances in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in the early 2000s. These early stints offered glimpses of his talent but did not lead to long-term contracts, primarily due to the prevailing industry preference for larger, more traditional heavyweights.

His career truly began to flourish in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA, now Impact Wrestling), where he became one of the promotion’s foundational talents. Joining TNA in 2002, Styles quickly established himself as a marquee performer, particularly within the innovative X-Division. He was the inaugural X-Division Champion, holding the title a record six times, and his high-flying, technical style defined the division’s ethos of fast-paced, athletic competition. Over his more than decade-long tenure with TNA, Styles amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including three reigns as NWA World Heavyweight Champion and two reigns as TNA World Heavyweight Champion. He was also the first wrestler in TNA history to achieve both the Triple Crown (X-Division, World Tag Team, NWA/TNA World Heavyweight) and Grand Slam (adding the Television Championship) distinctions, underscoring his comprehensive success across all divisions. His feuds with Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels, Kurt Angle, and Sting are considered pivotal in TNA’s history, elevating the company’s profile and showcasing Styles as a legitimate main event talent.

Following his departure from TNA in 2014, Styles embarked on a highly successful independent run, further solidifying his reputation globally. He made significant impacts in Ring of Honor (ROH), where he previously held the Pure Championship, and notably in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). In NJPW, Styles joined the burgeoning Bullet Club faction, quickly ascending to its leadership. His two reigns as IWGP Heavyweight Champion, NJPW’s most prestigious title, cemented his status as a top-tier international superstar. His matches against contemporaries like Kazuchika Okada and Shinsuke Nakamura during this period garnered critical acclaim, showcasing his versatility and ability to adapt his style to different wrestling traditions. This international exposure and success made his eventual move to WWE almost inevitable, despite earlier perceptions that his style might not fit the company’s mold.

The "phenomenal" moment arrived on January 24, 2016, at the WWE Royal Rumble. Entering as the third participant, Styles’ unexpected debut sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, eliciting one of the loudest crowd reactions in Rumble history. Initially, there were reports that Vince McMahon, then WWE’s chairman, viewed Styles as a potential mid-card act due to his size. However, Styles quickly defied these expectations. Within his debut year, he captured the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, defeating Dean Ambrose (Jon Moxley) at Backlash 2016, a testament to his immediate connection with the audience and his undeniable in-ring talent.

Styles’ WWE career has been nothing short of stellar. He has held the WWE Championship twice, with his second reign lasting an impressive 371 days from November 7, 2017, to November 13, 2018, making him one of the longest-reigning champions of the modern era. Beyond the world title, he has also held the United States Championship three times and the Intercontinental Championship once, making him a Triple Crown and Grand Slam Champion in WWE as well. His feuds within WWE have been legendary, producing critically acclaimed matches and storylines. His rivalry with John Cena, which he will revisit at Crown Jewel, is often cited as one of Cena’s best, showcasing incredible chemistry and a compelling narrative. Other notable opponents include Shinsuke Nakamura, Samoa Joe, Daniel Bryan (Bryan Danielson), Randy Orton, and even a memorable "Boneyard Match" against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 36. Styles has been a consistent presence at WWE’s flagship event, WrestleMania, competing against some of the biggest names in the industry.

Styles’ legacy extends beyond his championship reigns and match quality. He is celebrated for his innovative offense, combining high-flying acrobatics with technical precision and hard-hitting strikes. His "Phenomenal Forearm" and "Styles Clash" finishing moves have become iconic. More importantly, he broke barriers for smaller, more athletic wrestlers in WWE, proving that a non-prototypical main eventer could not only succeed but thrive at the highest level. His influence is evident in the current generation of wrestlers, with AEW star Will Ospreay being among many who credit Styles as a key inspiration for their own in-ring style and career aspirations.

As AJ Styles approaches the final year of his active career, his decision to retire on his own terms reflects a professional’s understanding of his body’s limits and a desire to preserve the integrity of his "Phenomenal" persona. His impending departure from active competition will mark the end of an extraordinary era, but his potential role in shaping future WWE talent suggests that his influence on professional wrestling is far from over. The wrestling world now awaits his final chapter, eager to witness the concluding performances of one of its true legends.