Why AJ Styles Explored Business Ventures Outside Of WWE

A new report suggests that AJ Styles may be thinking about his post-WWE future.

When AJ Styles debuted in WWE at the 2016 Royal Rumble, he did so as a man who was nearly a 20-year veteran in pro wrestling who was a World Champion in NJPW and TNA.

Nearly a full decade later, AJ Styles is still a WWE superstar with a contract that reportedly expires in February 2026. Styles re-signed with WWE on a one-year deal after missing significant time with a foot injury.

While it’s certainly possible that Styles could remain with WWE after that date, he has also sought out information in the past about what a future without WWE looks like.

Sports Illustrated’s Jon Alba reported that before signing a contract extension with WWE, AJ Styles put out “feelers out about potential options outside of the company.” It was added that Styles sought out information about what he convention circuit could look like, and there was mutual interest that was considered exploratory.

The report noted that it was unclear if Styles was looking at possibly wrestling for other wrestling promotions.

AJ Styles Knows That He Doesn’t Want To Wrestle Into His 50s

Some wrestlers compete in the ring into their 50s, but AJ Styles doesn’t want to be like that. John Cena also doesn’t want to do that since he’s retiring this year and he’s 48 years old, just like Styles is.

As for when AJ Styles wants to stop wrestling, he has said many times he doesn’t want to wrestle when his age starts with a 5.

That’s correct. I keep saying that. I’ve said this and said this, but I will not wrestle at 50, I promise you that.

The future WWE & TNA Hall of Famer Styles will turn 50 in June 2027, so he likely plans to end his career before that.

AJ Styles challenged Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Title at WWE Raw in Paris in front of a crowd that liked Styles as much as anybody due to the songs that they enjoy singing for him. Unfortunately for Styles, El Grande Americano helped Mysterio by cheapshotting Styles during the match.

Also read:A TNA wrestler is interested in facing AJ Styles at least one more time.