Shinsuke Nakamura Removes Post Hinting AJ Styles vs. Gunther Royal Rumble Outcome

In a dramatic turn of events on January 24, 2026, AJ Styles emerged victorious against Shinsuke Nakamura during Saturday Night’s Main Event. This significant win positions Styles for a high-stakes match against Gunther at the upcoming Royal Rumble, a clash that could jeopardize his career.

After his loss, Nakamura took to social media to share a message that seemingly hinted at the outcome of Styles’ upcoming match against Gunther. The post, titled “The diary I wrote the day before,” drew from fond memories and personal reflections about Styles, but it was quickly removed from his Instagram Story.

Key Memories and Reflections

In his heartfelt message, Nakamura recounted a moment from a past tour in Australia. He described a speech given by Styles in Melbourne, where the veteran wrestler expressed gratitude to fans while subtly hinting that retirement could be on the horizon. This prompted Nakamura to ask Styles about his retirement plans while they were en route to a meet and greet in Japan. Styles indicated that he had already decided to retire after the Royal Rumble.

Farewell Thoughts

• Nakamura recalled that Styles had prepared a message for Japanese fans, reflecting on his journey and the emotional bond he felt with the country.
• The two athletes shared a pivotal moment during their first singles match at the Tokyo Dome in 2016, a match that was highly praised and marked the beginning of their careers in WWE.
• Nakamura reminisced about their reunion and several memorable matches, highlighting the importance of Styles in his own wrestling journey.

Nakamura expressed mixed feelings about their rivalry and noted that their final encounter would allow him to give Styles the proper send-off he deserves. He emphasized his respect for Styles, calling him a brother-like figure in the wrestling world. He voiced hopes for a match filled with emotion, stating, “Do your best, me. And pro wrestling gods, please be kind.” This poignant reflection underscores the deep bond and mutual respect between these two wrestling icons.

Looking Ahead to the Royal Rumble

The anticipation for the Royal Rumble is intensifying as fans are eager to see the outcome of AJ Styles vs. Gunther. Nakamura’s unexpected post and his heartfelt insight into their relationship add another layer of excitement to this must-watch event.