Health Reason Behind AJ Styles’ WWE Retirement Revealed

There may be more to AJ Styles’ retirement than meets the eye.

At the 2026 Royal Rumble, Styles put on an incredible show against Gunther in a stipulation match with his career on the line. While fans banded together in support of The Phenomenal One, Styles fell short and fell unconscious to The Ring General’s chokehold.

It meant he not only lost the match, but also was forced to say goodbye to his WWE career.

On the February 23 Raw taping, the 48-year-old star got a tribute show to his name in his home state of Georgia. In the main segment, he addressed the WWE Universe before officially retiring by leaving his jacket and gloves in the middle of the ring.

The show was somewhat of a callback for fans who had followed AJ Styles’ journey since he debuted in the Stamford promotion at the 2016 Royal Rumble.

The taping also saw his TNA allies and rivals, such as Frankie Kazarian and Abyss, as well as the Good Brothers duo of Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows, in featured segments.

Karl Anderson Reveals AJ Styles’ Health As Reason Behind Retirement

When AJ Styles announced late last year that 2026 would be his final year as an in-ring performer, fans expected him to get a John Cena-like run.

So, it was naturally a surprise when a career-threatening match was announced for him at the first premium live event of the year.

During his time in the company, Styles became a multi-time singles WWE Champion. He was also part of The O.C. faction with Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows.

Speaking on a recent episode of the Talk’n Shop podcast, Anderson claimed that health issues also contributed to Styles’ retirement.

The 46-year-old recalled a backstage interaction between them on Raw, where The Phenomenal One described having neck issues.

We get to the back, I said, ‘AJ! I did not know you were really gonna retire.’ He goes, ‘Really!?’ I said, ‘Yeah. What do you mean ‘really,’ AJ? We haven’t spoke. How am I supposed to know if you’re really gonna retire or not?’ And he said, ‘Dude, I have to. My neck is hurting too bad. I’m beat up. It’s time. I want to help the next generation,’ and I go, ‘Well, I didn’t really believe it… and now, I gotta eat a lot of crow, pal. [H/T: WrestlingNews.co]

Also read: WWE Honors AJ Styles With Hall Of Fame Recognition On RAW