AJ Styles Addresses Retirement Rumors, WWE Hall of Fame Induction, and Future Plans
Professional wrestler AJ Styles has provided statements regarding his in-ring career status, future involvement in wrestling, and his recent induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. These remarks come amidst fan speculation following a match at WWE Royal Rumble and reports concerning interest from other wrestling promotions. Styles has discussed his desire to mentor new talent while also acknowledging the possibility of future in-ring appearances in a limited capacity.
Retirement Speculation and Fan Reaction
Following his match against GUNTHER at WWE Royal Rumble, AJ Styles removed his gloves before putting them back on as he exited the ring. This action led to speculation among wrestling fans regarding his potential retirement or a move to other promotions such as AEW, TNA, or NJPW.
Reported External Factors
On February 25, wrestling journalist Justin Barrasso reported that WWE had expedited Styles' Hall of Fame induction. This move was reportedly intended to mitigate the potential for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) owner Tony Khan to recruit Styles. Barrasso's report also indicated that sources close to Styles suggested the wrestler was aware of a substantial offer from AEW, which included a reduced travel schedule.
Fellow wrestler Karl Anderson, a member of Styles' "Good Brothers" and "OC" teammates, provided an additional perspective. Anderson stated that Styles had conveyed to him, "My neck is hurting too bad, I'm beat up, it's time. I want to help the next generation." This conversation reportedly occurred during Raw's tribute to Styles.
Styles' Direct Statements on Future
AJ Styles, 48, has addressed the various speculations in multiple interviews.
In an interview on "What’s Your Story? With Steph McMahon," Styles discussed his retirement status, stating, "I don’t know…never say never, right? That’s the saying. I think everybody’s allowed at least once coming out of retirement. I’m not saying that I’ll do it anytime soon." He suggested that the Royal Rumble match might not be his final career match, referencing a potential opportunity to tag with his son in the future.
"I mean, what if my son wrestles? The opportunity to tag with him once? You never know. So, there will be a time when the gloves never go back on, and it may be now. But we’ll see."
On the "Talk'n Shop Live!" podcast, Styles directly addressed the speculation regarding WWE's motives and his future.
"Everybody wants to say, 'Oh! WWE put him in the Hall of Fame so that he couldn't go to AEW.' Guys, I am retired from wrestling in the ring. Like, that’s all this is. I make my own choices, I make my own decisions. I was ready."
Mentorship and Family Involvement
Styles has expressed his intention to continue working with WWE, indicating a desire to mentor new talent. He noted, "I have these dreams of helping out young talent. If somebody is not ready once they get there, it’s my job to hopefully help them get to that point to where they can do it, and they are confident when they step into a WWE ring. Being able to help with that is a blessing."
He also mentioned his involvement in training his second oldest son in professional wrestling and indicated his daughter's potential interest in the sport. Styles expressed support for his children pursuing professional wrestling, stating that he believes the sport's current environment is significantly improved.