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“Making Me Sad,” “I Love You Uncle” – Wrestling World Reacts To AJ Styles’ Heartbreaking WWE Retirement

By Sridhar Krishnan • Published Jan 31, 2026 16:50 EST
AJ Styles retires at WWE Royal Rumble 2026
AJ Styles retires at WWE Royal Rumble 2026

AJ Styles has bid the wrestling world adieu.

At the 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Styles faced Gunther in a singles match, with his career at stake.

Incidentally, The Phenomenal One retires at the same event he debuted in the WWE.

Styles made his first appearance in WWE at the 2016 Royal Rumble, entering the 30-man match at #3. During his decade-long run, he won two WWE Championships as well as the United States and the Intercontinental Championships.

He was also a multi-time tag team champion, his latest reign coming with Dragon Lee.

While Styles tried getting on the offense, he lost consciousness after being put into the sleeper hold, with referee, Dan Englar, calling for the bell.

Wrestling World Reacts To AJ Styles’ Retirement

Throughout the match, AJ Styles found himself on the defensive, with The Ring General inflicting a barrage of assault time and again.

This is the third wrestler Gunther has retired in two years, which also includes Goldberg and John Cena.

Post-retirement, AJ’s peers from the present and past have reacted after his final WWE match.

@realellsworth: Thank you #AJStyles … For everything you did for wrestling…And personally for me … He’s always been Phenomenal in and out of the ring … #RoyalRumble ….@AJStylesOrg …

@WillOspreay: Phenomenal

@Lady_Scarlett13: Thank you #AJStyles 🙏