Major WWE Star Given Emotional Farewell In Japan After Retirement Announcement
A WWE superstar was recently honored for their contributions to wrestling.
AJ Styles was a part of the Stamford promotion’s contingent that toured Japan on October 17 & 18. The 48-year-old also competed in a match against El Grande Americano and Ivar at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.
However, not only was his victory etched in history, but also a years-long legacy of having competed in the East Asian country.
In 2008, during TNA’s partnership with New Japan Pro Wrestling, Styles made four appearances in the promotion. Later, in 2013, he debuted for Japanese promotion Wrestle-1, where he successfully defended his TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Seiya Sanada.
NJPW was also home to The Phenomenal One between 2014 and 2016, where he became the sixth non-Japanese wrestler and the second American wrestler to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
On January 4, 2016, it was reported that Styles had signed with WWE.
AJ Styles’ Emotional Farewell During WWE’s Japan Tour
During WWE’s Super Show in Japan, AJ Styles wrestled for the last time in the country.
After the show ended, he received a send-off that saw the members in the arena on their feet. Styles wrote a personalized message for the Japanese fans, which local wrestler Shinsuke Nakamura translated, ensuring his words were felt to the last emotion.
The send-off also saw Ivar and CM Punk lift Styles on their shoulders, as the fans erupted with cheers and applause. Soon, more wrestlers joined them from the back to celebrate.
A couple of days ago, WWE hosted its show in Melbourne, Australia, where the former champion thanked the fans for their continued support. reiterating his plan to retire in 2026.
There was a big celebration and sendoff for AJ Styles at today’s WWE live event in Japan – his final time wrestling in Japan before he retires next year 🇯🇵
Shinsuke Nakamura translated AJ’s message to the fans before the rest of the roster came outpic.twitter.com/dzkcAPtcNv
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) October 18, 2025
Also read: AJ Styles Thinks NJPW Star Would Have Excelled In WWE
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