A new report has revealed that before he signed his most recent contract extension with WWE, AJ Styles “put feelers out about potential options outside of the company.” This adds another layer to the recent speculation about the 48-year-old’s long-term plans, which has been fueled by a cryptic social media post and comments from his son.
The new information comes from a report by Jon Alba of The Takedown on SI. The report states that before signing his latest one-year contract extension with WWE earlier this year, there was “mutual interest” in Styles exploring opportunities on the convention circuit.
“Multiple sources indicated to The Takedown on SI that prior to re-signing with WWE on his most recent extension, Styles did indeed put feelers out about potential options outside of the company,” Alba wrote. “Specifically, it was noted he was generating major interest on the convention circuit from promoters, and it was mentioned that the interest was mutual, and at least exploratory.” While the report does not indicate if there were any feelers put out about him wrestling for other promotions, the fact that he was exploring any outside options is notable.
This news comes in the wake of a cryptic hourglass image that Styles posted to his Instagram last week, which many fans interpreted as a sign that his in-ring career is winding down. The speculation intensified when one of his sons agreed with a fan’s comment on social media that claimed Paul “Triple H” Levesque was “disrespecting” Styles with his current booking in WWE.
Styles is believed to be under contract with WWE until approximately February 2026. Currently, Styles is in the middle of a feud with Dominik Mysterio and El Grande Americano. He is scheduled to be in action on tonight’s episode of Raw, where he will go one-on-one with El Grande Americano. The full report from Jon Alba can be found on SI.com’s The Takedown.
