WWE and AJ Styles are currently in talks regarding the 48-year-old’s future with the company. PWInsider reported that WWE and Styles had been discussing a new contract, but a deal was not locked in ahead of the Royal Rumble.
The decision was made to book Gunther vs. AJ Styles at the pay-per-view, with Styles’ career on the line. It was reportedly Styles’ decision to end his WWE in-ring career at the Royal Rumble, closing out his time at the same event where he made his debut in 2016. Styles ultimately lost to Gunther, forcing his retirement from WWE competition.
Following the match, the two sides remain in discussions. While it is unknown if a new deal has been signed, Triple H noted following the Royal Rumble that he wanted Styles to remain with the company in a backstage role.
Contract Status
As of several months ago, Styles’ WWE contract was believed to expire in February 2026. Should he become a free agent and wish to continue wrestling, Styles is expected to draw interest from All Elite Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Despite the retirement stipulation, people within WWE believe he will perform again. Styles himself did not rule out a return to the ring during an appearance on Stephanie McMahon’s podcast.
“I don’t know. I don’t know. Never say never, right? That’s the saying. I think everybody’s allowed at least once to come out of retirement,” Styles said. “I’m not saying that I’ll do it anytime soon. What if my son wrestles? The opportunity to tag with him once, you never know. So, there’ll be a time when the gloves never go back on. It may be now, but we’ll see.”
