AJ Styles Allegedly Isn’t Really Retiring From WWE

WWE legend believes AJ Styles will not retire from wrestling.

Styles has officially confirmed that he will retire from in-ring competition in 2026.

He has made it clear that he wants to spend more time with his family and also fears embarrassing himself in front of the fans by performing past his prime.

AJ Styles Will Remain A Part Of The Wrestling World After His Retirement

Speaking on his Story Time podcast, Dutch Mantell was asked about AJ Styles’ retirement. The WWE legend claimed that he believes that The Phenomenal One won’t leave WWE.

He explained his statement by giving his own example that, although he’s retired from the ring, he’s still very much a part of the wrestling world.

Additionally, he believes AJ will return to action, likely a year after his retirement, if WWE asks him to.

I think this is chatter, too. You don’t retire from wrestling. You just don’t. [It retires you. You never get done with wrestling. Wrestling gets done with you, I suppose.] Absolutely. Now, see, I don’t wrestle anymore, but I still got a podcast, so I’m involved in wrestling just by talking about it.

And I think there will come times, let’s say a year, they come up to AJ, I got this idea. I know you’re going to tell me it’s stupid, but I got this idea where you got to get back in the ring. I want you to. And of course, he’s going to say, ‘No, I’ve quit.’

I don’t want to do it. And they’ll tell him, they’ll get him excited about what they told him. And of course, he’s a company guy. He wants it to work, and yeah, he’ll come out for it. (From 4:19)

According to the reports, AJ Styles’ WWE contract is set to expire around February 2026, though an extension is likely to facilitate a proper farewell tour.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit the original source and h/t with a link back to TJR Wrestling for the transcription.

Make TJR Wrestling your choice for news by clicking here.