AJ Styles Announces WWE Retirement as Fear of Self-Embarrassment Looms Closer
AJ Styles Announces Retirement Plan Ahead of WWE Crown Jewel Match Against John Cena
WWE Star AJ Styles to Retire in 2026
Ahead of a high-stakes encounter with John Cena at WWE Crown Jewel, AJ Styles has revealed his intention to retire from wrestling in 2026. Speaking during the Crown Jewel Kickoff Show in Perth, Australia, Styles mentioned that age and family considerations are driving his decision. “I am getting older. The fear of embarrassing myself is getting closer,” Styles remarked, confirming the end of his in-ring career. The announcement aligns with Cena’s retirement trajectory, who has only a handful of matches left in his noteworthy career.
John Cena’s Final Matches: The Rivalry Continues
John Cena is also nearing the conclusion of his celebrated career, with only four matches left, making his face-off with Styles at Crown Jewel even more significant. Their rivalry, which produced some of Cena’s best matches in 2016 and 2017, is set to culminate in one of Cena’s final performances. Styles expressed the impact of his rivalry with Cena, especially given their separate wrestling backgrounds, by reinstating his famous catchphrase: he plans to “beat up John Cena” once again.
The Phenomenal Journey of AJ Styles
Styles, at 48, has had a phenomenal journey through the wrestling world, from his early days as Air Styles in WCW in 2001 to his prominence in Ring of Honor and TNA. In TNA, Styles solidified his legacy by securing five world titles, becoming a six-time X-Division champion, and a six-time tag team champion. His TNA chapter ended in 2014, after which he thrived in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, claiming the IWGP Heavyweight Championship twice.
Styles’ Success in WWE
In 2016, Styles made a surprising entry into WWE during the Royal Rumble, marking the beginning of a distinguished career. His accolades in WWE include being a two-time WWE champion, three-time United States champion, one-time intercontinental champion, and one-time tag team champion. AJ Styles has accomplished nearly everything possible in WWE and is looking forward to a well-deserved retirement tour, similar to John Cena’s celebrated farewell.
