AJ Styles Discusses WWE Retirement Plans Amid AEW Speculation
AJ Styles has officially concluded his in-ring career, but his future in professional wrestling is already being shaped. Following his retirement after a loss to Gunther at the Royal Rumble, WWE honored Styles with a heartfelt tribute on February 23, 2026, in Atlanta, his hometown. This emotional moment reached a peak when The Undertaker announced that Styles would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame during WrestleMania 42 weekend.
AJ Styles’ Future Post-Retirement
The tribute led to discussions regarding Styles’ next steps. Reports indicated that AEW might have made a significant offer had he opted to continue wrestling. However, Styles has clarified his intentions concerning his career.
Commitment to WWE
In a recent episode of the Talk N Shop podcast, Styles emphasized that retirement does not equate to a departure from WWE. He stated, “I’m still going to be working with WWE. That’s not going to change.” His focus is now on mentoring young talent.
- Styles expressed his desire to help new wrestlers adjust to the WWE environment.
- He aims to ensure that they are confident when they step into the ring.
- His transition from wrestler to mentor is already in progress.
Styles’ decision to remain with WWE in a mentorship role signifies a new chapter in his career. He values the opportunity to develop future stars. This choice also effectively dispels any speculation about a potential stint in AEW as he shifts his focus toward guiding the next generation.
As AJ Styles prepares for his Hall of Fame induction, his connection to WWE grows stronger, evolving into a different but impactful role. The wrestling community is eager to see how his presence will influence emerging talent in the industry.
